Over the past decade, businesses have been moving away from traditional work-wear and allowing employees to incorporate more casual clothing into their work-wear. The move has ignited debates among corporate uniform suppliers from a health and safety point of view, but what impact will it have on businesses as a whole?

Uniforms and customer service

Uniforms in the past were a standard part of any office job. The idea of having a set uniform 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?

Brand image

Brands place a lot of emphasis on how they present themselves to consumers, and with the added challenge high-street competition, many businesses are facing a period of uncertainty when it comes to how they are represented. 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.

You may have noticed the shift already – Starbucks has made changes to its uniform policy recently, making room for more individual clothing choices. 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.

Relaxing the rules on uniform requirements makes room for employees to express themselves through what they wear. 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!

Does dressing down pose a threat to businesses?

The idea of casual workwear may seem attractive at first, but it does bring up a number of concerns for brands. 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.

Staff may not be aware of which styles or materials work well for different job types. 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.

This doesn’t mean that brands shouldn’t allow employees to adopt a more causal style of dress, but employers should think carefully about how to implement the new rules. 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.

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.

Thinking long term

Businesses should look at uniforms as an investment, rather than an expense. 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.

Implementing set rules on uniform requirements would help to create a unified brand image. Have you considered a corporate uniform for your employees?