Many businesses have chosen to overhaul their workplace uniforms during the current recession and there are three reasons this may be happening:
1. Employers want staff to feel invested in and important when times are tough, so new uniforms give them confidence and emotional support
2. Businesses, especially retail ones, want potential customers to be able to spot a member of staff immediately so they can ask questions etc. This means the business is less likely to lose sales through a customer failing to find a staff person to serve them
3. Customers value being looked after by uniformed staff because it makes them feel their custom is valued; so businesses with a smart uniform gain more trade in tough times.
Because uniforms only look good if they are well cared for, many companies are also setting up manuals that explain how to launder work clothing. They may also make a clothing allowance to cover the cost of caring for clothing and/or a fund for replacing worn out items. Staff can be encouraged to look after their clothes with some simple tips:
1. Work shirts will look better for longer if you rub a little undiluted washing liquid on the collar and cuffs before washing – this removes the ground in dirt that makes these areas look dingy.
2. Black T-shirts and other cotton items should be washed and ironed inside out to preserve the colour as long as possible.
3. Tumble drying ages clothes fast, so line drying should be encouraged.
