Thanks for Nothing, Paul: Reader Says Article Spurred Bank to Pull Plug

Mr. Nadler:

With respect to your comment in the Jan. 20 issue of American Banker, I disagree with the dress-down-day portion of your article.

You ask, "What if you came into the bank and the bank officer was sitting in slacks and a T-shirt with feet up on the desk?" Well, come on, how many bank officers do you really think would come to the workplace dressed like this and act this way?

Anyone who would should not be in the "officer" position. When you make statements like this, you only serve to inflame the very conservative elements who oppose any attire other than a starched, high-collar shirt with a pinstriped suit.

Some of us "level-headed" bank officers who must work on Saturdays like to be able to come to work without a tie. While we do not advocate jeans and tennis shoes, we do enjoy the comforts of casual pants and an open- collar shirt for a half day on the job. Some of us look at this as a break from the stiffness associated with the banking profession. Plus, in my case, I have a 40-mile one-way commute to work. I enjoy the comfort of a dress-down day on Saturdays. I have never had a customer complain, why should you?

Your article prompted the end of our dress-down day on Saturday. Our last branch managers' meeting found us with a copy of your column in our agenda and a stern statement laying to rest the dress-down day at our bank.

Thanks, Paul.

Sincerely,