Are shorts at work making a comeback? You’ll be surprised, says a new survey

Shorts at work? The strict domain of the middle-aged man clinging to memories of a simpler time or an office fashion trend on the brink of a long-awaited comeback?

Some (mostly those who have to look at a pair of legs and knees that haven’t seen much sun through winter or spring) say it’s a style choice that should stay dead and buried — along with bell bottoms, turtleneck sweaters, high-waisted trousers and the safari suit.

But as temperatures start to soar across the country, a new poll suggests a rival could be just around the corner — and from a corner of the workforce you’d least expect.

The poll by people2people Recruitment has revealed shifting perceptions about professionalism, generational divides and the impact of attire on productivity.

While some see shorts as a pathway to comfort and efficiency in Australia’s scorching summer, others view them as a step too far in casual workplace standards.

The poll found 42 per cent of Australian workers now view shorts as unprofessional — a sharp rise from 32 per cent last year.

The increase could reflect a renewed focus on bringing a polished look to the office, particularly in client-facing roles.

However, there are also startling generational differences when it comes to sun’s-out, knees-out attitudes.

Baby boomers are the most critical of shorts at work, with half deeming them unprofessional.

But only one in three Gen Zers and Millennials share the same view, highlighting more relaxed attitudes among younger employees.

There was also a divide among the generations when it comes to productivity.

While 60 per cent of Millennials and Gen Zers workers believe wearing shorts would boost their productivity by making them more comfortable at the height of summer, only 34 per cent of the overall workforce agrees.

“Shorts will still be a workplace debate in summer 2025, with older generations leading the charge,” says Suhini Wijayasinghe, head of outsourced HR solutions at people2people

“While younger workers may view shorts as a comfortable and modern choice, businesses must carefully balance these preferences with the need to present a polished, unified image to clients and stakeholders.”

For those ready to push the trousers to the back of the closet and break out the short, Ms Wijayasinghe offers these tips ...

1. Set clear expectations: Create a dress code policy that reflects your company culture and aligns with industry norms. Clearly outline what’s acceptable to eliminate confusion.
2. Consider the environment: Flexible dress codes may boost employee comfort and productivity. Tailor your policy to suit your workplace environment and roles.
3. Balance flexibility with professionalism: Consider allowing relaxed attire, like shorts, on non-client facing days or during heatwaves while maintaining polished standards for external meetings or presentations.
4. Involve employees: Survey employees to understand their preferences. Incorporating team feedback ensures your dress code strikes the right balance between comfort, productivity, and professionalism.
5. Lead by example: Encourage leaders to model the dress code. When senior staff adhere to the guidelines, it sets a consistent tone and fosters alignment across the organisation.

“Workplace attire is more than just a dress code — it’s a reflection of your company’s values and culture,” Ms Wijayasinghe said.

“Striking the right balance between flexibility and professionalism is key to maintaining morale and productivity while presenting a polished image to clients.”