Key Takeaways
- In 1966, the Gisborne BNZ branch manager requested permission for male staff to wear shorts to work due to high temperatures.
- The request was approved with strict rules, including no sandals, reasonable length shorts, and a neat and tidy appearance.
- The change proved popular, with archive photos showing staff wearing shorts and shirts with a tie through to the 1980s.
- The story highlights the creativity and resourcefulness of employees in staying cool at work before the widespread use of air conditioning and modern fabrics.
- The archives of BNZ provide a unique snapshot of the era and the evolution of workplace attire.
Introduction to the Story
The idea of men wearing shorts to work may seem like a common practice today, but there was a time when it required special permission. In the 1960s, the Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) had a strict dress code that prohibited male employees from wearing shorts to work. However, with the sweltering heat in Gisborne during the summer months, the branch manager decided to take matters into his own hands. In February 1966, he wrote a letter to the Head Office requesting permission for male staff to wear shorts instead of long pants to work.
The Request and Approval
The branch manager’s letter highlighted the uncomfortable working conditions during the summer months, with temperatures soaring high. He suggested that male staff be allowed to wear dark shorts with calf-length socks, white shirts with sleeves rolled up, a tie, and either black or brown shoes. He assured that strict control would be exercised to maintain a neat and tidy appearance and noted that other banks in Gisborne were already allowing their staff to wear shorts. To further convince the Head Office, the manager attached information about the expected temperatures for the summer period. After considering the request, the Head Office ultimately approved the manager’s proposal, but with strict rules to be followed.
The Rules and Regulations
The rules for wearing shorts to work were clear: no sandals were allowed, only shoes, and the summer attire was to be at the manager’s discretion. The shorts had to be of reasonable length and not in any way offensive to the public. The approval for this change was then sent to all branches across the country, and the BNZ said that the change proved popular. Archive photos from the 1970s and 1980s show staff wearing shorts and shirts with a tie, demonstrating that the new dress code was well-received by employees. The strict rules ensured that the staff maintained a professional appearance while still being able to stay cool in the hot summer months.
The Evolution of Workplace Attire
The story of the Gisborne BNZ branch’s request to wear shorts to work highlights the creativity and resourcefulness of employees in staying cool at work before the widespread use of air conditioning and modern fabrics. The archives of BNZ provide a unique snapshot of the era and the evolution of workplace attire. The photos from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s show how the dress code changed over time, reflecting the changing social norms and cultural values. The story also demonstrates how employees and management can work together to find solutions to common problems, such as uncomfortable working conditions.
Conclusion and Reflection
The story of the Gisborne BNZ branch’s request to wear shorts to work is a fascinating glimpse into the past, highlighting the challenges of working in hot weather without modern amenities. The approval of the request and the subsequent popularity of the new dress code demonstrate the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the workplace. As we look back on this era, we can appreciate the creativity and resourcefulness of employees in finding ways to stay cool and comfortable at work. The story also serves as a reminder of the importance of considering the well-being and comfort of employees in the workplace, and how this can have a positive impact on productivity and job satisfaction.
