More companies are heeding the call of Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen to 'dress down' for a greener future, adopting warm-weather-friendly clothing to reduce the need for air-conditioning.
HSBC is the latest to introduce a new casual dress code, starting today.
'Our objective is to enable employees to project a professional image, while at the same time promoting environmental protection and a work-friendly environment,' a spokesman said.
In an internal memo circulated this week, the company advised on appropriate attire for different situations. Employees will be able to shed their jackets and adopt 'business casual' that consists of a sports shirt with collar for men and two-piece for women during working hours.
Staff can further tone down to casual trousers and T-shirts when working outside of regular office hours, although shorts, miniskirts, sports clothes, trainers, slip-ons, vests, denim and tight clothing will be frowned upon.
However staff attending business meetings and customer-facing operators will remain confined to the 'business formal' of suits, with ties for the men.