Advisers generally support client-facing staff wearing Christmas jumpers, but the complexity of the debate reflects the importance of the sector’s position.
It was a close call, with some respondents thinking they spread festive cheer and one adviser even going as far as to say that her employees would be up in arms if she stopped them from wearing a Christmas jumper.
However, others recognised concerns around sensitivities and important conversations, as well as the need to mirror the attire of clients.
“We don’t do it, but if someone wants to wear them, they’re fully able to do it,” Alan Lakey, director at Highclere Financial Services, tells Health & Protection.
“If someone doesn’t find something like that seasonal or amusing, well, maybe they’re not the sort of clients I’d want,” Lakey adds.
However Emma Thomson, consultant at Emma Thomson Consultancy Services, strikes a more cautious tone.
“I would err on the side of caution given the conversations people could be having,” Thomson tells Health & Protection.
“I’d probably say no, but I’m very festive,” Thomson continues.
“I’m not a Christmas Grinch, but if you’re sitting there talking about somebody’s claim or a parent passing away, or a really difficult period in their lives, most people would not have a problem with it, but if you’re having a conversation that’s really sensitive, then it might not be appropriate.”
Show clients respect
Though Kristian Breeze, director at Ascend Broking Group, goes further, adding he is not a fan of Christmas jumpers at all.
“We do have a Christmas jumper day in the office, but it’s not something I partake in,” Breeze admits.
“I don’t stop others doing it, but for me, if we’re visiting clients you’ve got to show them the same respect that they would offer and show you.”
John Kerr, director at Incorporate Group, agrees, adding the decision is linked with the client.
“Would we go out and see a client wearing a Christmas jumper? No we wouldn’t. Unless the client said, we’re Christmas attire today, feel free to dress whatever way you want,” he says.
“It comes down to what way should an adviser dress when they go and see a client, doesn’t it?
“It’s a bit of a more generic point, you dress the way your client dresses a lot of the time.”
Sitting on the fence
Sitting on the fence somewhat, Dr Sheun Oke, managing partner and CEO at Emergenzz Financial Services, says she believes wearing of Christmas jumpers should be the choice of the organisation, taking into account its culture and client base.
“In the spirit of the season, allowing client-facing staff to wear Christmas jumpers can help create warmth, approachability, and a sense of belonging for both staff and clients,” Oke says.
“When done thoughtfully, it humanises the business and strengthens community spirit.
“Equally, if an organisation chooses not to adopt this approach, it shouldn’t be an issue, maintaining a consistent professional standard is just as valid, and flexibility of choice is what truly matters.”
Resisting causing offence
While mindful of cultural sensitivities, Alan Knowles, co-managing director at Cura Financial Services, tells Health & Protection his instinct is to back staff wearing Christmas jumpers.
“It’s Christmas and everything, but I suppose the risk of it is, do you risk offending somebody?” Knowles says.
“I don’t know. We wear them to work and I wouldn’t have an issue with anybody of a different culture celebrating important days, but for me, I would still say yes.
“You’ve just got to be aware of that and as long as it’s not offending anybody then why not?”
Stopping an office revolution
Marta Scott-Manuszewska, director at Five Star Mortgages, believes that allowing her staff to wear Christmas jumpers helps to keep the peace.
“I 100% agree with the wearing of Christmas jumpers. We actually dress down Fridays anyway,” Scott-Manuszewska continues.
“In financial services, the dress is often uncomfortable for work and if I say to my workers, you’re not allowed Christmas jumpers at Christmas, I’m going to have a revolution in the office.
“I’m definitely in favour. There are different colleagues who may not like it, but they’ve never said it to our faces.
“Maybe because our clients range from age 28 to 48 and we’re mortgage and protection, clients are more relaxed anyway. If clients come along with their kids, who doesn’t love a Christmas jumper – especially if it’s got lights on it.”
Karla Edwards, owner at the Protection Parent, added: “It’s Christmas – if you don’t like a bit of Christmas cheer with your insurance then you’re probably a bit of a Scrooge.”
