What will you be wearing once you enter your chosen career path? While more flexibility is the norm for dress code policies in many businesses, standard workwear still applies for major industries. These industries have their reasons for still relying on uniforms for their workforce!
For example, this type of workwear is essential in industries such as healthcare where a sterile environment is vital. It’s not unusual to see doctors and nurses wearing medical scrubs in hospitals and clinics.
What other industries still use work uniforms and why do they dress their employees in standard workwear? Read on and find out!
6 Different Industries Who Wear Work Uniforms
1. Healthcare
The healthcare industry is one place where you still expect to see employees wearing standard uniforms. There are a number of reasons for this but foremost, it’s to keep patients safe from germs while protecting the wearer from exposure to bodily fluids. Medical scrubs are the most common form of work uniform worn by doctors and nurses in this sector.
Other healthcare workers such as those caring for the elderly or disabled, laboratory technicians as well as dentists and their assistants still wear standard workwear.
Uniforms also reassure patients that they’re in safe and professional hands when getting medical treatment.
2. Construction
Construction is dangerous work and for the safety of all workers on site, wearing the right uniform is vital. Construction workwear is standardised for the following reasons:
- Protection from outside elements such as harmful UV rays when working outdoors
- Safety when working with heavy machinery and other equipment
- Protection when dealing with hazardous chemicals
- Safe use of tools when wearing them
- Visibility
Construction workwear mitigates the physical risks of working on building sites. The uniforms are meant to be practical, hard-wearing and comfortable. They’re manufactured with durable fabrics that don’t tear easily. Also, they’re made to fit properly to prevent hooking on objects while performing hazardous tasks.
3. Aviation
Pilots and cabin crew are still required to wear uniforms when on duty. It’s easy to pick them out in the crowd with their signature look! Aviation workwear is tailored with clean lines and bear the branding of the company such as colours and logos. This industry is one of the few that still maintain the formal uniform for a professional look.
Aviation ground crew, air traffic controllers and plane mechanics also wear uniforms. This is for safety reasons as well as making it easier to identify the different roles and management levels of those working in this industry.
4. Hospitality
The hospitality industry is another sector that issue uniforms to their employees. Hospitality workwear maintains a level of professionalism while reassuring guests that they’re in reliable hands and getting the best service. Workwear can range from smart suits to corporate polo shirts and khaki slacks, depending on the role.
Hospitality workwear is most often branded and should be made of good quality material for comfort and ease of use. Uniforms in this industry also make it easier for guests to identify the different roles such as front-of-house staff, waitrons or managers.
5. The Food Industry
Dress code policies are extremely strict in the food industry and for good reason too! Food safety standards in most countries are stringent for protecting the public’s health. And, anyone working in this industry need to be dressed in workwear that complies with these safety regulations.
When you pick this as part of your career, you’ll be required to wear uniforms that allow for hygienic handling of food. This includes kitchen staff or those in the food processing industry. Workwear would include items such as the following:
- Aprons
- Chef uniforms
- Headwear
- Gloves
- Anti-slip footwear
Food industry uniforms are often made with fabric that’s easy to launder, have antibacterial features and are long-lasting. In most cases, the workwear is standardised with white being the main colour associated with this type of uniform.
6. Plumbing and Electrical
Surprisingly, another sector that requires employees to wear uniforms is the plumbing and electrical industry. The uniforms are normally in overall-style which keeps the wearer comfortable and unhampered while performing a task. Plumbing and electrical workwear is made with hard-wearing material and is easy to clean when being washed.
Plumbing and electrical uniforms are also worn by tradesmen visiting sites as a form of identification. The company logo is more often than not displayed on the clothing item. This type of workwear also allows the plumber or electrician to look and feel more professional when dealing with clients.
Final Thoughts
While organisations are relaxing their dress code, there are still major industries that require their employees to wear standard workwear. Uniforms are often worn for health and safety reasons but also as a form of identification. Many businesses are also using uniforms for marketing and building their reputation. So, it’s still the norm to see salespeople, waitrons and office workers wearing branded workwear.
Last thought: if uniforms will be part of your future career, at least you won’t waste time picking out an outfit each morning.
