Personal Workwear vs. Corporate Uniform
by Natasha Christou Digital Marketing ConsultantWhen it comes to fashion choices, 2019 will be
the year that champions individuality. Although you may think this only applies
to the everyday street-style, it’s no secret that more businesses are beginning
to let their staff wear more casual clothing to work, which is sparking mass
conversation amongst the corporate uniform supplier’s health and safety
standpoint.
Traditionally,
uniforms were non-negotiable and just something you would expect to come with
the job. The idea of corporate workwear stems back to offering a certain level
of customer service, and to inevitably create a better shopping experience for
anyone that walks through the door. This also makes it easier for shoppers to
identify who works for the business and what position they’re in — whether this
is a general shop assistant or someone in a managerial position.
Although
certain sectors continue to take pride in having a uniform, there is an evident
shift occurring with businesses that have a younger workforce and audience
demographic. But why is this happening?
Bettering the brand
It’s no
surprise that brands are switching up the ways that they present themselves to
the public, as competition on the high-street continues to be a challenge that many
businesses are facing. With reports suggesting that the high-street is
experiencing a dramatic decline, stores are trying to become more innovative to
improve customer and staff retention. Uniforms have recently become a big focus
for many businesses.
To connect
with customers on a personal level, more organisations are allowing employees
to ‘dress-down’, to encourage uniqueness and to show shoppers that they’re able
to adapt with the times.
If you’re
an avid coffee drinker, you may have noticed that Starbucks has loosened up its
workwear requirements and made room for casual clothing. Previously, baristas
would wear buttoned-up black or white shirts and black or khaki pants,
accompanied with their signature green apron. But now, rules have become lax
surrounding what they’re allowed to wear beneath the apron.
The choice
of clothing has definitely expanded at this coffee chain in particular, and
while rules still must be followed, staff have a lot more opportunity for
self-expression. The Starbucks employee lookbook states that baristas can wear black,
white, grey, navy and brown shirts as a solid or for a subdued, small-print,
low-contrast pattern. However, sweatshirts, hooded shirts, cap-sleeve and
short-sleeve V-neck or T-necks are forbidden.
Although
you may remember some baristas wearing caps with a Starbucks logo, their
options have now varied too, with flat caps, trilby hats and beanies becoming
an option. Employees are also allowed to wear scarves, but they must be tucked
behind their apron!
The threats
dressing-down poses and an alternative solution
Although
many young people like the idea of casual workwear for their nine to five, it
can be problematic and not many brands seem to be considering this. Brands that
have adopted the casual-clothing idea are seemingly allowing their staff to
wear their own clothes that fit specific style/colour requirements at work, which
could have a negative impact on their productivity, duties and other
colleagues.
Your staff
won’t fully understand what materials and styles work well for different jobs.
If your staff decide to wear a tight material, this could prevent them from
reaching up to a shelf for example — the limitations an item of clothing has on
their abilities will be the last thing on their mind.
However, this
doesn’t mean that brands can’t allow their staff to dress down, there’s just
better ways to go around implementing such processes. With technology and
design opportunities advancing at a rapid rate, uniform providers are now able
to facilitate any requirements when it comes to corporate workwear — whether
you opt for professional or a more relaxed style of attire. By opting for a
professional service, you’ll won’t have to worry about design regulations that
are required for your working environment that have been set out by governing
bodies; as the responsibility will fall with them.
Not only
this, they’ll likely organise a consultation with your business to fully
understand the requirements of the job and how the uniform needs to be designed
to meet them. It’s important to strike a balance between something that is
practical with something that your staff feel proud to wear and feel like
they’re part of something greater.
A long-term investment
It’s
important for businesses to look at uniforms as a long-term investment, rather
than an additional expense that they don’t need to encounter. Not only will uniforms
allow you to stay within workwear regulations, it will also reduce the time you
spend monitoring clothing if staff do choose to wear their own styles for work.
From an
employee perspective though, while the idea of wearing their own clothes to work
might be nice initially, it could become a burden as other expenses come into
play. This could include rent, groceries as well as general clothing. If they
have the responsibility to also purchase suitable workwear, this will be
another deducting factor that comes out of their wage.
However, a set
uniform would be a business’ responsibility and would create a unified brand
image which would also be suitable for the workplace conditions. Have you
considered a corporate uniform for your employees?
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Created on Aug 6th 2019 10:26. Viewed 365 times.