WEB EXCLUSIVE: The Power of Uniforms

Whether its lawn care, building maintenance or another business-to-business service, your employees are your organization’s first impression. A clean, professional look is essential, and your choice of uniforms can make or break your success.

The right uniform not only reflects the level of service, but it can also distinguish your team from other trades around the building. Employees in every service industry are highly visible to the customer and public, so take advantage of your uniform as an opportunity to strengthen your department's "brand" image.

Nobody likes to let strangers into their places of business. A uniform with your logo increases the professional appearance of your employees and gives customers an increased level of comfort and trust in their abilities to perform professional work.

When you take better care of your staff, they take better care of your customers. The more professional employees feel, the more professional they will act. And if they feel confident in the uniform they’re wearing, they will exude a sense of pride for the work they’re doing and the company they represent.

Service industry employees tend to face situations where safety can be an issue. With the walking, stretching, kneeling, and twisting required to get these jobs done, it’s important to make sure uniforms do not get in the way and become hazardous.

Purchasing new uniforms upfront can be costly, but there are many rentable products on the market that allow you to spread the cost over a longer period of time. You also might find these products to be more durable, and the companies that provide them are concerned with long-term care and maintenance, rather than a one-time sale.

When selecting the right uniform for your employees, think of it as a walking, talking advertisement for your department. If your employee is unkempt, the impression he or she leaves will be that of a disorganized team with a lack of attention to detail. On the other hand, if he or she is dressed professionally, with proper identifiers, you not only notice an increased level of performance, but customers have a higher level of confidence in the work they’re doing.

This Web Exclusive comes from Chuck Helmes, director of marketing and technology solutions for Cintas Corporation, based in Cincinnati, OH.