What is the Purpose of Wearing Uniforms at Work?

Uniforms can serve multiple purposes for a business. They clearly identify employees and make them easy for customers to spot, and they eliminate the need for staff to purchase their own clothing to meet a formal or informal dress code. They also can serve as a marketing tool, by conveying a signature look and by helping to reinforce the company’s brand.

Work uniforms help employees maintain a professional look. There’s no risk of workers wearing inappropriate clothing, or of customers having to guess whether someone’s on staff or just a fellow customer. In addition, workers don't have to purchase their own clothing to wear on the job. There’s no $1,000 suit needed to impress clients or colleagues, nor does the company have to worry about employees coming in with a look that is too casual.

Some businesses may find that uniforms help give their customers a greater sense of confidence in using the business. A handyman or home repair contractor who shows up in uniform, for example, can reassure those who might be nervous about letting strangers into their homes. The uniform is a form of identification that can put many customers at ease. Uniforms also can serve as proof that a worker is authorized to do his job. A postal uniform shows that the person fiddling with your mailbox is your mailman, and not a thief.

In some cases, uniforms help promote a culture of safety and protect workers from harm. Jobs that carry a higher risk of injury often require uniforms that take these dangers into account. By providing the appropriate clothing, such as hard hats or slip-resistant boots, businesses can protect against injuries and the potential lawsuits that could result. Firefighters and construction workers are professions where uniforms can serve this purpose, as their gear is designed to keep them safe.

Uniforms can help build a company brand. It sets your workers apart from others and allows them to be recognized easily. For example, a restaurant uniform can help reinforce the concept of the restaurant, whether it’s pirate uniforms at a family seafood restaurant or tuxedos at a high-end steakhouse. Whether it's a delivery service dressing its workers in brown or an electronics store doing so in blue, businesses can be known for what they make their workers wear.