FC NOW: The Fast Company Weblog
August 26, 2005
Book 'Em, Dano
Yesterday, I was talking to a colleague about the importance of uniforms at work. "When you wear a uniform, you're in a different mindset," he said. It's true. Whether on the job or at a trade show, wearing a uniform -- even if it's just a suit and tie, business's traditional uniform -- means that you're focusing on performance.
In New York, actors are no longer allowed to buy or carry law enforcement uniforms -- even if their role requires them. And on the West Coast, the California Highway Patrol is targeting potential imposters, including Fast Company-profiled tech support team Geek Squad (access code required).
Clearly, it matters what uniform you wear, consciously or unconsciously. Do you wear a uniform -- of any kind -- to work?
Posted by Heath Row at August 26, 2005 10:31 AM | Category: culture |
8 Comments
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Sure! I'm in my uniform right not, as a mtter of fact. Boxer short, gap t-shirt withthe sleeves cut-out and a "Longboards" baseball cap. Not only am I more focused on being productive with this uniform on, I'm able to complete my regular work so blazingly fast that I have plenty of time left over to read Fast Company email and post these witty on-point comments! Without the uniform, I'm afraid I might be wondering the hallways of Corporation X trying to decided where to each lunch after hiding from my boss all day.
You know, I bet slavemasters would have told you that whipping slaves made them more focused and productive. Who is surprised that button-downed corporate-order types have fallen in love with this latest example or managing wizardry. After all, most managers love to embrace their inner-fascist anyway.
Imagine the delight of stepping out of your corner office to cubicles filled with busy little brown shirt clad beavers all working away at their little jobs with bright smiles and compliant attitudes -- ahhhh, isn't it dreamy, der Fuhrer?
Law's against wearing uniforms? Doesn't anyone ever stop and think how are rights are being eroded away because of laws like this? Wearind a uniform that looks like a policemen should not be against the law. Impersonating a police officer should be. Step by step....our rights are are going fast.
Law's against wearing uniforms? Doesn't anyone ever stop and think how are rights are being eroded away because of laws like this? Wearing a uniform that looks like a policemen should not be against the law. Impersonating a police officer should be. Step by step....our rights are are going fast.
There's a fascinating psychological experiment done back in the seventies about how many people will obey commands / believe ideas from people dressed as doctors on the street. Most did. (Well, if it looks like a doc, and walks like a doc, and quacks like a doc...)
The concept's called "expert power" - if someone fulfills all your expectations of being something because of the way they dress or talk, you're more likely to believe/obey them. Whether they're actually an expert or not is pretty irrelevant.
You can use the idea to your advantage and avoid disadvantages. A friend of mine has a military bearing and a precisely clipped BBC accent - and has obtained media access beyond most journalists, and was even regularly saluted during the job. He's never served a day in his life, but he fitted the idea better than most serving officers.
By contrast, I'm a web designer. The one time I tried a full suit and tie and a clipboard, people thought I was an external personnel study consultant (ie: "angel of death") and clammed up. People believe in my ability more if I look smart with a few geeky touches - fitted smart-casual top instead of shirt and tie, tennis shoes with the suit, etc...
We are having just such a debate amongst my union brothers and sisters (so you can just imagine the heatedness on both sides). Who determines what is an acceptable "uniform" (a/k/a dress code)?
The person who has been leading the uniform charge for years here in my office is, as I type (for real), wearing a powder blue sear sucker blazer, a turqoise shirt with sage colored khakis, hot pink woolen argyle socks with loafers, and a yellow bow tie.
Now I'm not sure how everyone else feels about this particular outfit, and it really is not for any one of us to judge. However, since often we are judged by our by appearance anyway, if I were in charge of determining what is, and what is not, acceptable at the work place, every one of those clothing items by themselves would have been on my list of unacceptable fashion (actually anywhere, not just at the workplace). Now luckily (or maybe unluckily) for this gentleman, I am not in charge, and I do not judge the quality of his work (or lack thereof) based on his clothing choices, nor would I impose any form of dress code (much to his chagrin) as I find dress codes to be subjective, capricious, and as mentioned in previous posts a form of fascism.
In this case (and in many others) uniforms are a form of disguise and control. Often, those who find uniforms an important issue in the workplace, are the same people who use the uniform as a disguise for their ineptitude, and their need to control others. If someone is good at their job, hopefully their talent is what gets noticed, and rewarded--style difference should be immaterial. Vice versa when someone is wearing the corporate uniform/disguise as a shield, I would hope that smart business people see through the uniform scam as well.
I realize that some positions require a certain type of style in order to be effective and (unfortunately) to be taken seriously, but I believe that if you are smart, talented, and good at what you do, you have already figured out what "uniform" will, or will not, be effective for you. What is troubling though is when uniforms becomes a corporate policy that is determined by others--fascism is really scary!
How about having coporate tell you what footwear is appropriate??!! I work for a Fortune 100 company and we had a memo last year about what is appropriate footwear for women. After someone fell down and broke an ankle they decided we all needed to be reminded that Wisconsin winters are hell. Included was a list of the appropriate footwear for women. And that we should wear warm boots to and from work. Only after arriving from the outdoors is it appropriate to don your high heels, sling back, or penny loafers. It has only been recently that sandals are acceptable -- but for women only. Why can't I wear my Nikes?
Just started with this company and got issued the company uniform, I was told at the interview there was one but did not expect this. Bib and Brace like I wore when I was 10 hated it then.They have the company logo on the left leg back pocket and the bib, sure as hell not going to forget who I work for. A jacket with the
company logo on the back, left pocket and sleave.
Then under there is even company boxer shorts, yes you have gussed with the company logo on, a T shirt vest, yes with company logo then a polo shirt with it on the left breast and left sleave.
Nearly forgot the steal toe caped shoes and baseball cap all manadatory as I had to sign a contract of employment. As they did not stipulate what the uniform was to be do I have to wear it? the contract just said uniform, anybody help with any advise. It is not even needed for the job in terms of protection as I am mainly on the phone or on the computer dealing with customer questions.
It has the oposite effect on me, I do not feel proud I feel degraded and very self concious.
I would love the guy who thought of this to have to wear it. I am sure they must want you to feel this way and under there control.
Tim
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