Different organisations have their own dress code—what is acceptable and what is not. While it may be okay to wear jeans for one job, it may be frowned upon, or simply forbidden, for another. And, the way you dress is a reflection of how you view your work and others. That is why what you wear, what your hair is like, and the way you carry yourself, matter.
Appearance plays a big role in the workplace, not just in how your colleagues view you, but how you view yourself. When you look good, you feel good and ultimately, become more productive. The quality of your work might be the most important thing but your appearance also leaves an immediate impression on your colleagues, including management.
Felix Iwacu, a mental health activist and psychologist, says that growing and getting exposed to the world of work taught him a lot about appearance and the benefits of having a good one.
"I used to love dreadlocks but I came to realise that there is a time and place for everything. We live in a society that has its own rules and beliefs, and sometimes to be accepted and not looked down on, we have to abide by the rules. There are personal views you put aside if you want to be taken seriously at work because your appearance speaks for you. You can’t go to talk to your boss dressed like a rapper, for example, and expect them to take you seriously,” he says, adding that it is important to always have an appearance that won’t make people avoid you.
In the professional world, your first impression will last. Many might say the way you look at work doesn’t matter, it’s only your capability and knowledge that counts. But Teta Akaliza, a travel enthusiast, disagrees.
"I think maintaining a good appearance at work is crucial, the way you groom yourself speaks for itself because it shows your personality and it commands the kind of approach and respect your workmates or people outside will give you,” she says.
"Your appearance matters a lot, you can’t be dressing casually when at work, and it is required to dress formally and professionally. As someone who deals with clients daily, I have received good reviews because of my appearance and clients seem more interested in what I have to say because my appearance tells them that I am serious about what I do,” says Irene Uwase who works for a shipping company.
It’s not just about the way you dress
Proper grooming and a professional appearance are important to gain respect in the workplace. The way you look and carry yourself creates an impression on the people you work alongside. Both men and women should take care of and look after themselves.
"The way you speak is also very important, and your choice of language, if you appear ‘proper’ but you use slang and other incorrect words, it will affect the way people view you. You can’t be talking to a minister then start using slang, or cut them off while they are speaking. I believe the way you dress should go with the way you speak and handle yourself,” Iwacu says.
It might sound like ‘too much work’ to keep up with your appearance in the workplace, but once you understand the benefits, doing so won’t be such an issue.