In a finding that will cause old-school traditionalists to splutter into their morning papers, 63% of Newcastle professionals believe that a suit and tie is too formal for the modern workplace. In a further blow for more traditional types, more than three fifths (61%) report that jeans are now acceptable in the office.
The survey also questions attitudes regarding footwear. A fifth (20%) of respondents in Newcastle believe sandals to be acceptable and 12%wouldn’t flap over flip-flops.
Tracksuits were deemed the least acceptable office outfit, with just 10% of respondents in Newcastle 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.
“Newcastle’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?”