Facts about Uniforms and Productivity
If you're considering updating or maybe even adding a
mandatory uniform to your business, it may turn out to be the best decision
you've made as a business owner. While many people claim that they don't like
the idea of a uniform, at least not one they have to wear, research and
experience show that
uniforms have many benefits, and
requiring one is a good way to increase employee productivity. Read on to find
out how.
Looking The Part
One of the best things about a uniform is that it
automatically makes all of your employees look professional and knowledgeable.
When you let employees choose their outfits, they may end up looking less than
professional, and your customer may assume that the truth (even though the
employee is extremely knowledgeable).
Instituting a uniform policy also
has another surprising benefit related to this. Just as your customers see and
believe that the employee is professional when they see the uniform, the
employee experiences the same effect when he or she sees their reflection. This
boost in self-confidence can go a long way to improving productivity and
employee satisfaction, and it is not even a conscious thing. Employees begin to
“act the part” once they look it, and their professionalism and productivity
can increase.
Improved Customer Relations
A consistent and appropriate uniform can also help to
improve customer relationships. People who see a uniform automatically assume
that the employee is knowledgeable and competent, and they are more likely to
listen to and trust them. This can make your employee's job many times easier
on a daily basis. If your employee has to fight for the customers'
attention and trust, they have less time and energy to devote to addressing the
customer's needs. In the end, everyone is happier.
Increased Motivation
Clothes are tied directly to motivation in many ways.
If an employee is allowed to wear whatever they want, they subconsciously bring
the mindset of the activities they usually do. For instance, if employees come
to work in clothes that they typically wear to watch tv, they may find that
they have a harder time focusing on work. New clothes can also be
motivating all on their own, like buying new running shoes when you head back
to the gym. If your employees know that they don't have to manage the uniform
(such as with a
uniform
rental service
), they may be
even more motivated to work, since it isn't adding to their laundry load.