Have you been in a store and asked a person, who seemed to know what they were doing and where things were located, if they worked there only to be told, “No, I don’t.” You murmur back, “Oh, sorry.” And as you walk away, embarrassed, frustrated and still not finding the item you need, say to yourself, “doesn’t anyone work here?” I think this has happened to most of us.
Uniforms clearly create a distinction between a customer and an employee. They have been a standard in many industries for years but lately, I’ve noticed more businesses giving up the uniform in favor of individual dress. Don’t get me wrong, I think freedom of expression is a good thing but it can be very confusing for the customer. As many industries are trying to convey a “were just like you, trust me” feel they are not always doing much of a service to their clientele.
There is a way of setting a dress code so that employees conform to your company’s appearance standards, yet can express individuality at the same time. Offering different choices such as long and short sleeve shirts, in a variety of colors, as well as scarves, hats and jackets is an option. Also, permitting your staff to accessorize the uniform on their own gives them input but still makes them recognizable to the customers. Of course with this you need to know your clientele and have some rules to follow. Baseball caps might be fine at a coffee shop but are less appropriate in a designer clothing store where looking chic is an important part of the job.
Some businesses have resorted to name pins instead of uniforms. While these can be helpful, they are hard to spot unless you are at close range. Aprons are another signifier that is used. Once just in the domaine of the food industry, I’ve noticed them being worn in other industries such as hardware and liquor stores.
As a business owner, the bottom line is really the bottom line and there are a number of ways to maximize profitability. Happy employees who feel good in their work clothes are going to be more motivated. But, you don’t want to miss out on sales because your customers literally could not find anyone to help them. It is a balancing act but uniforms still have a place, even in casual settings, and with a little thought can be a win for the customer, employee and business.
