HUMAN resource specialists are giving the thumbs down to dressing down days according to a survey.

It seems they are now set against the idea that was once seen as a driver of creativity, productivity and motivation.

In a survey of some 7,200 professionals around 67 per cent of HR professionals believe that employees are dressing down too much. The other 33 per cent still support the idea of employees moving away from the suit and tie and smart business attire, the survey shows that dressing down is rapidly falling out of favour through over use.

Dressing down in the workplace has always been a serious issue. As long ago as 1995, commentators in the US were predicting it would lead to a more relaxed approach to office manners and less productivity, as well as a rise in bad language, drop in commitment to the company and an increase in complaints to HR departments, and litigation.

Philip Williamson, Nationwide's chief executive, said: "We introduced an informal dress policy over three years ago. It has been well received by employees who enjoy the flexibility and comfort of smart casual dress.

"We trust them to dress in a sensible way and find that the informal dress policy for non-customer facing employees encourages a friendly and co-operative way of working."