What Does “Casual” Actually Mean at Work?
“Just keep it casual.”
Sounds simple, right? Well… it’s not as straightforward as it seems.
When someone says “casual,” it could mean anything from jeans and a hoodie to business casual with a blazer. But what does “casual” really mean when it comes to workplace culture and communication?
Casual Dress Code: A Little More Complicated Than It Seems
We’ve all heard it before: “Casual Fridays,” “casual work culture,” or maybe even “casual attire required.” But what exactly are they trying to convey? Does casual mean jeans and a t-shirt, or does it mean you can skip the tie but still need to look polished? One company’s casual is another company’s business casual, and at times, it’s hard to keep track of the dress code differences between employers.
But the confusion doesn’t stop there. What about “casual” when it comes to how we communicate at work?
Casual Communication: More Than Just Dropping Formalities
I’ve seen job descriptions asking for a “casual tone,” but then expecting perfectly polished, on-brand messaging. So, what’s going on? Casual tone in communication is supposed to break down barriers, right? It should be approachable, not stiff. But too often, “casual” actually means trying to sound friendly, while still maintaining that professional edge.
In some cases, “casual tone” can range from genuinely friendly and informal to sounding like a press release… but with a smiley face at the end. 😅 It’s almost as if companies expect you to balance humor and professionalism in a way that feels effortless but still on-brand.
The Underlying Problem: No One Agrees on “Casual”
It seems like everyone agrees that “casual” is a thing — but no one actually agrees on what it means. This leaves employees and job candidates alike trying to decode what “casual” actually looks like in practice. Does it mean you can drop the corporate jargon? Or does it mean adopting a more relaxed tone while still being 100% professional?
In my experience, this lack of clarity can be frustrating. You might think you’re nailing the “casual” vibe, only to realize you’ve gone too far or not far enough. It’s like the line between friendly and unprofessional is often so thin that it’s hard to know where to draw it.
