Focus employees say 'hallelujah' to new dress code

Focus on the Family has a new look - or at least its employees do.

Beginning today, men who work at Focus no longer have to wear mandatory business attire, including tie, and women employees don't have to stick with just dresses or skirts and hosiery. Men can now come to work donning an open collar shirt - but no spandex - and women can arrive decked in dress pants and pantsuits.

After hearing the announcement about the dress code change at a Tuesday staff meeting, Focus employees erupted in applause, and some women gave President and CEO Jim Daly a standing ovation, Focus spokeswoman Lisa Anderson said.

"We can get rid of the hosiery," Anderson joked. "Some women wanted to stage a bonfire right on the spot."

Daly said the change has been in the works for a few years.

"During exit interviews, people always complained about the dress code," Daly said.

He believes relaxing the code will help Focus attract talented, young Internet technology workers who otherwise would have been put off by having to dress formally every day.

Anderson said easing up on formal attire also will help Focus draw younger families to the ministry, make employees seem more approachable when they're assisting families in the field and encourage tourists to hobnob with Focus employees.

Daly, who will arrive at work today without a tie for the first time, expects a cheerful atmosphere on day one of the new dress code.

"I think things will be upbeat and very positive," he said.

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