Words to know

neat work clothes without a suit or tie

working directly with customers or clients

wear more formal clothes than usual

Step 1 of 5

Listen first

No text yet. Listen for who, where and what goes wrong.

HanaGeorge

Practice · 3 min

Shadow Hana first. She opens with "can I ask you a silly question?", a common way to make a basic question feel safe. Say it lightly, with a small laugh. Then take George's part. He's reassuring and practical; let "It's not silly" come quickly, so she feels welcome.

  1. HanaGeorge, can I ask you a silly question? What does business casual mean here?
  2. GeorgeIt's not silly. Everyone asks in their first week. The handbook is very vague.
  3. HanaIt says "smart business casual." I don't know what the "smart" part changes.
  4. GeorgeMostly, no jeans and no sneakers from Monday to Thursday. A shirt with a collar, or a nice top.
  5. HanaWhat about a jacket?
  6. GeorgeOnly on client days. If you're client-facing that day, wear a jacket. No tie needed.
  7. HanaHow do I know if it's a client day?
  8. GeorgeCheck the shared calendar. Client meetings are marked in blue.
  9. HanaAnd Fridays? I saw someone in a hoodie yesterday.
  10. GeorgeThat was Friday. Jeans are fine on Fridays, unless a client's in the building.
  11. HanaThis is more complicated than I thought for a bank in London.
  12. GeorgeIt sounds complicated, but you'll get used to it. When in doubt, dress up a little. Nobody minds a jacket.
  13. HanaBut people would mind a hoodie on a Tuesday?
  14. GeorgeProbably nobody would say anything. But your manager would notice.
  15. HanaThat's the part I was worried about. Thanks. I'll keep a jacket at my desk.
  16. GeorgeGood idea. Half the office does exactly that.

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.