First, the problem often starts when GMs or executives become uniform designers. Uniforms should reflect the brand, but they must also reflect the realities of the job and the people wearing them.
Second, involve employees in the design process. The team members who wear the uniforms every day can provide invaluable feedback on comfort, practicality, durability, and how the uniform makes them feel.
Third, ensure ownership understands the importance of getting this right. As you point out, uniforms are part of the guest’s first impression. They communicate professionalism, reinforce the brand story, and influence how employees feel about themselves and their role.
When uniforms successfully balance aesthetics, functionality, and employee pride, everyone wins: guests, employees, and the brand.
It is one of the many people-centric principles I discuss in my book, including the importance of first impressions.
I’m so happy you agree Pierre! And it’s so true that the GM (let alone the executives) should have nothing to do with the uniform process haha, whereas employees absolutely should! They are the ones who suffer the consequences of subpar design.
Uniforms are the silent architecture of a guest's first impression. Love the focus on the "winning formula"....it’s where utility meets the soul of the brand.
Thank you for highlighting the FUNCTIONALITY of the uniform working FOR the employee. If your employees are uncomfortable, it’s a disaster.
I love the examples you shared too. Avant garde, unstuffy (although all for luxury brands), and stylish. Aspirational - I would absolutely wear that red dress. Or London trench.
I could not agree more with your post Emma.
Three things immediately come to mind.
First, the problem often starts when GMs or executives become uniform designers. Uniforms should reflect the brand, but they must also reflect the realities of the job and the people wearing them.
Second, involve employees in the design process. The team members who wear the uniforms every day can provide invaluable feedback on comfort, practicality, durability, and how the uniform makes them feel.
Third, ensure ownership understands the importance of getting this right. As you point out, uniforms are part of the guest’s first impression. They communicate professionalism, reinforce the brand story, and influence how employees feel about themselves and their role.
When uniforms successfully balance aesthetics, functionality, and employee pride, everyone wins: guests, employees, and the brand.
It is one of the many people-centric principles I discuss in my book, including the importance of first impressions.
I’m so happy you agree Pierre! And it’s so true that the GM (let alone the executives) should have nothing to do with the uniform process haha, whereas employees absolutely should! They are the ones who suffer the consequences of subpar design.
Uniforms are the silent architecture of a guest's first impression. Love the focus on the "winning formula"....it’s where utility meets the soul of the brand.
At the end of the day it’s pretty simple to tick all the boxes!
The brick wall meme made me LOL excellent, well-written take!!
Hahah thank you so much kellyyy!! I love cooking up memes
Thank you for highlighting the FUNCTIONALITY of the uniform working FOR the employee. If your employees are uncomfortable, it’s a disaster.
I love the examples you shared too. Avant garde, unstuffy (although all for luxury brands), and stylish. Aspirational - I would absolutely wear that red dress. Or London trench.
I’m so looking forward to seeing what approach you guys take with this!!! And yes functionality over everything🗡️🗡️🗡️🖤
https://substack.com/@annemarieattheupgrade/note/c-253012305?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=au6iq
I wrote about a few of my favorite hotel uniforms a few weeks ago. The MO ones are so fun!
There are so many good ones!! And the MO ones really impressed me
I’m so glad you wrote this piece! My husband talks about this often. Hotel uniforms aren’t trivial. They matter!
A really important topic indeed!! Would love to hear your thoughts in-depth as well ✨✨
Deffffff needs the local nods. I hate when it feels random
And I feel like it doesn’t have to be so extravagant either to work!!