3 Important Aspects to Help You Choose the Perfect Uniform for Your Team


It’s no secret that some of the world’s best teams are in uniform. They have a unifying and elevating quality that enhances your organisation. Uniforms work for companies across different industries, from industrial manufacturing, hospitality to retail. 

Congratulations on deciding to try out uniforms for your team. It will possibly be your best decision yet.

Three Advantages of Providing Uniforms for your Team

 

1. Improves Team Cohesion

Nothing says we’re on the same team like wearing matching outfits. From football fans to colleagues and twin toddlers, uniforms bring a sense of belonging. No wonder the biggest sports teams create iconic uniforms that the team and fans identify with.

Incorporating uniforms into your company leads to improved team spirit and higher morale. They also promote a sense of equality because everyone is dressed the same. Uniforms range from fun pieces for team building, clothes for sports days, retail uniforms and work overalls. They all bring the team together for a common purpose and mission.

2. Uniforms Increase Professionalism

Professionalism is a frame of mind and a way of doing things. Uniforms are a cue that lets the employees know that now it’s time to get professional. They signal to customers that an employee is competent and ready to help them in any way. Uniforms provide an executive look and make your staff look polished.

Customers have a deeper confidence in uniformed staff. They need assurance that they can get help, and a uniform reinforces this idea. Uniforms provide a consistent way for the staff to dress smartly.

3. Uniforms Build a Distinct Company Image

The best walking advertisement for any company is a uniformed staff. Potential customers take notice of your staff when they are out and about in your uniforms. It also leads to increased familiarity with your brand name and logo.

Uniforms are a great marketing tool. They create a positive brand association and awareness. Everyone remembers an exceptional company, especially if their uniform was equally presentable.Opens in a new tab.

How to Choose Uniforms for Your Staff

 

Choosing your company’s uniforms is a big decision that affects staff, customers, company budget and future recruits. It is important to approach it with the care and consideration it deserves.

1. Choose Uniforms That Cater to Employee Welfare

Cater for Different Job Risk Levels 

Depending on your industry, different jobs have varying levels of risk. It’s important to take these into consideration when choosing uniforms for your staff. A risk assessment Opens in a new tab.of your business includes a review of clothing. Ensure your uniforms lower your risk profile. 

Safety is industry-specific, so pay attention to the risks that uniforms can mitigate. In the hospitality industry, for example, get flame retardant clothing for cooks and kitchen staff. In the transport industry, steel-capped footwear is an essential item.

Get Employee Input in the Selection Process

Since employees work all day in their uniforms, it’s important to understand their needs. Well-designed uniforms increase employee satisfaction and productivity. It pays off to involve them in the process. Happy employees improve the businessOpens in a new tab. while unhappy employees divert funds from other areas of the business. 

Involving employees also streamlines the implementation and adoption of a new uniform. When they are part of the process, it instills a sense of pride and ownership in the new company identity. Prevent unnecessary resistance from your staff members; employees need to be comfortable with the uniforms both physically and psychologically. 

A simple way of involving staff could be in the uniform design process. Let them take part in selecting the final design, colours and materials of the uniforms. Allow different genders to customise appropriately since standard unisex uniforms are hardly popular. 

Consider Different Body Shapes and Sizes

Ease of movement and comfort are crucial when making industrial or company uniforms. To achieve this, you need to understand how to size workwear. To measure a garment properly, start from the top (i.e., neck, shoulders, chest and sleeves). Next, go to the waist and then down to the leg to work out the proper size for your staff members. 

Use a flexible tape measure and don’t pull it tight. You could do this yourself or work with a vendor who understandsOpens in a new tab. uniforms and risks. 

2. Choose Uniforms That Reflect Positively on Your Company

Managers prefer staff uniforms to look different according to their roles. This is because of one key reason. It’s important for customersOpens in a new tab. to differentiate between people with different jobs. For example, the hotel reception staff will have different uniforms from the porters in the kitchen.

Make Your Logo Prominent

Make the different uniforms in your company coordinate using your company logo. Ensure it’s placed in a prominent position and choose a coordinated colour scheme for consistency.

The added benefit of uniforms is the free advertising you get. A prominent logo increases exposure and awareness of your company. It can also help customers distinguish who works for you or not. It is usually embarrassing, especially in retail, for a customer to mistake a fellow customer as an employee. 

Choose Appropriate Fabric and Colours

Comfort is important to any profession. It improves confidence in how staff work and present themselves. Choose material that matches the type of work and environment.

When choosing the colour, consider the tasks that need to be carried out on a daily basis. For workers who handle dirt, dark uniforms keep them presentable. For customer-facing roles, cheerful clothing improves the mood of both staff and customers.

Pay Attention to Uniform Laws

Is your business in a highly-regulated industry? Take a look at the laws before implementing a uniform policy. For example, if you work with dangerous chemicals or machines, you have a legal obligation to ensure all reasonable practical steps are taken to protect the health, safety and welfare of your workers.

Make sure you’re obeying the safety laws because you can still face legal suits without any staff getting hurt. If an inspector notices a violation, they can sue for staff negligence. Stay vigilant or hire a uniform vendor that keeps the uniforms up to date with the latest laws.

3. Choose Uniforms You Can Maintain

Consider the Cost of the Uniforms

Buying and maintaining uniforms can have a large effect on your company’s budget. Budget is important for companies of all sizes. Be realistic with the budget you have now and in the future. Create a spending range and buy garments that are functional, comfortable and smart. If your budget is limited, keep the uniform design simple since elaborate uniforms are pricey.

Even though you can upgrade uniforms, take care before choosing your first design. It might be with you for a long time before you can afford an upgrade. Make sure your staff is happy with your decision and the work environment supports the uniform.

Factor in Replacement and Laundry Costs

Due to wear and tear, uniforms need occasional replacement to maintain a professional look. You need to be strategic in how this is done to avoid budget strain or staff wearing worn out or unsightly uniforms. You can plan to replace uniforms in groups instead of all at once. This allows for better planning and budget allocation.

When you create a laundry system, consider how often the uniforms are used and replenished. Will you do it in-house or will you get a uniform vendor to supply and maintain the uniforms for you? 

In-house maintenance requires meticulous record-keeping and dedicated staff. Outsourcing is your best option if you want to focus on your core business and get a reliable vendor. You can avoid headaches and the need to buy a large inventory.

Choose Durable Uniforms

It is not practical to change uniforms frequently. It has a huge cost implication and shows a lack of care when choosing fabrics. Choose a long-lasting fabric that won’t get worn out easily. You cannot compromise on quality and you can find quality at all price points. 

Some vendors offer workwearOpens in a new tab. constructed with high-quality poly cotton blends that makes it breathable, more durable and suitable for the industrial laundry process. A wide variety of uniform options and features are available depending on your industry.

Get Your Uniforms!

 

Now that you are aware of what you need to keep in mind, don’t hesitate to buy uniforms for your team. Set aside a budget and get quotes from different vendors. You’ll be well on your way to uniformed glory.

Involve your staff members in the initial planning, design and sourcing conversations. If you listen and implement their suggestions, it will give you an easy time when you roll out the uniform. The best advocate for the policy will be the employees who contributed to the process.

Once you have the uniforms, maintenance and laundry will become your biggest concern. However, with the right partner,Opens in a new tab. it doesn’t need to be stressful. Get a reputable uniform vendor that delivers uniforms to your doorstep.

Steve Todd

Steve Todd, founder of Open Sourced Workplace and is a recognized thought leader in workplace strategy and the future of work. With a passion for work from anywhere, Steve has successfully implemented transformative strategies that enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. Through Open Sourced Workplace, he fosters collaboration among HR, facilities management, technology, and real estate professionals, providing valuable insights and resources. As a speaker and contributor to various publications, Steve remains dedicated to staying at the forefront of workplace innovation, helping organizations thrive in today's dynamic work environment.

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