Physical appearance is one of the most neglected elements that impact a company’s success. Though others may think that setting a standard for physical appearance in your workplace is superficial, the reality is that first impressions matter. How you and your employees look can influence whether or not someone does business with you.
Can you set a physical appearance policy?
Yes, employers can establish a clear and cohesive dress code that will benefit the company’s overall appearance while influencing its consumers and the community. The policy should be written and shared with employees when hired and periodically afterward.
It’s important to note that you cannot discriminate based on sex, race, religion, or national origin when setting a policy. You can set standards for how employees dress and groom themselves. Some factors to consider when creating a policy:
- The type of business you have
- Your company’s culture
- Your customers and clients
- The image you want to portray
- Comfort and safety
- Sanitary conditions
Importance of Physical Appearance in Business
There are many reasons why physical appearance is vital in business. Here are some of them:
Good Impression from Customers
It can make or break a first impression. It’s the first thing people see when they meet you or your employees, influencing their perception of your business. If you’re meeting with potential clients or customers, you want to make sure you’re dressing the part. Wearing appropriate clothing shows that you’re professional and take your business seriously.
Your clothing also indicates what sort of business you run. For example, if you run a high-end boutique, you wouldn’t want your workers to wear wrinkled t-shirts and dirty jeans. It would send the wrong message to clients.
Influence on Business Deals
Let’s just say you’re a cosmetics store owner meeting with a possible supplier. The supplier will first notice your face and how effectively you represent your goods. Suppose you have terrible acne or acne scarring. In that case, it might influence the overall appearance of your products, making it difficult for the supplier to do business with.
If you work in the beauty industry, taking good care of your skin is a must. If you’re having problems with your facial skin, try the microneedling treatment to enhance its tone and texture. Suppliers will be more inclined to deal with you since they see the full potential of your products in you.
Employee Morale and Productivity
For example, suppose everyone is required to wear a uniform. In that case, it’s easier for your employees to prepare for work and not worry about what they wear. This also promotes camaraderie among employees and makes them feel like they’re part of a team.
A study by the University of Hertfordshire found that employees who dressed smartly were more likely to receive customer compliments and feel more confident in their work. As a result, they were more productive and had a better work ethic.
Proper Hygiene in the Workplace
If you work closely with other people, they might not appreciate it if you don’t shower regularly or wear clean clothes. This can lead to a drop in morale and productivity in the workplace.
Bad hygiene can also lead to health problems. If you don’t wash your hands regularly, you could spread bacteria and viruses to your colleagues. This could result in absences from work due to illness, which would impact productivity.
Maintain Industry Standards
Depending on your industry, there may be specific standards that you need to maintain to stay competitive. For example, keeping up with the latest trends is essential if you work in the fashion industry. This way, you can show your customers that you’re on top of the latest styles and that you’re a credible source of fashion information.
If you operate a restaurant or bar, your employees must present a neat and professional appearance. Suppose they don’t look clean and respectable. In that case, an inspection may result in major problems for the food inspector, who could downgrade your store’s rating and potentially cause revenue loss and closure.
Improve Physical Appearance for Business Success
Now that we’ve gone over the importance of physical appearance in business, let’s talk about how you can be improved.
- Invest in Good Quality Clothing: This does not imply you should go out and purchase an entirely new wardrobe; simply make sure your current clothing is well-made and fit you properly.
- Get a Haircut or New Hairstyle: A new haircut can make you look and feel more professional. It can also help you to appear more polished and put-together.
- Pay Attention to Your Makeup: If you wear makeup, ensure it’s well-applied and looks natural. You want to avoid looking like you’re wearing too much or too little makeup.
To Conclude
An appearance is a powerful tool in business, and it’s vital to present your employees in the best light possible. This means they don’t have to be physically beautiful. Still, they do need to meet your standards of professionalism and presentation.
By dressing your employees according to your company culture, you help them feel like part of the team and project a positive image of your business to customers and clients.
