I noticed that dress standards definitely declined while my team has been working from home. Now that we're coming back into the office again, how can I prompt them to dress a little better without seeming bossy?

During the pandemic, we relaxed our dress to be substantially more casual while working remotely. Certainly, fashion has changed during this time, moving from business casual to what I call "business comfortable," yet it's still imperative for people who work virtually to be mindful of their appearance when meeting online.

A simple discussion with your team should help reverse the decline in dress. Start with a refresher of the standards and policies that are likely already covered in your company handbook. To head off any resistance, remind them that when they appear attractively dressed and groomed, personally authentic, and appropriate for the occasion, they will feel more capable and effective. It's important for you and your team to remember that it is good for our mental and productive health to be confident as we emerge from our Zoom cocoons.

I often point out that people support that which they help create. So, if you can establish a consensus with your team on what the new dress standards could look like in action, especially when they're meeting with clients in person, I think you will find them interested in using this as a "shopportunity" for new apparel they might eagerly take advantage of. E