Our UK and Irish climates can throw any weather our way, from snow to showers and from sunshine to storms – indeed sometimes all within a 24-hour period!
Therefore, when choosing a uniform suite, it is vital to consider all weather possibilities to ensure your staff are kept safe from the cold and to keep morale high.
This blog will give advice on why an all-climate approach is so important and guidance on how you can go about making your uniform selection weatherproof all year round. In every case, you can rely on Tailored Image to help guide you to a selection that will serve the needs of your staff, whatever the weather holds.
Choose a Layered Approach
A flexible, layered approach to uniforms can help prepare staff for all conditions, whilst still maintaining the desired look of your uniform and upholding a professional appearance.
Layering garments creates a very versatile portfolio and provides the key to staying warm in cold temperatures whilst keeping cool on warmer days.
A combination of base layers, mid-layers and outer clothing allows employees to adjust their attire according to the temperatures on any given day – easily adding a mid-layer thermal garment or outer jacket throughout the day.
The ideal base layer will contain moisture wicking fabrics designed to draw sweat away – keeping the wearer cool during summer, but also preventing a person from getting cold throughout the day during winter, especially if they have sweated during a period of exercise/vigorous activity.
A mid layer can provide excellent insulation if selected carefully – helping to trap heat whilst making garments more breathable. Outer layers should ideally be windproof and waterproof for protection against the rain and storms.
As well as the three main layers, accessories are an excellent means of adding additional comfort. From thermal socks to beanie hats and woolly scarves, there are lots of options to achieve enhanced wearer comfort in colder weather.
Tailor solutions according to job functions
When it comes to choosing workwear to suit all seasons, it is imperative to consider a suite of garments that is suitable for the varying roles within your business. For example, office-based and indoor employees generally will not require the same level of waterproofness as those who work outside in rain, hail, sleet and snow.
At Tailored Image, we work alongside our customers to design wardrobe solutions for each job type in their organisation. For example, in a hospitality setting, the requirements for a bar person or receptionist will be vastly different to that of a concierge / door person, so we work closely with hospitality venues to ensure a fully rounded solution.
Construction and manufacturing settings are another example of where a tiered approach should be employed. For Tobermore, for example, their quarry staff required a much more robust suite of garments than office staff, including warm and reflective outer garments and a range of headwear.
Indeed, for some organisations, an all-in-one solution can be employed. Kent Police, for example, have even gone as far as to incorporate 3 garments into one – read that full case study here.
Why is including warm clothing so important?
The number one concern of an effective employer should be the health & safety of your employees. Cold restricts the blood flow to extremities – ie. hands and feet – and thus can prevent employees being able to carry out their duties effectively, as well as the personal impact on their wellbeing. In more extreme cases, cold weather can actually increase blood pressure which can have a more serious effect on their health.
From a mental health perspective too, cold weather can affect a person’s mood and alertness, which could lead to an increased risk of accidents, especially dangerous when a role involves operating complex machinery.
One of the most obvious reasons for including winter clothing in a uniform portfolio is to ensure employee comfort. Employees working in outdoor or unheated environments are particularly susceptible to the discomfort and risks associated with cold weather. Imagine, for example, a delivery driver, warehouse worker, or construction worker braving sub-zero temperatures without the proper attire—they are bound to feel uncomfortable, distracted, and less efficient.
If mental alertness is a concern, then naturally a decrease in productivity will follow. Cold weather means the body needs to expend more energy keeping warm and that can heighten fatigue which has a negative effect on motivation and productivity. Cold employees are more inclined to lose focus on the task in hand, reducing their productivity and making them more likely to take prolonged breaks.
Not providing appropriate layering can lead to staff adding their own warm layers which can detract from the corporate look desired. As well as their function, uniforms are also a reflection of your organisation’s brand and values. A well-chosen wardrobe will demonstrate your company’s commitment to quality and attention to detail, not to mention its concern for the welfare of staff, which in itself will help bolster your brand.
Cold, miserable staff will not want to stay – and adding warm uniform layers will help avoid the temptation to leave!! Employee satisfaction plays a critical role in retention. If your staff feels supported by the company, particularly during harsh weather conditions, it fosters a culture of loyalty and appreciation. Offering high-quality winter clothing as part of a uniform portfolio shows that you value your employees’ well-being, which in turn can improve morale and reduce turnover rates.
Many organisations omit warm winter garments from their corporate wear collections on account of the extra expense it entails. However, this is a short-sighted attitude. The reality is that winter garments can actually help protect your bottom line in the long run. Keeping employees suitably warm can prevent colds, flus and other sicknesses from setting in as well as protecting mental health and morale. All of this in turn leads to less absence from work and less temptation for staff to move on, thus avoiding associated recruitment and training costs.
Conclusion
The inclusion of a selection of garments suitable for the variety of weather conditions your staff face in their everyday roles is imperative in ensuring their health, safety and comfort, as well as protecting your brand. Winter garments should be selected to provide warmth, suitable durability and to facilitate your staff in performing their duties to the best of their ability, helping maintain productivity and allowing your business to thrive.
If you’re interested in finding out more about how Tailored Image can help you achieve a uniform portfolio suitable for all four seasons, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today to find out more.
