If you have been wondering about whether or not to implement an employee uniform program, you have come to the right place. For many years now thousands of companies, from the smallest mom ‘n pop store right through to the biggest conglomerates, have incorporated staff uniforms into their employee code of conduct and dress codes, and we are about to list some of the reasons why this would be beneficial to your company.
Advantage #1 – Uniforms Create A Sense of Belonging
There are so many surveys that yield the same results – uniforms give your employees a sense of belonging and creates a strong brand affiliation. If your employees feel like they are part of a team then they are more like to strive towards achieving company goals and participating in company events. There is a psychological aspect to wearing a staff uniform that invokes some of the most professional behavior and actions from your employee as they are acutely aware of being a promotional part of your company’s advertising arsenal and therefore act with the company in mind.
Advantage #2 – Image Is Everything
Having a staff uniform affords your company the opportunity to look as professional as possible in a controlled manner. We are all aware of the benefits of creating a good, lasting first impression with your customers, and having a uniform look will go a long way in achieving this. Branded uniforms take this a step further by instilling a sense of trustworthiness and credibility in your company and the abilities of your company.
Advantage #3 – Free Advertising
Who says there is no such thing as a free lunch? There sure is in this scenario. Your employees receive free uniforms, which save them money as well as alleviates the stress over what to wear to work, and the company receives free walking advertising. Having visible staff uniforms will go a long way in ensuring your company receives more word of mouth advertising than other companies who choose to not have staff uniforms. A win-win if I have ever heard of one. This benefit to your employee does not need to end with just supplying the uniforms, you can also implement a rental uniform service which, for a minimal amount, your employees can rent their uniforms and have them laundered by the company. All in all, time and money-saving initiative for sure.
Advantage #4 – Safety and Security
This point is especially valid for employees with jobs that require protection for both the company and the employee directly. In these cases, staff uniforms are usually a mandatory requirement. The benefits, however, should not go unnoticed. If your employee works in a freezer, is a paramedic or a firefighter, wearing a specific uniform designed to meet the requirements of that job is an absolute must. Uniforms serve a purpose, some of those are simply more specific than others. For emergency services personnel, staff uniforms are imperative and allow the public to easily identify them in times of need. For hospitality staff, hospitality uniforms allow customers and guests to know who is there to assist if they need help or have any questions.
Advantage #5 – Foster Mutual Growth
Uniforms have a subconscious effect on the mind. Wearing a uniform in an office of their peers fosters a great sense of wanting mutual growth. Your employees will want to see their fellow colleagues thrive and succeed. This phenomenon falls part of a concept of a similar thread, the feeling of being part of a team that is instilled by wearing a uniform.
Advantage #6 – Productive Staff Are Happier
Mountains of research have gone into this topic over the last few decades and the results are clearer than ever. Wearing a uniform has a positive impact on the employee and allows them to create a clearly defined line of work time versus personal time. This subtle barrier improves the productivity of the employee by allowing them to shift the dynamic of their mindset to a more company-centric, cohesive narrative.
Advantage #7 – Equalizing the Playing Field
This point is especially true for larger corporations and affords employees the opportunity more time to think about other things instead of just what to wear to work and which colors match the best. Further to this, staff uniforms do exactly what they are meant to in a literal sense – they create a uniform look amongst the staff. This is one of the primary functions of staff uniforms, to balance out the social scales in the workplace and have all employees seen the same way regardless of their social status or whether they are rich or poor. Uniforms unite individuals to a common cause and a common goal.
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