OFFICE dress codes are changing fast, according to a new study.

The suit and tie is no longer de rigeuer in places of business, with one in two employees no longer being required to conform to the rule.

The research, conducted by Harris for business organisation Inside UK Enterprise, found this was just one of many instances where bosses were allowing more informal office environments.

Image consultant Mary Spillane, managing director of Colour Me Beautiful, confirmed that dress codes are easing up.

She said: "Five years ago, men would not contemplate anything wearing anything other than a suit and tie and women who wanted to get ahead never wore trousers.

"But as British businesses become more global, what is thought of as smart and appropriate is very different today.

"Dress is much more relaxed, colourful and varied but still required to be businesslike."

Fiona Wishart, managing director of Inside UK Enterprise, said a more relaxed attitude to dress at work did not mean that British companies were becoming any less professional.

She said: "Motivated and healthy people are the key to a successful business. It makes sense for the bosses to listen to their employees and act on what they hear, as well as adopting best practice and sound management structures."

Another fast disappearing part of workplace culture is clocking on and off.

Only 16 per cent of companies still require staff to record their arrival and departure, and three in five firms firms now allow people to choose when they take their lunch break.

Three in five employers now provide stress-beating benefits ranging from relaxation rooms to free massage sessions.

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