Managers who said the workplace has become more relaxed cited looser societal standards  (59 percent) and companies catering to younger professionals (52 percent) as the top reasons for the shift. 

"Workplace policies today are designed to attract and retain employees, and that often means they're more relaxed," said Mike Steinitz, executive director of Accountemps. "There can also be unwritten rules of behavior or dress that are specific to a particular company or industry."