Effects of uniforms on a company?

Question

My retail company just switched and got 'uniformal' uniforms, which means the maangement wears a company shirt and tie, people below him wear a company polo, etc.

What psychological effects will the uniforms have?

Answer 1

Uniforms do several things.

1. They provide a sense of "team" through the uniformity of dress. Employees can feel part of a work community that helps in the bonding and actually has been shown to increase productivity in certain job sectors.

2. Uniforms present a consistent appearance to the public or customers. This is no less important than a consistent product such as a burger, car, etrc.

3. Uniforms that vary in a company, such as ties for upper management and polo shirts for others show rank and status and go back to a "military" model of company operations. This mentality, while great for upper management and their egos, can lead to feelings of resentment among the lower tier worker.

4. The individual reaction to uniforms can vary from person to person. Free thinking, creative, and typically more liberal minded people don't do well with uniforms in general, where as more rigid and conservative people like the consistency of uniforms.

5. Tread carefully and do focus groups with all levels of employees before embarking on uniforms.

Answer 2

I think uniforms are a good idea. You don't have to worry about what you are going to wear and at work, no one will be wasting time looking around to see what everyone else is wearing.

Psychologically, I think it is healthy because it puts everyone on an even basis. Don't worry about management. Accept it for what it is. If you were a manager, you would the one wearing a shirt and tie, but you're not a manager. It is what it is,

Professionally, I think it will enhance the companies' image. That can only benefit everyone.

Answer 3

Before getting into that--think of all the money you'll save on purchasing work clothing!!! Much less laundry to wash, too!!

It may be difficult, for some, to be so easily recognizable (as to their positions in the company) because of the uniforms they wear--particularly if the company is open to the public, where everyone will realize just who is who.

For instance, an older worker, who is not in management, may feel that, at his/her age--they should be, OR that people should THINK they are.
(Rather than young kids that have just left school wearing the shirt & tie).

For some younger people, the uniforms may feel confining--not allowing them to express their individuality.

I don't think that this will remain a problem for very long--everyone will get used to it.

I hope that it is not upsetting you too much--many companies force workers to wear uniforms. :)

Answer 4

Actually, I think it's a good idea. I've worked at places where women wore clothing that was inappropriate: too revealing, and one of the guys regularly wore clothes with holes in them. So I think having a standard dress code is a great idea. It also helps the customers to know who they're talking to, and to find help when they need it. And it's great for you, because you don't have to put a lot of time or thought into what you're going to wear every day, just that you have to make sure it's clean.

Answer 5

Well, that makes it clear who is in charge and who is at the lower level of the organization. Psychologicaly this could make the lower level employees more cooperative with management while they are around, but dislike them and shirk duties when they are gone. Also if the uniforms are ugly there will be less people applying to work there.

Answer 6

It helps in realizing them their importance and duties in the company.

Answer 7

Well, it does crete a visual reminded of where you stand with the company