Outfitting your company
Certain uniforms are as recognizable as the company logo. UPS, Target, the United States Armed Forces, they all have a standard day-to-day dress for their employees that is immediately recognizable. That doesn’t mean that iconic uniforms don’t ever need a revamp. The US Postal Service recently announced that they were testing new uniforms in select markets, evaluating the performance, functionality and safety features of various winter gear. Virgin Airlines famously tapped fashion designer Vivienne Westwood to redesign their company uniforms to bring a more stylish look to the more personal face of their business. Uniforms designs are not just for the press however. What your uniforms says is important and that message is spoken to your customers and employees every time they suit up.
Uniforms may bring to mind police officers, firefighters and factory workers, but uniforms are actually used in a wide variety of work settings, including offices. As a business owner, you may be toying with the decision of whether to require your employees to wear uniforms as part of their day-to-day operations. It’s not a decision to not be taken lightly, as a uniform will likely have an impact on the public perception of your business as well on your employees attitudes about their jobs. The cross between practicality and something your employees will want to wear is the sweet spot in finding the right uniforms.
Whether you already use uniforms or are considering bringing them into your company culture, here are some reasons why uniforms can be a big benefit.
Consistent Image
When employees all wear a uniform it creates a unified image for the company. The staff is easily identifiable, a key factor for a retail situation where customers want to know who works there when they need assistance. The uniforms create a professional appearance and a set standard that customers and clients will expect to see. Uniforms can also make your employees feel that they are part of a team, which can foster a sense of pride in their jobs and your company.
Protection
A uniform adds an element of safety in a variety of settings. In industrial settings, uniforms provide physical protection through flame resistant materials and protection from chemicals and similar dangers. Additionally, the uniforms protect employees’ own clothing from getting dirty and damaged during the course of work. You also add a layer of safety by making all employees easily identifiable, especially important in the construction or security businesses. You are better able to identify outsiders within the workspace and ensure whether they are supposed to be there.
Advertising
If your business requires that your employees venture out in public, a uniform can serve as a form of a “walking billboard.” Employees who stop at the store after work or wear the uniform to their children’s events during the day, create walking advertisements for the company. Over time, the uniforms become part of the company’s branding. Local residents begin easily identifying the uniform and associating it with your company. The attire could draw in new clients or remind existing customers to buy more products or services from you. If choosing a uniform for increased exposure, consider adding the name of your business as well as any branding logo or advertising slogan to help potential customers recall your business in multiple ways.
If you are considering implementing or designing new uniforms at your company, consider talking to a professional laundry service during the process. We can help advise you from fabric choice to construction to make sure your uniforms last and last.