Suits are '˜too formal' in the modern office

​Workplace provider Regus surveyed senior business people from across Preston to find out what’s hot and what’s not when it comes to workplace attire. Results reveal that established ideas are being well and truly challenged by local professionals.

In a finding that will cause old-school traditionalists to splutter into their morning papers, 65 per cent of Preston professionals believe that a suit and tie is too formal for the modern workplace. In a further blow for more traditional types, nearly three quarters report that jeans are now acceptable in the office.

The survey also questions attitudes regarding footwear. Almost a third of respondents in Preston believe sandals to be acceptable but just four per cent wouldn’t flap over flip-flops.

Tracksuits were deemed the least acceptable office outfit, with just 13 per cent of respondents in Preston claiming to see nothing wrong in taking a sporty look into the office.

Richard Morris, UK CEO, Regus comments: “Everything about the world of work is changing, from where we work to the hours we spend working to what we wear. This more relaxed attitude to workwear is a reflection of the fact that the ‘office’ environment is now a lot less formal in many cases – lifestyle and work are integrating.

“Working alongside people from other companies in co-working space results in a mingling of styles and attitudes and a loosening of the formality that prevailed in the traditional, permanent offices of old.

“Preston’s business leaders are learning fast about measuring on results rather than attendance and presentation. If a job’s done well, who cares if it’s achieved in flip-flops?”