Teamwork makes the dream work—a saying you’ve heard countless times. Before you roll your eyes at this or another cliche team spirit quote, know that they’re often based on scientific truths.
For instance, a study published by the American Psychological Association found that a group performs better on complex tasks than the best individual, hence the dream work
Whether it’s a happy coincidence or not, people who feel they belong in a team have reported higher emotional well-being and happiness. And according to the HPWT (happy-productive worker thesis), employees perform better when happy.
Since fostering good teamwork and strong team spirit can benefit your business in more ways than one, you may be wondering how to create this sense of unity and harmony in your workplace. Investing in purpose-designed personalised uniforms is a good start.
The Rise of the Modern Uniform
Remember the boxy suits, shoulder pads, tight-fitting jumpsuits, and fanny packs that ruled the uniform industry from the 1970s onward? You’re lucky if you don’t, so let’s just leave them there. Work attire has luckily evolved into a desirable wardrobe that prioritises style, functionality, and comfort.
If you were to explore uniforms online right now, you’ll discover that these garments can effortlessly become your go-to pieces not just for work, but for other occasions as well, owing to their versatility and style.
Of course, not talking about you going out and about in safety coveralls, but the everyday t-shirts, button-ups, sweaters, jackets, and trousers that constitute the designer workwear of today.
Why Do Uniforms Matter?
U is for unity, but utility too, meaning these garments matter for both symbolic and practical reasons. So without further ado, let’s see what the benefits of wearing uniforms are and how they can help straighten your business.
Wear Together, Stay Together
Not sure if this heading is also based on science, but custom staff apparel can go a long way in instilling a feeling of belonging and a shared sense of purpose and identity. Moreover, when everyone’s wearing the same attire, it can help eliminate discrimination or biases based on clothing. When employees feel like they belong, they’re more likely to strive for excellence as a team, which can benefit your organisation as a whole.
What’s more, the team spirit can be easily undermined if team members become competitive over who dresses better. You may think that the pressure to fit in is more intense or common during formative years in school, but this isn’t an unusual scenario in the work setting as well. Failing to account for this or not recognising its impact can lead to feelings of embarrassment or exclusion in individual team members.
Work-Life Simplified
Having work-issued clothes as opposed to having a mandatory dress code can simplify the lives of your employees. Dedicated work clothes eliminate the hassle and stress of choosing appropriate outfits, while also helping your staff save money on new garments.
In addition, by choosing durable and easy-care clothing that doesn’t require special detergents or regular ironing, you can further reduce the time and money your team will need for laundry and maintenance.
Comfort and Protection on the Job
Garments that prioritise employee safety and well-being can further enhance the performance and productivity of your organisation as a whole. Nowadays, when shopping for uniforms online or in-store, you’ll come across various innovative fabrics and designs that maximise comfort, safety, and mobility on the job. From wicking and breathable to flame and chemical-resistant materials, you can easily find clothing that meets the unique requirements of your business.
A Marketing Tool You Shouldn’t Overlook
Apart from boosting team morale, bespoke workwear that aligns with your mission and values can be a powerful tool in building brand awareness and painting a reputable brand image.
Bespoke shirts, jackets, or aprons that feature your company’s logo and colours can turn your staff into alive and breathing billboards that promote your brand and increase your exposure, thus raising brand awareness. Custom uniform embroidery can also help your company create a unique identity that appeals to its target audience.
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Lasting Impression on New and Existing Clients
Your staff’s clothing can have a significant impact on how new and existing clients perceive your establishment. Whether you’re in retail, hospitality, personal care, childcare, education or any other industry, having a uniform policy can help create a professional and cohesive image for your business.
A polished and approachable staff appearance can make your clients feel more confident in your company’s expertise and capabilities, which consequently inspires loyalty and trust, thereby helping you build strong business relationships.
To understand the importance of this notion, put yourself in a hypothetical scenario where you’re visiting a dental clinic for the first time. You’re greeted by a receptionist wearing a wrinkled band tee and sandals. Supposedly this doesn’t trigger your fight or flight response, you then meet the dental hygienist and dentist, only to discover they’re wearing short shorts and tank tops. Are you proceeding with the treatment? Probably not.
This exaggerated scenario emphasises exactly how clothing can make or break a company’s image. By contrast, if this imaginary dental team wore crisp, clean, professional attire, you’d likely feel more at ease and trust their office with your oral health needs.
Closing Thoughts
Creating strong bonds within your organisation and with your clients is a complex process. But outfitting your team in professional bespoke clothes is simple as it gets, and yet it can go a long way in strengthening your business inside and out. With that being said, you can now visit your local workwear supplier or explore options online together with your team.
One last thing before you go, try to include your team members in the decision-making process because, at the end of the day, they’re the ones that will be wearing the garments. That way, you can ensure that everyone feels comfortable and happy with the new attire policy.
