10 reasons why you should look presentable at work every day

Have you ever heard the adage: “You’ve got to dress for success”? It’s not just an empty saying – university studies show looking more presentable at work leads to higher performance, greater job satisfaction and more company profits. Let's look at ten reasons why dressing better can transform your workday and your business:

1. Boost your confidence. There’s nothing better than putting on a fresh corporate uniform to get you in a professional frame of mind. Once you get dressed in the morning, your brain identifies it’s time for work, and you'll get down to business faster.
2. Make a great first impression. What we wear speaks volumes about our work ethic. Whether we like it or not, a neat, uniform appearance at work says a lot to your customers about the company you work for.
3. Get more productive. When you dress to impress, you're more likely to feel motivated to get things done. Think about it – if you turned up to work in sweatpants and your favourite worn-in t-shirt, chances are you'll get into your lazy Sunday afternoon comfort zone rather than work mode.
4. Free your mind for the task at hand. Wearing a company uniform, even if it’s just a corporate polo shirt, makes it easier for all staff than a regimented dress code. They won’t have to spend time worrying about what to wear in the morning or spend their weekends shopping for appropriate workwear. It’s a win-win situation.
5. Encourage a cohesive team. Sporting teams wear a uniform for a reason. Great results happen when people identify with a group and focus on a single goal. A work uniform boosts employee and morale, instantly allowing them to identify with each other and feel they’re part of something bigger.
6. It’s a walking advertisement. A work uniform is essentially a walking billboard for your business, complete with logo, brand colours and your slogan. It’s the easiest way to get free company exposure – every single person your employees pass in the street or meet on the job are immediately aware of your brand values.
7. Save money. Under Australian tax law, if you have to wear a compulsory uniform while you’re at work, you’re entitled to claim a tax deduction for any money you spend on it. Think of the hundreds of dollars you might spend on business attire each year otherwise!
8. Achieve greater protection for your team. Many work uniforms are designed to protect a workforce and comply with health and safety regulations in addition to looking professional and building brand awareness. For instance, firefighters wear protective clothing that immediately tells the public who they are and what they do.
9. Promote equality at work. A uniform's primary function is to treat everyone the same no matter whether they're wealthy or poor. It brings all people wearing it to the same level, irrespective of their background.
10. Builds trust. There’s no doubt people are primed to respect a uniform. Your customers will feel a sense of confidence when they interact with your employees because it's tacitly understood a company that requires its workers to wear a uniform is more disciplined and organised. They will also feel at ease because they can instantly recognise who your employee works for and why they have arrived at their home or place of business.