The Argument For A Workplace Uniform: Reasons To Consider An Office Dress Code

We have long lived in a cultural ethos of individuality. It is almost endemic to our western mentality, to stand out from the crowd and differentiate ourselves at every opportunity. While the merits of individualism are arguable, the value of a unified business identity by way of custom uniforms is often ignored, being chalked up to antiquated, post-industrial revolution practices.

In truth, the primary argument for, or rather against workplace uniforms lies with your brand. All the same, you must understand the benefits so that you can make this decision armed with an understanding of the advantages. You will also need to apply these advantages to your business as a whole. If you are considering whether or not it will be worth the investment, these reasons to implement unity at work may help sway your mind for the benefit of your business.

Nurturing Equality

Dismissing the idea of a workplace uniform solely on the grounds of individuality may be a bit rash. One of the primary benefits of the uniform is that it offers a more egalitarian basis for employee dress. It will almost always be the case that some members of your staff will be financially able to dress more expensively than others. That said, implementing uniforms will nurture equality by means of visual aesthetic; your team will feel unified merely because they are showcasing unity. Fostering equality comes with several of its very own benefits from employee confidence to social comfort within the workplace.

Reducing Obvious Financial Inequalities

This becomes at very least a curious paradigm when you consider that many of the people who are financially able to expand more on their outfits will not necessarily be senior members of staff. When your receptionist flaunts an outfit that costs more than your HR manager makes in a month, you start understanding the heart of an awkward problem. Once again, uniforms will implement unity through aesthetic, benefiting the social dilemmas most team members may not be comfortable enough to point out for rather obvious reasons.

It Can Still Look Good

Keeping in mind that by ‘uniform’, we don’t necessarily mean a one-piece jumpsuit with a massive logo on the back, workplace attire needs by no means be unflattering or demeaning. The idea is to standardise, and thereby start everyone off on equal footing as far as appearance goes. Formal uniforms could be standard dark pants or skirts paired with company-branded shirts that are well-fitted. The limitations on fashion are near-endless when it comes to customised uniforms and encouraging employee feedback on initial ideas is another great way to unify your team.

Brand Consistency

This form of standardisation allows you a good measure of control when it comes to consistent brand identity. Remember that your staff are at all times ambassadors to your company’s public image. An unfortunate encounter with anyone working for you will tarnish your business’ reputation. Therefore, having your team easily identifiable in public areas will benefit brand identity significantly while also assisting with exposure on a relatively isolated level. Some of the most iconic businesses around the globe have implemented basic uniforms for this reason.

Sensitive To Various Dispositions

While you cannot necessarily control the behaviour of your staff, by everyone dressing in a way that reflects your brand, you do circumvent the possibility of anyone taking any personal offence to how your team present themselves. Uniforms prevent the possibility of staff appearing less than ideal. Formality is especially crucial in a corporate environment, although, even less formal industries such as automotive industries are known to implement custom uniforms.

Tailored To Your Markets Sensibilities

When extending on this principle, a uniform allows you control over subtleties which may have otherwise offended the sensibilities of a target market who may be sensitive to several nuanced dress codes and practices. This level of oversight becomes increasingly beneficial, the more specialised your industry. However, it can be applied to all sectors regardless.

Concise Advertising

As we said, a uniform need not be a glorified, branded overall. A workforce donned in consistent professional attire is its own form of advertising. Perhaps more effective than a flaunted logo, this approach offers you a rare opportunity to advertise to potential clients by way of presentation and image. As mentioned above, it is quite an underrated benefit to having the local community identify your team quickly. Whether staff are on their way to work or stopping by the store on their way home, a certain number of local individuals will become acquainted with your brand by merely noting the uniform, even if only on a subconscious level.

When Done Well

When deciding to opt for a business uniform and dress code, it does not mean that one needs to adhere to the stuffy and unattractive wear associated with more common implementations. By taking careful consideration for your business’ brand identity, it becomes an opportunity to direct the public’s perception of the people that constitute its operations and the value of the interaction they can expect to receive. Allowing input from your team when crafting the specifics of uniforms will also ensure there is no room for disgruntled employees when the uniforms arrive. Even if there is a certain level of argument prior to decisions being made, empowering yr employees to give their input will ensure a peaceful and comfortable result.

Company uniforms may seem like a considerable initial expense, although, with several sensible reasons to back the decision, the initial costs will be worth the spend. If the initial prices are illogical according to profits, many businesses have requested that employees purchase uniforms as a standard. This solution also ensures employees are far more likely to maintain uniform quality over time as they are essentially responsible for their attire. While there are several ways to consider the costs involved, unifying your team and strengthening your brand should be an ongoing priority for businesses of every size and in every industry. Team building strategies are not the only means of unifying a divided team.

The post The Argument For A Workplace Uniform: Reasons To Consider An Office Dress Code first appeared on Feedster.

from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/business-start-up/the-argument-for-a-workplace-uniform-reasons-to-consider-an-office-dress-code/