How can I get my staff to wear a uniform?
I have recently had a few clients tell me that their staff are not wearing the uniform they provide, what do I recommend to change this?
If this is a problem you are facing, do not give up and do not miss the opportunity to advertise for free, follow this simple advice.
Give your staff the choice of style.
We all know that people are different, and what suits one person, may look terrible on the next. Therefore, it is advisable to have a few options for staff to choose from.
For example, the 18-year-old boy who works for me does not want to wear the same uniform as his boss, a woman in her 40s. So I give my employees a choice between a turquoise blouse, which can be a polo shirt/shirt/shirt, and a navy pullover/sweater/cardigan. For when it gets cold, I can choose between a fleece/fleece softshell or a zip-up sweater.
The key point here is the coloring. We chose turquoise to match our logo and then navy to complement, which is an easier color for most staff to wear than black. If you don't know where to start, take a color from your logo and then match it with a neutral color and choose a range of products within the color scheme.
Choose products with a range of sizes.
All employees have different shapes, the slimmer ones don't want clothes that hang on them and, conversely, those with larger figures don't want clothes that hug them. So, choose products/brands that offer a wide range of sizes with ladyfit options.
For example, if you're looking for knitwear, offer a standard knit sweater, a standard cardigan and then a long cardigan and most shapes will be satisfied.
If staff feel comfortable in their uniform, then they are more likely to wear the uniform you have purchased for them.
Ease is key.
There's nothing worse than spending your budget on a new uniform that falls apart within weeks due to improper washing. Consider how easy your uniform is to wash. Does it need to be hand washed to maintain its appearance? If so, then forget it. We all have employees who throw everything in the wash together. Can the products you have chosen withstand a tough wash?
The quality of the uniform.
If staff are going to wear their uniform, they must be proud of it. Is the cheapest option the best, or will the products not last and quickly look like rags?
Lower garments.
Unless you need to provide staff with bottom half clothing for safety reasons, let staff wear their own trousers/skirts. You can dictate the allowed colors and refuse to wear certain items, for example ripped jeans. In this way, staff still feel they can express their individuality.
Uniform Policy
The final point to consider is a strong uniform policy. This means you have to set an example. If a person is allowed to work without wearing the correct uniform, either because it's from management or because they don't feel like it, then before you know it, no one will be wearing the uniform anymore. Be consistent and make sure all newcomers know the uniform policy from the start.
In conclusion
Offer a range of products in the color of your choice
Make sure these products are available in a wide range of sizes and fits
Buy the best quality products that your budget allows.
Implement a uniform policy and enforce it.
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