
Wearing formals in consulting firms... Is it mandatory..
I work in the product development team of a US-based consulting firm — close to 1,000 employees, multiple client-facing projects, and all that. I’m a senior software developer, and I’m not in some sales or client interaction role. Despite that, we’re being forced to follow a strict formal dress code here. The rules are: Monday to Thursday — tucked-in full sleeve shirts, formal trousers, formal shoes. Fridays are a little relaxed, but the rest of the week feels like a uniform drill. And it gets worse…
if someone violates it, there's an actual escalation protocol: written warning → sent home to change → formal warning → possible suspension. WTF , they didn't ask "sorry letter with father's sign"....
Why is this even necessary in a tech/product role where no client ever sees us? We write code, fix bugs, solve complex problems — not ramp walking. Meanwhile, the same US folks who are our clients or part of the same company walk around in jeans. Is this professionalism or just outdated control?
One interview, 1000+ job opportunities
Take a 10-min AI interview to qualify for numerous real jobs auto-matched to your profile 🔑Looks like Infosys and it's formals+tie rule has been forgotten by people.
The problem is once companies let go, things go to crap. Shorts, jerseys, sandals.
The idea is you're a "professional" client-facing company.
If you can't spend the good money they pay you on 4 formal shirts, or if you have an ideological aversion to dressing well, feel free to switch.
I know a number of people who joined Infy and complained about the dress code, but after 1 year many mentioned that this gave them a sense of dignity, an understanding of looking professional, behaving professionally.
Yes, I am not from infy but yeah the things that don't have much relevance and actually impact are bound to be forgotten! (Tie-rule it seems!)
I would change my company not only for formals but for other reasons too!
I am not supporting un-professionalism none wants it too..
I worked in a bigger product based company, they too face customers, drive crazy amounts of money without tie-shocks or nail cutting or having PT master! Even the big player who has customers/clients, who drive millions in US they have discarded such things.
I have seen thru my eyes, my company's US counterpart, when visiting India - two days before our HR comes desk to desk asking everyone to keep their bags on sides, rub off meeting notes from the white board, formals , this & that...But once the guy visits... He comes in Shorts... He comes in ducking SHORTS to the office!!
TBH But if you can't make an impact on your team, get things done in the way it should be but requires a formal dress code to set that 'professional ambiance' - then I really feel something lacks in leadership/management!