Japan Urges Professionals To Follow A ‘Cool’ Dress Code At Work, The Reason Is As Bizarre As The Campaign
Japanese businessmen and businesswomen have always dressed impeccably at their respective workplaces. Though in the business world such a practice is certainly praiseworthy, the local government doesn’t think so and hence has initiated a weirdly named ‘Super Cool Biz’ campaign to encourage people to dress casually at workplace.
The campaign is an improved version of a similarly titled and intentioned “Cool Biz” campaign that was started 10 years ago. However, this decade-old campaign basically allowed government employees to work without their usual suits. Government employees were encouraged to ditch the suits and ties for a more casual dress code.
Why would a government deliberately ask its employees to wear casual clothes? It might seem odd for a company or an organization to intentionally ask its employees to dress casually. Japanese professionals have always been a prime example of appropriate dress code. Organizations around the world have always applauded the way Japanese employees dress at their workplace. Their thorough professional approach, right down to coordinated shirts, socks and ties have been countlessly referenced as the right way to dress to work.
However, such a professional approach has become counterproductive in a different and frankly bizarre segment. These workers who are covered in three piece suits require a lot of energy or electricity to stay cool. The air conditioning units are being operated at their highest settings. Needless to say, the energy costs are skyrocketing. Japan is experiencing one of its warmest summers yet, reported InterAksyon.
As an innovative solution to cutting down on the energy costs on AC’s during the “Super Cool Biz” period, workers are allowed to wear polo shirts, sneakers and even Hawaiian shirts in offices. The ministry’s Super Cool Biz campaign has certainly added a bit more color and variety to an otherwise monotonous scene and has been well-received by workers.
Moreover, apparel retailers are taking advantage of the ministry’s campaign, with one high budget retailer known for providing business attire at reasonable prices ensuring its nationwide stores are emblazoned with signs announcing the beginning of the dress down season, reported Shanghai Daily.
Understandably, some of the workers have been feeling ‘half-naked’ during the Super Cool Biz period that will be in effect till 30th September. Until then, a business trip to Japan is sure to be a lot more colorful even in drab Government offices.
[Image Credit | Christopher Muther / AP Images, Chris McGinnis, Kyodo, Tsuno / Getty]
