4 reasons why you need a uniform at work

What is your team wearing and what is that saying about your brand? You only get one chance to make a good first impression and dressing well is one of the few opportunities you have, to really stand out in the crowd.

In any business so much time, thought and money go into planning and strategy with the overall objective traditionally being growth in revenue. Uniforms are generally the last on the list of priorities for a business, even though it is probably the most economical choice in sending a powerful marketing message for your brand.

Clients will form their opinion on the quality of the product or service you are offering based on the first interaction with your team. Team members will wake up each day and be reminded when getting dressed who they work for and what that represents. Are they excited and motivated to put on their uniform? Does it resonate with what your company stands for?

If you’re debating whether you should introduce a uniform in your business, or you’re not satisfied with your current uniform and wanting a change, learning why team uniforms are so important should help you to decide.

Uniforms are worn across multiple industries, from retail which help customers identify staff members to medical uniforms designed to be practical and hygienic. Uniforms can serve different purposes in different situations, but there are some common benefits shared by all:

• Uniforms promote your brand – If your uniform features your brand logo, or even your brand colours, you’re building recognition every time someone sees an employee wearing it. It is free advertising and is reinforcing your brand plan and objectives in the work environment.

Thousands of dollars are spent by companies each year on marketing, in store branding and trying to communicate what they are about. Uniforms are an economical dual service marketing function as they benefit and motivate your employees as well as tell your brand story to all that meet someone wearing it.

• Uniforms promote equality – Uniforms are a great equaliser. Your staff may occupy different levels in the chain of command, but when they’re all dressed in the same uniform, there’s a greater sense of team spirit. A uniform provides a level of comfort and structure for employees and eliminates the pressure of what to wear to work, keeping up appearances and spending an inordinate amount of personal money on clothing for work!

• Uniforms promote loyalty – When your employees associate themselves with your brand, they’re more likely to have a positive affinity towards it. When they wear your uniform or branded accessories in public, they become brand ambassadors. A company uniform defines what you are about as a business and ensures that your team is on the same page.

Team members will wake up each day and be reminded when getting dressed who they work for and what that represents. A good uniform will ensure employees are excited and motivated to get dressed and creates a feeling of team spirit and sense of belonging.

• Uniforms boost performance and sales – We live in a society where the clothing you wear represents your values, beliefs and purpose and helps others identify with you. In business, effective branding can make you appear more approachable, professional and confident, and often make or break a sales opportunity.

Winning business is tougher today than ever before and the company that takes the time to ensure their staff uniform represents the best version of their brand, culture and purpose are more likely to get ahead in sales and performance and be market leaders in their field. If done correctly a uniform will ensure your team look, feel and act the part and will ensure clients are confident, comfortable and proud to be associated with your brand.

There is a strong correlation between performance and dress. A lazy outfit equals lazy output resulting in a lazy impression and staff who take pride in their dress take pride in their work. A uniform can speak a thousand words and when repeated effectively by each employee, the message to the public is very powerful.