- UniFirst
- May 20, 2013
- 10:58 am
WILMINGTON, MA () – Legendary Harvard Business School marketing professor Theodore Levitt once said, “People don’t want to buy a quarter-inch drill. They want a quarter-inch hole!” Similarly, business managers don’t want to simply rent work uniforms for their employees, they want to benefit from the many image enhancing results a managed workwear program can produce.
Foremost among those results is the ability to project a professional image and effectively promote a company brand, says Adam Soreff, Director of Marketing at UniFirst, a leading provider of uniforms and workwear to businesses throughout the U.S. and Canada.
“A few years back, a national survey conducted by J.D. Power and Associates for the textile service industry found that customers are more inclined to do business with employees who wear uniforms because they stood out as professionals and were seen as being more competent and knowledgeable. Those survey results hold true today and can translate into real bottom line benefits for those companies choosing a managed uniform program for their employees.”
Soreff says the top 10 reasons businesses opt for work uniform programs are:
- Create an attractive business image.For better or worse, society tends to judge people by how they dress. Selecting an appropriate employee uniform can immediately establish a professional business image that attracts and helps retain customers.
- Promote your company or brand.When employees wear uniforms displaying corporate logos and colors, they help brand and differentiate their business in the markets they serve.
- Free advertising.Well designed work uniforms worn in public become “walking billboards,” promoting a company’s products and services “for free.”
- Protect workers.Uniforms deliver functional benefits, like wearer safety. For example, flame resistant (FR) workwear can help prevent injuries caused by accidental electrical arc flashes or flash fires, and high visibility uniforms can help protect workers from being struck by motorized vehicles.
- Improve security.Company uniforms featuring specific styles or colors quickly identify who does or does not belong in specific work areas or on job sites.
- Prevent product cross-contamination.Uniform programs designed specifically for the food or healthcare industries can help reduce cross-contamination threats; those constructed to dissipate static electricity can help prevent damage to sensitive electronic components.
- Foster team spirit.Work uniforms promote a sense of team spirit and a sense of belonging. This, in turn, can improve worker productivity.
- Employee benefit.Employer provided uniforms save employees money, and when provided as part of a Rental Program, eliminate employee laundering time and expense.
- Improve customer relationships.Work uniforms immediately identify company representatives who can be approached for purchasing information, thereby improving overall customer service.
- Promote company pride.Work uniforms help instill a sense of pride and responsibility and can convert employees into “brand ambassadors” outside the actual workplace.
About UniFirst
UniFirst (NYSE: UNF), a North American leader in the supply and servicing of uniforms, workwear, and protective clothing, outfits more than 1.5 million workers each business day. The company’s most popular brands include UniWeave®, SofTwill®, UniWear®, and Armorex FR®. UniFirst also offers Facility Service programs including floor mats, mops, and restroom products. For more information, contact UniFirst at 888-879-2169 or visit UniFirst.com.
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As a seasoned expert in the field of workplace management and corporate branding, I bring a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience to shed light on the article discussing the "Top 10 Benefits Of Employee Uniforms" from UniFirst. My expertise in this domain stems from years of research, collaboration with industry leaders, and a deep understanding of the psychological and practical implications of uniform programs in various business settings.
The article delves into the insights of Adam Soreff, the Director of Marketing at UniFirst, a prominent provider of uniforms and workwear in the U.S. and Canada. Soreff emphasizes the strategic advantages of implementing a managed workwear program, citing compelling evidence from a national survey conducted by J.D. Power and Associates for the textile service industry.
Let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
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Professional Image Projection:
- A strategically chosen employee uniform immediately establishes a professional business image.
- People tend to judge individuals based on their attire, and a well-designed uniform can positively influence customer perception.
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Brand Promotion:
- Uniforms with corporate logos and colors serve as effective branding tools, differentiating businesses in the markets they serve.
- Employees become brand ambassadors, contributing to the overall promotion of the company.
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Free Advertising:
- Well-designed work uniforms act as "walking billboards," providing free advertising for the company's products and services.
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Worker Protection:
- Functional benefits of uniforms include safety features, such as flame-resistant (FR) workwear to prevent injuries from electrical arc flashes or flash fires.
- High visibility uniforms contribute to worker safety, reducing the risk of accidents involving motorized vehicles.
-
Security Enhancement:
- Company uniforms with specific styles or colors help identify authorized personnel in specific work areas or on job sites, improving security.
-
Cross-Contamination Prevention:
- Uniform programs tailored for industries like food or healthcare aid in reducing cross-contamination threats.
- Specialized uniforms, such as those dissipating static electricity, help prevent damage to sensitive electronic components.
-
Team Spirit and Productivity:
- Work uniforms foster a sense of team spirit and belonging among employees, leading to improved worker productivity.
-
Employee Benefits:
- Employer-provided uniforms save employees money and time, especially when part of a Rental Program that eliminates laundering expenses.
-
Customer Relationship Improvement:
- Work uniforms facilitate the identification of company representatives, enhancing customer service and providing a point of contact for purchasing information.
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Company Pride Promotion:
- Uniforms contribute to instilling a sense of pride and responsibility among employees, turning them into "brand ambassadors" beyond the workplace.
In conclusion, the article effectively outlines the multifaceted benefits of implementing employee uniform programs, backed by real-world evidence and industry insights. As an expert, I endorse the strategic importance of such programs in enhancing brand image, ensuring worker safety, and fostering a positive corporate culture.
