The workplace runs smoother when everyone gets along. But, it’s not always easy to form friendships in the corporate world.
Most business owners and managers agree that they don’t mind seeing healthy competition, but they do want their workers to realize that they are working for the same team, and ultimately, the same goals. What benefits the company benefits employees and vice versa.
There is a wide range of things you can do to increase the comradery among your employees, but many of them can be costly or labor intensive. That’s not to say that weekend retreats and corporate events don’t have value, but you can’t do them all the time. Here is something you can do for your employees: invest in corporate apparel.
Let’s go over some of the reasons why branded merchandise is part of the formula for a winning team.
Enhance Employee Productivity
Multiple studies show that people are more productive when wearing a uniform. Researchers aren’t exactly sure what effect clothing has on a person’s psychology, but one theory is that people differentiate their “work self” from their “weekend self” when wearing corporate apparel.
Create a Unified Front
When everyone in the office is wearing the same custom apparel, it creates a sense of cohesion. Also, workers take more pride in the company they work for when the brand name is embroidered onto their clothing.
Not only does custom apparel create unity within the workplace but also outside of it. If you have employees who travel or meet with clients, corporate merchandise improves brand identity and positively impacts customer service.
Strengthen Company Culture
Strengthening your company culture offers a wide range of benefits, including increased productivity, stronger relationships and a bigger bottom line. By providing employees with branded corporate swag, you’re shaping how people feel about your culture and identity. For example, button-down shirts set a serious and professional image, while t-shirts create a casual one.
Create Buzz Around Your Brand
Every item you have made for your team – a t-shirt, polo shirt, water bottle, duffle bag – will be used out in public. This means that you get the additional benefit of generating buzz for your brand. Your brand name or logo will help you stand out against the crowd and create conversation, which offers more opportunities for your employees.
Each company is unique, and you don’t have to employ a strict uniform policy to see the above benefits. At the very least, utilize corporate apparel for special events, conferences and golf outings. It will make everyone feel like a part of the team – a winning team that is!
