Forum: True professionalism is more about substance and character than one’s trouser length
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The recent commentary on workplace attire (Shorts at work for men: Is it time to consider them?, June 30) highlights a stubborn corporate blind spot: our adherence to a “trouser cult” in an era of unprecedented climate change.
Years ago, the Australian chief executive of my company took the office by surprise by arriving at work in tailored shorts. While the rest of the staff did not immediately follow suit, it left a lasting impression on me. Here was a highly respected leader proving that professionalism lies more in substance and character than formal attire.
As a land-constrained nation, Singapore’s path to net-zero carbon emissions requires extreme efficiency in energy consumption. Yet, walk into almost any white-collar office in the Central Business District, and you will find a microclimate completely detached from the tropical reality outside. Men sit in long trousers, long-sleeved shirts and heavy jackets, made comfortable only because the building’s air-conditioning is blasted at maximum capacity.
This is no longer just a matter of personal comfort but an environmental contradiction. We cannot champion green building standards and national sustainability targets while simultaneously forcing building management systems to combat the heat generated by archaic dress codes.
It is time for Singapore’s corporate leadership to take the next logical step in our climate transition.
True professionalism is about operational excellence and strategic foresight, not the length of one’s trousers. It is time to align our corporate culture with our climate reality, by loosening rigid dress codes and embracing smart, climate-appropriate professional wear – including tailored shorts where appropriate.
Keith Wong
