Work uniform policies can be difficult to create, implement and enforce. Do you have that one employee who shows up to work in a torn uniform most days or forgets their company bespoke branded polo once a week?

You may have another employee who wears wholly inappropriate shorts with their company branded t-shirt, even though they are supposed to wear a plain black skirt or black trousers.

If you have taken the steps to implementing a uniform policy - or have had one for a while - and your employees refuse to wear their uniform or wear it incorrectly, you may have a problem that needs remedying.

Here are 5 reasons your office uniform policy might not be taken seriously.

You didn't explain why the uniform policy was implemented

People are creatures of habit and if unexpected policies are sprung on employees, then they are reluctant to change. Sometimes uniform defiance is less a case of backlash and more a lack of understanding of the company's vision.

For employees to understand why they must wear a uniform, they often need to understand why the policy was implemented in the first place.

Let employees know that there are unmistakable benefits of uniform for the company. Benefits such as looking smarter, being work appropriate, establishing the company brand, creating unity, increasing productivity, prioritising safety, and ensuring pride in the company.

Furthermore, there are benefits for them in that they save money on replacing everyday clothing for work, they will always know what to wear each day so it speeds up the dressing process in the morning, and they will know who works in each department.

Employees can even get tax relief for washing their own uniform.

Most importantly, uniforms inherently help build a team's togetherness.

You didn't get employees on board

Often employees feel that uniform removes their individuality or may not respect their cultural beliefs and background, amongst other complaints. If you are creating policy for work uniform, it is important to get employees on board before implementing anything.

Involving employees in the choosing of uniform (the choice of colours, the budget, and the overall look) will help them feel part of the company's decisions. Unification in a company is always a good thing.

Having employee involvement will make enforcement easier because employees will understand why the policy is in place and why it is important to comply.

woman and man wearing awful clothes for work
Case in point

You don't have set consequences for non-compliance

If there is nobody in charge of enforcing the policy, then employees may be lax in their habits.

Employees should understand the consequences of non-compliance and know what they should wear and when. Of course, when dealing with employees some sensitivity, understanding, and care should be taken.

But employees should know what happens when they do not wear their uniform correctly, or if they fail to wear their uniform correctly after repeated offences.

Sometimes non-compliance is a result of not enough uniforms issued. It is important to get to the root of the problem - it may well be your fault.

Stern Woman Telling Somebody Off for not wearing uniform

Your employees don't understand the policy fully

When your company expands, do you provide update meetings or training on the uniform policy and what is expected? If not, then your employees may simply not understand the policy in full. This can lead to employees complaining, which eats up everybody's time.

It is a good idea to routinely update staff on the uniform policy so that they know what they should wear, when, why, and what happens when they do not comply. Include a robust complaints procedure to ensure problems don't snowball.

Woman not understanding the uniform policy
Wut?

Your uniform may need replacing

If your uniform choices are not durable, then employees may not be wearing their uniform for fear of looking shabby.

Uniforms do not last for an eternity, especially in some job roles, so it may need regular replacements. It should be part of the policy not to wear ripped or torn clothing. But if most of their supply is ripped or torn, employees may choose to wear alternatives.

Ragged and ripped clothing does not a good uniform make
Some may call this fashion...

Of course, these issues should have been brought to your attention beforehand. If they are not you may find you need to supply new company uniform for that employee. Be sure you consider supplying your workers with a one to two week supply for ease of laundering.

Some companies launder uniforms for employees. Employees come to work each day and pick up a fresh uniform and return it at the end of the day. This can reduce non-compliance as well, but may be beyond your company's means.

When ordering uniforms for you business, make sure you do not make these common mistakes. Ensure compliance by encouraging and managing uniform responsibilities. Don't forget to determine who is responsible for maintaining your company's uniform policy.