Report shows 60% of Americans wear sweatpants while teleworking

Society for Human Resources Management surveyed 1K+ members

Published June 22, 2020 by Sydney Lake

Approximately 60% of Americans report that they are wearing sweatpants or athletic wear while telecommuting, according to survey results released Monday by the Alexandria-based Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM).

Only 6% of respondents reported wearing business attire.

“With just 6% of teleworking Americans wearing business attire at home, and 17% working in our pajamas, it’s very clear comfort has beaten formality,” SHRM President and CEO Johnny C. Taylor said in a statement. “It also reaffirms something many of us may have suspected all along: That colleague in the nice jacket may very well be wearing sweatpants, too.”

More than 1,000 Americans working from home were surveyed for the report. The survey also found that 17% of people are wearing an office-appropriate top, but casual pants. When joining a video call, however, this statistic rises to 49%.

“As businesses reopen, employers should review their dress policies and reaffirm guidelines so executives, employees, and managers alike can ensure pajamas remain worn at home — and not at work,” Taylor said in a statement.

SHRM has more than 300,000 members across 65 countries, reaching more than 115 million workers.