We’re all familiar with seeing employees in uniforms. But what does a uniform actually do for the business? Or the employee? And what does it all mean to the customer?

Let’s look at how uniforms can benefit your business, why employees appreciate a uniform program and how uniforms can influence your customers’ perception of your business. Plus, we’ll explore different options for incorporating uniforms into your business.

Why Should Companies Offer Employee Uniforms?

Implementing a uniform policy can yield several benefits, including enhancing brand image and creating a unified identity. Uniforms are an extension of who you are as an organization, what you stand for and how you want to be perceived in the marketplace. Employee uniforms give your team a sense of unity and belonging within the organization. They also give customers a visual cue to who they can turn to with questions, service needs or to complete a sale.

Employee Benefits of Uniforms

Team Unity – Employees feel a sense of belonging and unity when they are given an employee-provided uniform. This often carries thorough to higher job satisfaction, retention and improved morale. Uniforms also give employees a sense of pride and establish guidelines for dress code equality.

Comfort and Performance – Employee uniforms can be designed to maximize comfort and efficiencies while performing job tasks. It’s important to look for functional features like moisture-wicking fabric that helps keep active employees drier and cooler on the job or tool-specific pockets conveniently placed where workers need them most.

Cost and Time Savings – Employer-provided uniforms save employees money and time spent on buying their own work clothes. This can be a big cost savings, particularly in industries that require specific dress codes or safety requirements. It also cuts down on wear and tear on their own personal clothes and the guesswork of what to wear to work. A rental service that provides uniform laundering cuts down on the time. money and hassles of washing uniforms and ensures that garments are always washed according to manufacturer instructions.

Safety – Uniforms can play a role in helping to improve workplace safety. To help keep employees safer, some uniforms need to meet industry-specific standards and regulations. Even when uniforms aren’t required to meet particular guidelines, it’s important for employers to provide uniforms that help improve safety. These could include enhanced visibility uniforms for employees working in low light conditions or workwear made from flame resistant fabrics. Regardless of industry, uniforms should be selected to help protect employees from various workplace hazards and help minimize the chance of accidents and injuries. This not only promotes a safer work environment but also boosts employee morale and confidence.

Business Benefits of Uniforms

Brand Image – You’ve worked hard establishing a brand. Employee uniforms can serve as a living, breathing billboard for that brand. Proudly display your logo and tagline to easily identify employees and showcase who you are, what you do and how you can help your customers.

Enhanced Professionalism – Customers want to work with businesses that exhibit character, behavior, values and attitudes that they feel good about. Neat, purposeful employee uniforms say a lot about the professionalism of your organization. They also give the impression of expertise and confidence, which can lead to repeat business, referrals and positive reviews.

Customer Service – Employees are easy to recognize when they wear a uniform. Customers can easily identify your employees to get service or answers to their questions. Uniforms can also designate different departments within your company making it easier for customers to quickly identify the right person for their needs.

What to Look for from a Uniform Rental Company

A uniform rental company makes it easy to get the right look and features for the right job. Find a partner who understands your industry and offers a variety of styles, sizes and colors to outfit your whole team.

Additionally, you should look for the following when choosing a uniform rental company:

No Upfront Investment – You can have it all with the benefits of a uniform program without the big upfront investment. Vestis™ makes it easier to plan and budget for uniforms with no initial outlay of capital and consistent billing and budgeting.

Easy Sizing – An ill-fitting uniform doesn’t show professionalism and may be uncomfortable to wear. Vestis will measure employees on-site to determine the right fit for each employee before ordering their new uniforms.

Innovative Designs and Product Expertise – It’s not just about creating a uniform look for your employees. You want them to be comfortable and protected. Partner with a company like Vestis who has experience in many industries and their requirements.

Reliable Service – Vestis assigns a dedicated Route Sales Representative (RSR) to each customer who will manage your uniform service on a weekly basis. They’ll deliver clean uniforms and pick up dirty garments to be laundered, inspected and repaired or replaced if needed.

Effective Wash and Repair Processes – Soiled, unkempt uniforms don’t make a good impression. But on-premise laundry services can be costly and time consuming and employee washing might not be as effective or consistent. Vestis uses industry-specific, scientific wash processes to ensure your team looks their best. Repairs are done in-house to quickly return the uniform to you.

Customization Services – A neat uniform only tells half the story. Add logos, names or positions to give your uniforms a personal touch. Vestis can add emblem and embroidery services to help you create a look that is eye-catching and memorable.

Added Services – You’re busy. Look to a company that is easy to work with and gives you time back in your busy day. Turn to Vestis for additional workplace supplies that help you do your important work. Plus, we also have direct purchase uniforms to complement your rental program and lease options to meet unique location needs.

Your uniforms serve as a walking billboard and an extension of your brand. They can also help build team spirit, customer recognition and trust, and increased loyalty. All of that means better business for you.

Learn more about the benefits of an employee uniform program. We’re here to help you.