Dive Brief:

• Starbucks employees may now wear one facial piercing, no larger than a dime, a Starbucks spokesperson confirmed to HR Dive. The policy replaces a previous one limiting workers to a small nose stud. 
• "We believe the Starbucks Experience is best delivered when partners can bring their whole selves to work," Starbucks said in a statement emailed to HR Dive.
• The company has also "simplified" its approach to dress code to give workers more clarity in their wardrobe expectations.

Dive Insight:

In a talent-driven market, many businesses are relaxing rules to attract and retain workers. Even historically formal workplaces are adopting the more modern dress policies; Goldman Sachs announced its newly relaxed dress code in March. Dress codes — and even uniforms, as Starbucks illustrated — are shifting to allow workers to present themselves as they prefer.

This is part of a larger trend: A recent study saw an increase in casual dress codes of 18% in just the last five years, according to an analysis from job site Indeed. Another report revealed a third of employees would resign if their company shifted to a formal dress code. The same study found workers would forego a $5,000 salary bump in order to show up for work in casual wear.

Whether its simplifying the code to make wardrobe options more accessible to more workers or using a relaxed code to attract talent, it appears the pattern will continue.