A Message from Our CEO – August 2023

Dear Friends,

Let’s talk about belly buttons. They are everywhere these days. Crop tops are all the rage and cost next to nothing on Temu. Gen Z can fit dozens in their tiny closets with their tiny budgets. According to the Gen Z cognoscente Hive, “crop tops are comfortable and promote body inclusivity” And they are “making their way into offices.”

Is this appropriate workplace attire? Most companies say “um, no”. From “very casual” attire to basic workplace etiquette, a remarkable 60% of companies now offer basic work etiquette training to new Gen Z hires around topics like appropriate dress code, how to have a “polite” conversation, how to make eye contact and stand up straight. Here is the good news. This training is easy to implement, and it works. Companies are finding that a few hours on the topic will clear things up. Gen Z are not the rule breaking mavericks like the Boomers and their “long hair” crusade, or the Xers with their “I don’t care if you like me, I’d rather wear a black t-shirt and work in the corner where no one sees me” attitude. Gen Z are quick learners and have a keen sense of social norms.

Etiquette training — just do it.

Warren