I doubt any managers/supervisors from any companies will see this, but you never know…
Until last year I worked for a company that required all ALTS to dress in formal business attire daily, even elementary school. This year I began working for a company that allows us to wear similar clothing to the teachers, perhaps a bit more restrictive (no overt logos etc) but still roughly the same.
I've realized it makes a HUGE difference, and companies insisting on formal attire are really shooting themselves in the foot.
I'm able to join the kids in the gym and schoolyard to play any number of sports, in a way you simply can't do with a coat and tie (and the tie is a huge safety/choking hazard). Instead of sitting in the staff room at lunch, I'm able to interact with the students, which gets them more interested and exposed to the language.
I'm more approachable. Both other staff and students have been far more willing to come up to me randomly and talk, because I'm dressed in a more relaxed manner and don't give off such a stiff and formal aura.
I'm taken more seriously, as though I have some clue what the workplace norms are. It's a bit like wearing a prom dress or tuxedo to a beach party. Sure, you're the best dressed person there, but you come across as either pretentious or clueless. Neither are good.
No risk of overheating in spring and fall improves my mood and concentration. Reduces the sweat coefficient a lot too, which is a major win.
So yeah, I have no idea what companies are trying to accomplish (or who they're trying to impress) by forcing ALTs to dress in business attire to teach 6-12 year olds, but it's counterproductive.
End rant lol.
by HotAndColdSand