The events of the past few years have changed workplaces in a lot of ways. After years of uncertainty, separation and resilience, the positive psychological and branding benefits that uniforms provide are an attractive prospect for companies ready to rebuild and grow; however, employee expectations have also changed. We’re seeing new value being placed on flexibility, comfort, and individuality. This evolution has impacted the way that businesses are approaching uniforms, with an intent to balance both positive brand representation and the preferences of their employees. HR has always played a vital part in ensuring any effective uniform rollout, but the changing workwear landscape makes their role as the link between company values and employee needs as important as ever.
Regardless of role or industry, getting dressed is a routine that sets the tone and mindset for the day. When an employee is putting on a uniform that makes them feel empowered, comfortable, and stylish, they’re immediately more motivated to take on whatever their day has in store. On top of this, a uniform promotes equality, team spirit and company loyalty. It keeps your team on the same page, and reminds them every day who they work for, and what that represents.
The Covid-19 pandemic forced a dramatic change in perspective on what constitutes work wear, with a strong trend toward more casual dress. This represents a general preference across all industries for workwear that is functional, individual, and above all else, comfortable. I remain a strong proponent of looking professional even if you’re working from your kitchen bench, but a more relaxed approach to what “professional” looks like presents fresh opportunities to express both employee individuality and brand identity.
It has never been more important to ensure consistency and cohesiveness as a company regardless of whether head office has now become a Zoom meeting room or not. It is now more important than ever that your team looks and feels united, confident and in charge. As an integral part of employee satisfaction, it’s important for HR ensure this cohesive sentiment no matter where your team are working.
Nearly every aspect of our jobs – from the daily meetings, the tools we use and the clothes we wear – has an impact on our level of engagement. Uniforms are a key piece of the engagement puzzle reminding members that they are part of a team. It reinforces what the team represents, and uniforms also play a major role in determining each individual employee’s sense of pride and satisfaction in their work. For team members that need to represent your brand while on location, it is important they clearly represent your business as effectively as possible ensuring that your values are clearly amplified through what they wear and the service they provide.
At our organisation we’ve always been advocates for including staff members in the uniform design process, because uniforms are a key piece of maintaining employee engagement; it reminds them that they’re part of team, and what that team represents. Incorporating staff preferences and individuality in uniform design will become increasingly important in guaranteeing those positive benefits.
The best option is to create a uniform that offers the positive advantages of a visually unified team whilst still allowing staff the freedom to dress in a way that suits their individual style and needs. A “wear it your way” range is functional and fashion forward, incorporating contemporary style sensibilities into role-appropriate workwear. Additionally, these ranges offer plentiful options for staff to choose from. Employees gain all the visual and psychological benefits from a uniform that also supports their autonomy and diversity.
To ensure the effective design and implementation of a successful post-Covid uniform range, HR is vital. Listening to and understanding the needs of your staff and the brand is indispensable in ensuring an efficient, effective launch and gaining staff approval. If done correctly, a uniform can engage all major stakeholders and get them on the same page with the company future and brand messaging. And if done well, a uniform will ensure that your team looks, feels, and acts their best, and gives clients the reason to feel confident, comfortable, and proud to be associated with your brand. What does your uniform look like right now?
