Workwear is of paramount importance in any industry. For starters, it’s vital that you clothe your employees in a uniform that will be visually appealing and create a great first impression for prospective clients, partners and even among the general public. In the world of business – regardless of which sector you operate in – that first impression can make a world of difference.
Choosing your Workwear
What’s more, there may be safety considerations to take into account. For example, staff working in extreme environments, operating heavy machinery or handling hazardous substances must be equipped with the correct gear to keep them warm, comfortable and safe in the workplace. As such, choosing your workwear is not a task that should be taken lightly, since the wellbeing of your employees and the reputation of your company may depend on it. This comprehensive guide outlines the factors you need to consider when selecting workwear that’s right for you.
Image
Regardless of whether you expect your staff to interact with the public on a regular basis, you should still prioritise the image that their uniform creates when choosing workwear. Consider the environment in which they’re operating and the brand of your company and select garments and styles accordingly.
Branding
In all but the rarest circumstances, including branding on your company apparel will be a foregone conclusion, since it’s a chance to increase brand exposure and engender a sense of unity among the workforce. Decide where you want the branding to appear, whether you’d prefer printed or embroidered designs and what form you wish them to take and you’re well on your way.
Colours
Intrinsically connected to the branding mentioned above, you’ll likely wish to either choose colours that are consistent with your company’s brand or ones that complement it. The style of uniform you select may place restrictions on the palette that’s available, so consider the problem from all angles before settling upon a colour scheme.
Purpose
Again, the working environment is all-important when it comes to selecting the kind of company workwear that will comprise their uniform. For example, those who spend much of their time outdoors may need extra protection against the Great British climate, so fleeces and insulated jackets could be an ideal solution.
Durability
Does your company have a high turnover of staff? Is the workwear expected to last for multiple years, or is it geared towards a one-off corporate event? The lifespan you demand from your garments will go a long way to determining what they’re made from and the techniques used in their production.
Fabrics
Having carefully considered all of the points mentioned above, you’re now in a position to decide on which kind of materials you wish to create the workwear from. Heavier duty fabrics and layered clothing is ideal for an outdoors working environment, while t shirts designed to be used on one single occasion can be constructed from lighter (and more affordable) materials.
Quantity
Another key consideration when selecting your workwear is the quantity of items you’ll need. If you have a sizable workforce, you’ll likely be able to take advantage of generous discounts by buying the items in bulk. Work out exactly how many units of each item of clothing you need (and in what sizes!) before placing your order.
Price
Of course, the balance sheet is a primary concern when it comes to making any business decision, and you’ll need to work out a bespoke budget for your employee uniforms. Since the workwear will cover a range of purposes, it’s possible to draw from a number of different pots, such as health and safety, human resources and marketing all at once. This way you can divide costs and make ends meet more efficiently.
Distribution
When collecting information about how many units you need and in what sizes, it’s a good idea to keep detailed records of which staff member is scheduled to receive which items. This way, you’ll avoid any confusion when it comes to distributing the stock and you can ensure that everyone receives the workwear they have been assigned.
Stock
Given the bulk buying discounts mentioned above, it’s highly likely that you’ll order more uniforms than you currently need to take advantage of those offers. Indeed, doing so is just good business practice anyway, since you never know when a new member of staff will be joining the team. Designate a place (preferably on the company premises) to store the excess stock while it is not yet needed.
