Banning Neckties in the Workplace?

What’s the story?

• A mayor in Southern California is moving to ban ties from the workplace, following a study that suggested tight neckwear restricts blood flow to the brain.

• Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris asked the city attorney to research the possibility of banning mandatory necktie-wearing at local businesses.
• As part of his proposal, Parris cited a new study in the journal Neuroradiology that suggests wearing neckties may lower blood flow to the brain, potentially curbing creativity and analytical thinking.

“I spend a lot of hours every week on an elliptical or a bike just to increase blood flow to my brain, and it turns out every morning when I put on a tie I’m diminishing it,” Parris said.

• Men's style consultant and YouTube fashion expert Aaron Marino told NPR he’s not buying the study.

“If you have a necktie that is actually cutting off the circulation of blood, this is not a function of the necktie. It's—your collar's too small.”

What do you think?

Should more cities consider banning neckties in the workplace? Do you feel your creativity is impacted by a tight tie? Hit Take Action and tell your reps, then share your thoughts below.

—Josh Herman

(Photo Credit: grinvalds / iStock)