Acceptable or distracting in the workplace?

Chelmsford-based Captivate Network reported that what white-collar workers consider acceptable varies by demographic factors include age, gender and professional status.“Companies must navigate the shifting definition of what’s acceptable to wear in the workplace to minimize distractions without turning employees off with overly stringent policies,’’ said Mike DiFranza, president of Captivate Network.Check out the results from the company’s survey.

Golf attire•53 percent of people report seeing golf attire worn in the office•Who finds it acceptable: 53 percent of women•Who finds it distracting: 16 percent of junior mangers

Tattoos•45 percent of people report seeing tattoos in the office•Who finds it acceptable: 67 percent of 35- to 49-year-olds•Who finds them it distracting: 61 percent of those over 50 years old

Cleavage45 percent of people report seeing cleavage in the office•Who finds it acceptable: 45 percent of senior managers•Who finds it distracting: 87 percent of senior managers

See-through clothing•14 percent of people report seeing see-through clothing worn in the office•Who finds it acceptable: 19 percent of men•Who finds it distracting: 91 percent of women

Short skirts•29 percent of people report seeing short skirts worn in the office•Who finds it acceptable: 21 percent of mid-level and junior mangers•Who finds it distracting: 76 percent of senior managers

Spaghetti straps•19 percent of people report seeing spaghetti straps worn in the office•Who finds it acceptable: 24 percent of men •Who finds it distracting: 61 percent of junior managers

Men in shorts•31 percent of people report seeing men wear shorts in the office•Who finds it acceptable: 16 percent of men•Who finds it distracting: 52 percent of women

Hot pants•8 percent of people report seeing hot pants (or short shorts) worn in the office•Who finds it acceptable: 11 percent of men•Who finds it distracting: 76 percent of women

Tight clothing•32 percent of people report seeing tight clothing worn in the office•Who finds it acceptable: 28 percent of those over 50 years old•Who finds it distracting: 85 percent of women

Women in flip-flops•30 percent of people report seeing women wear flip-flops in the office•Who finds it acceptable: 19 percent of women think they are acceptable for other women•Who finds it distracting: 46 percent of senior mangers find them distracting on women

Men in flip-flops•13 percent of people report seeing men wear flip-flops in the office•Who finds it acceptable: 16 percent of men think they are acceptable for other men•Who finds it distracting: 55 percent of women find them distracting on men

Bare legs•49 percent of people report seeing bare legs in the office•Who finds it acceptable: 58 percent of those over 50 years old•Who finds it distracting: 72 percent of men