When deciding to establish uniforms as the attire for you practice you should consider some ideas to make it a group activity so your employees feel like they are participating in the decision.

If you decide on uniforms let the employees vote on 3 or 4 different looks that you have pre approved and then go with the most popular. The staff will feel like they had a say in deciding what they wear and can’t complain later.

Set up an online account at a particular website and have a pre chosen group of items and accessories for your employees to choose from. The employees will get to choose what they wear and at the same time you know it is acceptable because you have pre chosen the merchandise. Also you can offer a discount for the employees who shop from this site, which will give them an incentive to do so.

If you want a standard look for the whole staff, maybe consider purchasing a set of uniforms for each employee (5 days for each staff member). The uniforms won’t cost the employees anything and you get the look you want for the practice. Just a reminder that some states have laws about who is responsible for purchasing uniforms for a business. Some states require the employer to purchase the uniforms while others, the employee. Some states say the employer can deduct the cost from the employee’s paycheck as long as it does not bring their pay below the minimum wage level; others have to have written permission from the employee to deduct the charges from their paycheck in advance, so check your states requirements to see exactly what you are responsible for.

Buy a few accessories, (like scarves, under shirts, hair ties, etc.), to show your staff what you consider acceptable accessories for their uniform and then they have an idea what is appropriate in the future.

If you still have problems with inappropriate appearance take the straight forward approach and write a step-by-step guide for your practice to follow. Call it your Professional Appearance Policy and include hygiene, speech and conduct so there is no room for misunderstanding. Have it posted in plain view and also include the fact that if any one comes to work and is not in compliance with the code they will be sent home to remedy the problem, off the clock.

It is your responsibility to inspire confidence in your patients by showing professionalism and your practice is judged by how your staff represents themselves.  Each employee has to realize that their appearance and conduct is a direct reflection on your practice and that they are an important part of your organizations high standards and reputation, that way they will feel a responsibility to present themselves in the most professional manner possible.

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6 Responses to “Should You Consider Uniforms for Your Practice?”
 pamela skalaban says:
2010/09/15 at 6:04 am
I do supply my staff with uniforms (5) a couple of times a year. I personally like the plain ones and I do let them agree on colors (they are given a choice) and when they will wear them. I feel it looks more professional to have the entire staff dressed alike. I also supply each with a lab coat, for when it is needed. We pay for their uniforms four times per year. If for some reason we are in the office and no patients are scheduled for that day, I do allow a “dress in your own clothes day”, however a lab coat must be worn over the clothes.
This seems to work for us and I feel it gives a much more professional appearance and reflects better on the practice. The girls are happy also, as we are the ones paying for the uniforms.

 Carri says:
2010/09/30 at 12:27 am
I think consistency in uniforms shows serious organization and a sense of being a “team.” I like it when you see everyone in the same style and color of uniform. I also like it when the uniforms/lab coats are embroidered with the practice name/logo and the employees first names. Gives a special touch and is more personalized.

 Kaydy Summers says:
2010/10/05 at 10:40 pm
I feel it looks more professional to have the entire staff dressed alike. I like it when you see everyone in the same style and color of uniform. I also like it when the uniforms/lab coats are embroidered with the practice name/logo and the employees first names. Gives a special touch and is more personalized.

 Laurien says:
2010/10/08 at 8:18 am
Would any one be willing to share with me how you presented the uniform idea to your staff? My fear is they are going to be really upset about it.

 Carri says:
2010/10/12 at 3:39 am
Would the staff be supplying their own uniforms or would the practice? I think that would make a difference to them.

I actually think it’s a great idea. No one has to dwell upon what to wear everyday or stress about it.

 Annette says:
2010/10/13 at 12:26 am
First I would let the staff know that the dress code policy might be changing but if it does the practice will be purchasing the uniforms so there will be no out of pocket cost to them. I would also talk to them and ask their opinion on the dress code policy so you have a good idea on how they are going to react. Go to a few websites and look at some of the uniforms available that you would choose for the practice and print them out. Have a meeting and show them the different uniforms to see if they like any of the choices that you have presented to them. Let them know that maybe on Fridays there will be a personal dress day so they can wear their own clothes but make sure they know there will still be certain rules for that day. If you make them feel included in the decision and choices of the new dress code they will be more likely to accept the decision and be more co-operative while choosing the new uniforms for your practice.