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2015
AVIDERE, LLC
3/1/2015
p. 801-653-9000
16 Steps To Creating A Healthcare Uniform Program
[16 STEPS TO CREATING A HEALTHCARE UNIFORM PROGRAM ] March 1, 2015
AVIDERE, LLC. ©2014, All Rights Reserved. | p 801.653.9000 | www.avidereimage.com 2
Your employees’ image is impacting your bottom line if you lack clear role distinction among
healthcare professionals, permit any uniform style or color regardless of position, sport an assortment of
uncoordinated uniform prints, or lack harmony between your medical and non-medical teams.
To compete in today’s market your hospital must exhibit a patient-centered atmosphere and ensure
patient safety and satisfaction. You can’t afford a patient mistaking a housekeeper for a nurse or a
physician assigning a patient to the wrong medical professional. From the moment a patient or visitor
enters your hospital they should feel they are in good hands.
Your staff must consistently display a high level of professionalism throughout your entire organization.
Your hospital uniform program plays a major role in your employees’ appearance and healthcare image.
Indeed, your uniform program is an extension of your company brand---either weakening or strengthening
your healthcare image.
Your healthcare image is outdated if you answer no to any of the following:
Do employees project a ‘consistent,' professional image throughout your organization?
Based on appearance alone would you feel safe receiving medical care at your institution?
Does your professional medical team look competent and organized?
Can patients and physicians easily discern between healthcare professionals?
Can patients tell your hospital staff apart from other hospitals?
Can patients discern between your medical and non-medical teams?
Do your patient safety and satisfaction scores align with your hospital goals?
Does your uniform program reflect the image standards and values of your institution?
A well-designed uniform program visually unites your healthcare team and lets patients know they can
expect to receive the same quality of care throughout the organization regardless of their medical needs.
Conversely, an ill-defined uniform program can create an unkempt, disorganized appearance, and cause
patients to seek medical care from a healthcare provider that presents a more competent, professional
image. While having a skilled staff who offers quality medical care is most important, patients are less
likely to feel safe in an environment that looks unprofessional.
Your company uniform program largely determines your healthcare image and getting it right is essential
to ensure patient safety and satisfaction and employee buy-in. In this white paper, Avidere, an image
consulting firm specializing in healthcare image branding, shares the image strategies and best practices
it employs while consulting with its healthcare clients throughout the years.
“Patients have a choice in the healthcare provider that they choose. Your employees’ image
either weakens or strengthens your healthcare image. A well-designed uniform program helps
to increase the professional appearance of your staff, increase patient safety, and distinguish
your organization as a leading healthcare provider in the marketplace.”
– Roberta Hughes, CEO & President, AVIDERE
[16 STEPS TO CREATING A HEALTHCARE UNIFORM PROGRAM ] March 1, 2015
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1. Uniform Color Selection. The most important decision you will make regarding your uniform
program will be the colors you select for your healthcare institution. Color invokes a multitude of
emotions, either positive or negative, and directly affects your patients’ experience.
A well-designed color program can help increase patient satisfaction and visually create a quiet, calm
environment for optimum rest and healing. A clearly defined uniform color program can help increase
patient safety as staff and patients can easily discern between healthcare professionals. Furthermore,
a staff that can quickly distinguish between medical positions across different facilities and floors
helps to increase work efficiency and reduce potential errors.
Colors can be combined endlessly to communicate different messages and create a unique
experience for your patients. If not correctly chosen, your uniform colors can have an adverse effect
on your patients. To help you design an effective color program for your healthcare organization,
consider these strategies:
Distinguish healthcare professionals by color to help patients and visitors easily discern
between staff roles. A patient should not confuse a nurse who provides medical care with
environmental services who cleans the bathroom. Clear uniform color distinction is essential
to ensure your institution’s patient safety and satisfaction scores are not negatively impacted.
Colors should uniquely brand your institution and create a distinctive experience for your
patients and visitors. While incorporating your company logo colors may be a good place to
start, it should not be the only factor. Colors that look good in a logo may not appear
attractive on your staff. In fact, some colors can cause your staff to appear tired or
unhealthy---not exactly the best message for a healthcare environment.
Select colors that complement, not compete with, or fade into the hospital interior
décor. Staff uniforms should enhance the environment, not blend in so much that they match
the walls or chairs so precisely that the hospital atmosphere appears bland, depressing or
monotonous. Patients and visitors should feel uplifted when visiting your hospital or clinic.
Consider the colors currently worn by other healthcare institutions in your area.
Patients should know exactly where they are the moment they walk into your hospital. If
nurses in two neighboring hospitals both wear navy blue uniforms for instance, it can be
difficult for patients to ‘visually’ distinguish the experience between the two institutions.
Distinguish professional medical staff colors from students to clearly delineate expertise
for patients and physicians. Doing so will help minimize confusion and costly errors.
Use colors in the appropriate context to communicate the right message. Not all colors
are suited for every department and role; certain shades of red, for instance, mirror the color
of blood. Lab technicians who draw patient’s blood wearing red uniforms can increase
patient anxiety.
Know the different moods and strengths associated with each color. Every color is
available in different shades---light, dark, bright or dull---and each have an innate meaning
associated with it that conveys a unique message and creates a unique experience for your
patients.
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Use colors in the appropriate amount. The more a particular color is seen throughout the
organization, the more dominant the image or message. Furthermore, a color used for one
department may project one message when viewed separately but can have a different effect
when viewed in conjunction with the entire hospital color palette.
Know what colors are available in the marketplace. Uniform manufacturers continually
add new colors and eliminate others. Some colors may be available for a season or only
available in select styles so be sure to verify the longevity of your uniform colors prior to
purchasing. Additionally, similar colors may appear differently depending on the uniform
fabric and color dye used. For best results, invest in the highest garment quality you can
afford to increase the longevity of your uniform program and ensure color consistency.
2. Uniform Prints. A carefully chosen print can help distinguish an institution and add levity to a
hospital environment. Conversely, an improper print style can give the wrong impression and diminish
the professionalism of the organization and its staff. The print color(s), size, spacing, and design
determine the overall professional appearance of the uniform and your employees.
A large variety of prints exist in the marketplace and range from floral, geometric, polka-dot, stripe,
cartoon characters, and unique designs for holidays and special causes such as breast cancer
awareness. The print colors, shapes and sizes all communicate largely different messages and
create different experiences for your patients. Use these guidelines to help you select the best print
for your organization.
Select prints that create a calming or cheerful mood. Some prints can be too busy or loud and
visually raise the noise factor of your institution or irritate or offend patients. The key is to
select the right print in the correct context to project a professional image. Tweedy bird
cartoon images for instance, may not be appropriate in a surgical center but could help
brighten the atmosphere of a children’s clinic.
Consider prints for special occasions. Prints supporting a special cause such as breast
cancer awareness or seasonal prints worn on specific holidays can help lighten the
atmosphere and offer your staff variety. To maintain professionalism and order, you’ll want to
regulate print styles and color options.
Choose prints will one dominant color theme. To avoid confusion, select a print that has one
dominant color so patients can clearly discern between staff positions. Patients should be
able to reference the staff member who is wearing ‘blue’ or ‘red’ for instance, not blue-red-
white-yellow. Clinics located in remote areas of the building or outside of the hospital can
usually wear multi-colored prints more easily as there are fewer staff roles to discern.
Environmental Services who typically wear a solid scrub top for instance, might wear a
printed scrub top to further separate their role from your nursing staff.
Select re-orderable prints. Where possible, choose a common, re-oderable print in tonal
colors. Otherwise, you’ll need to store additional uniforms to have on hand for new hires or
plan to purchase new prints every season (usually every six months) depending on the
supplier. For this reason, you’ll want to select prints in core colors so you can easily replace
them without redefining your uniform color program.
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3. Uniform Embroidery. Embroidering uniforms helps to further distinguish your institution and
increase security. Typically, a company logo and title sewn on the uniform’s upper left chest area is
easy to read when shaking hands with a patient or visitor. For best results, use a clear, legible font in
an appropriate color that is readable up to two or three feet away. An identification that is hard to
read negates the purpose of embroidery so if it is hard to read both the logo and title, consider listing
only the company name. Embroidery costs vary by supplier and some offer discount pricing with
volume purchasing. Be sure to check your state laws prior to embroidering uniforms as some
mandate that corporations furnish embroidered uniforms.
4. Uniform Selection. For speed of implementation and simplicity purposes, it can be tempting to
select staff uniform styles without considering their needs, but taking this short cut could cost you
thousands of dollars in the long run. If the wrong styles are chosen you run the risk of having
dissatisfied employees or needing to invest more money to order better quality uniforms, thereby
increasing your program cost and delaying rollout. Employee job functions, body type, fit needs and
fabric preferences should all be carefully considered prior to purchasing uniforms. An ER nurse
working three, twelve hour shifts lifting and supporting patients various needs may require a different
uniform than a therapist who conducts more administrative tasks, for instance.
5. Uniform Fabric. Manufacturers provide a variety of fabric choices and are ever expanding to offer
new fit, comfort and functionality. Uniforms are designed with specific performance advantages to
accommodate different job functions and personal comfort preferences---from flexible or sturdy to
wrinkle-free or stain resistant, for example. Progressive manufacturers continually invest in
technology to help advance fabric performance functions. Indeed, you can expect to see new fabrics
that will help fight germs, improving staff and patient safety.
The fabric used to construct the garment largely determines the comfort, fit, function and
maintenance of the uniform---which ultimately determines the professional image of your staff. As
employees may be sensitive to certain fabrics, it’s best to offer several uniform fabric options.
Knowing the different advantages between fabrics will help you select the best uniforms for your staff
and budget.
6. Uniform Styles. There are three uniform program style options to consider. The choices include a)
using existing uniforms in the marketplace as is, b) style existing uniform pieces in a unique way to
create a custom look for your institution, or c) work directly with the manufacturer to custom design
uniforms for your organization. Program cost and implementation timelines varies by style selection.
A well designed uniform program should be sustainable for several years, if not more. Investing in
the right uniform manufacturer is essential to maximize your investment. Uniform style options vary
by manufacturer. There are hundreds of ready-to-wear uniform styles in the marketplace to choose
from, ranging from modern in design to more classic. The uniform style(s) you choose for your
organization should reflect your core values. For instance, to project a modern, innovative image you
might select uniforms with cutting-edge design details such as color contrast stitching.
Regardless of your choice, uniform styles should appeal to your staff to ensure employee satisfaction
and appear coordinated between your medical and non-medical staff to create a harmonious
experience for your patients. Large disparity between professional dress standards and uniform
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styles and colors can create a busy, uncoordinated appearance and communicate conflicting
messages. A well designed uniform program should visually unite your professional team and let
patients know they can expect the same level of care throughout your healthcare institution. To
achieve this objective consider the following:
Scrub uniforms in general are the most casual garment your staff can wear next to a T-shirt
and sweats. For this reason, the right colors, fabric, fit and uniform styles must be chosen to
represent your healthcare organization. Some fabrics hold their color and shape longer than
others, and other colors appear more casual than another, thereby affecting your healthcare
image. Familiarize yourself with the different uniform advantages offered by manufacturers to
ensure you receive the best value for your investment.
Scrub styles vary greatly and range from solid colors and classic body styles, color contrast
stitching and trimming, color blocking or prints and fashion-forward silhouettes. Each style
communicates largely different messages and should be carefully considered by department
and function to enhance the patient’s experience and the image of the healthcare institution.
Employees tend to favor specific uniform tops and pants according to their fit and comfort
needs. For best results, be sure to factor your employees’ most important uniform
requirements to ensure employee satisfaction.
Color coordinate layered garments (such as the T-shirt worn under a scrub top or a warm-up
jacket worn over it) to increase the professional image of your staff and maintain uniformity.
Layered garments such as hoodies or sweaters worn in various colors create an unkempt,
uncoordinated look and negate your uniform program.
Lab coats are available in different lengths and styles and basic white or other trendy colors
such as navy, black, gray and wine. Generally, the longer the hemline, the more formal the
look. Physicians and pharmacists might wear a long white lab coat and head nurses may
wear short lab coats for instance, to distinguish their expertise.
Non-medical uniforms mirror business casual and professional attire made of more durable
fabric to help increase the longevity of your uniform program. Just as a T-shirt or a jacket
communicates largely different messages about a person and the organization, so do the
uniforms your employees wear. Careful consideration should be given to the styles worn by
your non-medical team. For increased employee satisfaction and professionalism, offer
different uniform fit and style options to accommodate personal preferences and provide
alternation services where needed. Ill-fitting clothes are uncomfortable to wear and are
distracting to your patients as employees adjust their uniform throughout the day. Employees
who feel and look good provide better customer service and enhance the image of your
organization.
Footwear options including color, style, and shoe laces should be clearly outlined for staff to
follow to ensure a consistent image from head to toe. Bright tennis shoes or shoe laces worn
with dress pants or bright orange crocs worn with blue scrub pants looks unprofessional and
is distracting. Listing acceptable footwear and shoe lace colors and styles should be
sufficient.
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7. Uniform Sizes. Manufacturers offer uniforms in a variety of sizes and fit options ranging from missy
fit, classic, modern, and unisex. The hospital uniform program should accommodate diverse
employee sizes ranging from XS – 5XL at a minimum, and fit lengths for petite and tall, to avoid
discriminating anyone and to ensure image consistency. Unisex uniforms designed for both men and
women and can be an alternative solution for pregnant women or plus size employees, but gender
specific sizing is optimum where possible. Some manufacturers offer maternity uniforms in select
colors only; a scrub top worn with a skirt or neutral unisex pant can be an alternative interim solution.
8. Uniform Fit. An effective healthcare uniform program offers employees’ diverse uniform style
options to accommodate different body types, style, and fit preferences. The size and fabric used to
construct the garment help determine the uniform’s fit and comfort. There are many uniform options
available to you in the marketplace to help make it easier for you to meet the unique fit preferences of
your staff at an affordable price.
To ensure a consistent image throughout your organization, set specific uniform fitting requirements
before selecting and ordering employee uniforms. Employees should be able to pinch an inch of
fabric along the side seam of the top and pant for a professional fit. Any more or less than this, the
uniform is likely too tight or too loose.
Uniform size charts and employee fitting sessions can also help define appropriate fit options. Some
uniform suppliers conduct on-site employee fitting sessions, others require employees to visit a local
retailer, and some offer free uniform returns and exchanges allowing your staff to replace uniforms if
a fitting session is not provided onsite or the retailer only operates an online store.
As with standard business attire, some non-medical uniforms may require alterations to ensure the
garment fits your employees properly. Employees who wear ill-fitted clothing diminish the
effectiveness of your uniform program and adversely impact your image. Invest in alterations as
needed to present a consistent, professional look throughout your organization.
9. Uniform Maintenance. To maintain dress code compliance long after your initial program roll-out,
include uniform fitting standards and wash and care maintenance guidelines in your company image
policy. Stained, torn or faded uniforms diminish the professionalism of your staff and organization.
Uniform tops worn too tight or baggy create a sloppy, unprofessional look. Pants that are worn too
low can reveal employee undergarments or drag on the floor, creating an unkempt appearance and
safety hazard.
10. Uniform Quantity. The number of uniform sets you provide employees will vary by department, job
function, and work schedule. For instance, radiology, who typically work five days a week, may need
more sets to sustain them during the week than a speech therapist who may work three days a week
performing less intensive tasks.
On average, the number of uniform sets provided for medical staff is three. Some healthcare
institutions offer more uniforms while others offer less depending on their budget and image goals. As
a sign of goodwill, consider providing employees their initial set of uniforms to offset the cost of the
company program. After all, employees will likely not be able to wear any uniforms they purchased
over the years.
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Providing your staff their initial uniforms, will help increase employee satisfaction and morale, ensure
your company uniform program is rolled out in a timely manner and helps your staff present a
consistent image. Otherwise, your uniform program, and your healthcare image is dependent upon
when your staff can afford to take time off work and buy their new uniforms and whether their color
and size is in stock.
11. Uniform Program Types. The cost of your healthcare uniform program will be determined based on
the number of uniform sets you provide employees and the type of uniform program you employ.
Medical uniform sets (top and bottom) range anywhere from $20 - $60 each depending on the
uniform quality, functions and design selected. Non-medical uniforms vary from $20 for basic polo
shirts on up to $75+ for sweaters, jackets and slacks.
Uniforms can be leased or purchased and the benefits vary as outlined below:
A uniform rental program allows you to rent the use of the uniforms until you no longer need
them. A rental program can be a cheaper way to enter a company uniform program initially,
but over time you may end up paying more for the uniforms depending on the life of the
program. In a rental program, uniform style options are typically limited and laundry services
are provided to ensure the safety of staff and patients in restricted areas such as surgery or
to ensure cleanliness for employees working in food and nutrition.
A uniform purchase program requires an investment up front and typically offers several
advantages including price volume discounts, a greater selection of styles and sizes for your
staff, and uniform embroidery.
A uniform lease to buy program is common with some larger healthcare organizations where
the need for both programs service the company diverse needs between medical and non-
medical divisions. Carefully consider your investment options to select the plan that works
best for your institution.
A well designed uniform program should be sustainable for several years, if not longer. Investing in
the right uniform manufacturer and product is essential to maximizing your investment. To ensure
employee satisfaction, be sure uniforms meet the most important requirements by staff position.
While it may be tempting to budget one price for all uniforms, a role-based program is more effective
long-term.
Many suppliers provide savings with an initial hospital order and subsequent discounts for on-going
purchases made by employees throughout the years. Pricing and support services largely vary by
vendor so know your options prior to making a purchase commitment. Fully understanding the
service value provided by the vendor can make all the difference in rolling out a successful uniform
program or not. Selecting the least expensive option should not be your only consideration. A poorly
designed uniform program can cost you thousands of dollars and additional time and resources if not
properly defined and managed.
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12. Uniform Cost-Sharing. There are three ways to help offset the cost of your hospital uniform
program and each has different advantages and disadvantages as outlined.
Employees purchase uniforms at a discount price. Your healthcare institution negotiates
premium pricing with the vendor(s), and employees buy their uniforms at a discount price.
The result is there are no upfront costs for the organization and employees benefit from the
buying power of the company. The potential drawback, however is a delayed program roll-out
as employees order uniforms based on their personal budget allotment and time availability.
Uniform color or style inconsistency could arise if employees purchase from different
resources, and the program is not properly managed.
The organization finances employee purchases. The hospital subsidizes uniform costs by
negotiating discounts with the vendor(s) and offer staff payroll deduction over two or three
pay periods. The benefit of doing so helps employees afford higher quality uniforms
regardless of their income and your hospital implements a new image program in a timely
fashion.
The hospital purchases the employees’ initial uniforms. The company purchases the uniforms
direct from the vendor up front and the employees order their size and assigned color through
the supplier’s website. If desired, employees can purchase additional uniform sets outside
your institution’s budget simply by selecting their preferred payment option approved by the
hospital such as payroll deduction or their personal credit card.
13. Uniform Manufacturers. The uniform brand(s) you purchase largely determine your employees’
professional appearance and the longevity of your healthcare uniform program. Knowing the
difference between manufacturers and the brands they offer is vital to the success of your program.
Manufacturers operate clothing mills in various countries and construct uniforms to suit different
service industries and occupations, and typically sell their product through distribution channels.
Uniform price points vary by manufacturer according to their product offering. There are numerous
uniform styles to choose from in various construction quality, fabrics, colors, sizes, and design detail.
You can custom design a company uniform program by purchasing ready-to-wear uniforms through
the manufacturer’s supply chain or, depending on the order size, some manufacturers will custom
design uniforms for you for a fee and order commitment. To protect your investment, purchase
uniforms made by a manufacturer who has a proven track record in quality product, reliable delivery
and company sustainability. Manufacturers best suited for group programs possess these attributes:
Offer a variety of uniform styles in different fabrics, colors, and price points
Stock product in standard uniform sizes and core group colors
Deliver products to their supply chain in a timely and efficient manner
Process and ship large purchase orders with speed and accuracy
Stand behind their product and guarantees customer satisfaction
Drives product research and innovation to help improve uniform performance
Demonstrate product reliability and company sustainability
Partners with other solution providers to support your service needs
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14. Uniform Retailers. The primary role of a retailer is to handle uniform order and fulfillment. Retailers
largely vary in size, product selection, and services depending on their market and specialty. Some
provide medical uniforms, non-medical attire, or both, and others offer embroidery services or
outsource it to a third party who does. Select retailers also partner with image consulting firms that
specialize in image branding, uniform program design, and project management services to help
hospitals implement a uniform program.
There are literally hundreds of uniform options available for you to choose from in the marketplace.
Not all uniforms are suited for group programs so you’ll want to verify which styles are re-orderable. A
good retail partner will provide you with product samples to evaluate prior to purchasing and place
orders according to your needs rather than what they have available on the shelf. Additionally,
retailers can usually see the manufacturer’s inventory levels and can therefore tell you in advance if
your product selection is available.
The healthcare landscape continues to change as retailers strive to adapt to the new demands of the
market. Not all retailers are equipped to handle hospital group orders as the business model and
support needs largely vary to do so. A retail partner suitable to handle group programs is well versed
in the manufacturers’ products, offers a variety of uniform options, and is equipped to handle large
orders in a short period. Understanding the difference between the different retailers will help you
choose the best vendor for your needs.
Smaller retailers have one or two stores, are usually locally owned and managed, and
service a narrow market. They typically process small, transactional sales in their store during
set business hours, offer a limited product selection, and are best suited to handle individual
purchases in lower quantity.
Larger retailers have five or more stores, service multiple markets, and usually have an on-
site store presence. A retail partner who supports large group orders possess the business
acumen and resources to handle local and national program roll-outs has invested in
technology to track employee information such as their job position, department, budget and
uniform size and color. They can also order and distribute high volume orders, setup
employee payroll deduction and other purchasing options, provide a customized website for
employees to easily purchase their uniforms, offer on-site employee fitting sessions, and ship
product to your hospital or the employee’s home.
On-line retailers do not have a storefront and, therefore, carry less overhead that means
they can transfer the savings on to you. They are not bound to any geographic location, store
hours, or inventory limitations, and can scale to fit your needs as a result. Many also have the
technology, resources and buying power as other large retail chains and can help you outfit
your medical and non-medical teams in a timely and cost-effective manner. While they do not
have a retail store you may visit, many on-line retailers offer similar services as large retailers
do including a customized website, payroll deduction, on-site employee fitting sessions and
discount shipping solutions.
Depending on the supplier, employees can order their uniforms through an on-line retail store or a
private company website, and either pick up their uniforms or have them delivered to the hospital or
their home. To ensure order accuracy and dress code compliance, select a retail partner that offers
online order and fulfillment tracking services. Doing so will allow you to manage the uniform styles
your employees order and ensure timely delivery.
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15. Program Management. Implementing a company uniform program is no small undertaking and
requires thoughtful planning, skillful management and effective communication. It also requires
organizational change management leadership as you seek to modify employees’ dress options and
raise the image standards of the organization. How the uniform selection process is executed will
largely affect the success of the program. There are three ways to roll-out a company uniform
program:
Management selects the uniform colors and styles the staff will wear. While this option is the
quickest to speed of implementation, it does not consider employee unique needs by role,
and could therefore affect employee morale and satisfaction. The result is an ineffective
uniform program that will likely need to be revised, costing the company more money and
resources in the long run.
Employees participate in the uniform selection process. Involving employees is important but
without proper program management it can be difficult to reach a consensus within the
organization, require more resources and take longer to implement a uniform program.
A committee is formed to represent the general needs of the staff and sign-off on strategic
decisions for the organization. This approach helps employees feel valued and have their
most important needs considered while ensuring a cost-effective, timely project
implementation. Department leaders from key areas should be part of the committee to
ensure the team’s needs are met, and an objective, balanced perspective is given.
Otherwise, individuals who oppose the dress changes may offer a more biased view and
overshadow program objectives and possibly delay project implementation.
Typically, five key management members assist with implementing the company uniform program.
The amount of time required of each individual will depend on which program model you use and
whether you outsource project management to a third party. Program management typically includes
the following resources:
COO provides senior direction and signs-off on the company uniform program and budget.
CNO approves uniform color and style selections and dress policies for the nursing staff.
Human Resources oversee project initiatives and handles program implementation including
staff meetings, dress policy changes and employee training, and vendor communication.
Purchasing handles vendor setup and product purchasing and delivery.
Marketing communicates company image objectives to staff and its new image and patient
service objectives to the general public.
Image consulting firms who specialize in uniform program design and implementation can lead the
project and only involve management in critical company decisions. This method frees up valuable
company resources to focus on other important business objectives while still keeping the project on
task.
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16. Program Implementation. Instituting a company uniform program can create anxiety among staff.
Staff engagement and participation in decision-making are vital to successful implementation of
organizational change such as a color coded uniform program. The more employees are removed
from the decision process and the less involved they are in the creation of the company uniform
program the more trepidation builds. Employees resent having a uniform program thrust upon them
with little regard for what they think or feel.
To build staff trust and support deep within the company and inspire employee voluntary cooperation,
you will need to build in a program execution strategy from the start. By doing so, you will minimize
the risk of employee distrust in management, noncooperation, and discontent. While it is unlikely you
will satisfy everyone, taking the following actions will minimize employee issues, encourage greater
support and help you roll-out a successful company uniform program.
Administer surveys to identify employee needs. Create buy-in up front and keep the project
on schedule by selectively involving staff in the program creation process. Engage
employees in strategic decisions affecting them by asking for their input through focus group
meetings or on-line surveys. Understanding their uniform needs and desires will help you
build an effective uniform program that employees support and ensure dress code
compliance.
Communicate management decisions. Everyone involved and affected by the company
uniform program changes should understand why the decision was made and what benefits
and results the organization expects to achieve. An explanation of the thinking that underlines
the decisions makes individuals confident that management has considered their opinions
and has made decisions impartially in the overall interests of the company and patients. An
explanation allows employees to trust managers’ intentions even if their own ideas have been
rejected. It also serves as a powerful feedback loop that enhances communication.
Update company image policies. Policy adherence requires that after the uniform program
strategy is set, management state clearly the new image and appearance policies. Although
the expectations may be viewed demanding, employees should know up front what
professional standards they will be held to and what consequences will be enforced if they fail
to comply. Management should also be held accountable to enforce policies to maintain
program integrity.
Provide employee image training. Offering employee image training either prior or
immediately following program implementation increases the success of your new uniform
program and ensures the return on your investment. You minimize costly litigation issues and
help foster a patient-centered culture by helping employees understand why their image
matters, how their image impacts the company’s image and the patient’s experience, and
what image principles should be practiced to ensure dress code compliance.
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AVIDERE IMAGE CONSULTING SERVICES
Contact Avidere if you would like help creating a healthcare image plan and a sustainable uniform
program that is cost-effective, appealing to your staff, improves patient safety and satisfaction, and saves
you time and money. Avidere industry knowledge and image expertise helps you avoid costly mistakes
and manages the entire process for you, allowing valuable company resources to focus on other
important business objectives. To schedule a consultation please call 801-653-9000.
CONSULTING SERVICES DESCRIPTION
Healthcare Image Assessment PHASE 1
Improve your company image with a healthcare image plan by Avidere. Using our proprietary system, we’ll conduct an on-site assessment of your facility and employee uniforms, identify your image strengths and weaknesses, and recommend image strategies to help improve your healthcare image.
RESULTS:
Know how your patients and visitors perceive you Understand what changes are required in your
appearance policies to help ensure dress code compliance
Save money by identifying and prioritizing uniform needs by hospital division and purchase only what you need to achieve your image goals
Build a consistent and harmonious uniform program between your medical and non-medical staff
Build a uniform program that satisfies your staff top uniform needs and increase employee satisfaction
Receive unbiased, expert advice and guided leadership to improve your healthcare image
Uniform Program Design:
Color Branding
PHASE 2
Avidere color experts possess a keen understanding of the semiotic signs of color and visual communication, giving you a competitive image advantage. A custom designed color program by Avidere will improve patient safety and satisfaction, uniquely brand your institution, and create a positive experience for your patients.
RESULTS:
Receive a custom color palette recommendation for your healthcare institution
Increase patient safety and satisfaction with clear role distinction by color
Foster patient rest and healing using colors that visually help reduce noise and create a calm environment
Create a color coordinated look across your medical and non-medical teams
Select colors that compliment your facility and enhance your staff appearance
Use the right color(s) for the appropriate context Distinguish your facility from other institutions
[16 STEPS TO CREATING A HEALTHCARE UNIFORM PROGRAM ] March 1, 2015
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Uniform Program Design:
Style Creation PHASE 2
Avidere image experts design a custom uniform program that uniquely brands your healthcare institution. As an independent consulting firm, we offer a turn-key solution and an unbiased point of view to help you achieve your image goals within budget. Our industry knowledge, fashion expertise, and uniform supplier partnerships saves you time and money and ensures a successful program. RESULTS:
Receive a cost-effective, sustainable uniform program that increases patient satisfaction and safety
Build a cohesive uniform plan that creates a consistent, professional healthcare image across your medical and non-medical teams
Design a collaborative uniform program that strategically involves your staff to help increase employee satisfaction and support
Receive expert advice on which uniform styles, fabrics, prints, and colors work best by role
Program Implementation
PHASE 3
Avidere oversees the entire uniform design and implementation process for you allowing your company resources to focus on other important business objectives. Project leadership includes driving the decision process for color selection, uniform style choice, manufacturer and retail partner selection, employee fashion shows, fitting sessions, and order and fulfillment setup. RESULTS:
Guided leadership to avoid costly mistakes Shorten implementation time Identify best uniform vendor partner(s) and pricing Setup order and fulfillment and provide a customized
company website for easy employee ordering Increase employee satisfaction and buy-in with
facilitated uniform fittings and fashion shows Receive a turn-key solution that is easy to maintain
following implementation
Image Policies & Training PHASE 4
Avidere image training programs help you maximize the return on your uniform investment by helping employees understand why and how their image affects the professional image of your healthcare institution and your patients’ experience. RESULTS:
Project a consistent, professional image throughout the organization
Ensure dress code compliance and minimize image disparity among staff
Implement easy to understand dress code policies Eliminate expensive training administration fees and
deliver training on demand
Learn more at http://www.healthcareimagetraining.com/
Project Leadership
Vendor Selection
Employee Support
Order & Fulfillment
Implementation
[16 STEPS TO CREATING A HEALTHCARE UNIFORM PROGRAM ] March 1, 2015
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About Avidere
Avidere™ is an image consulting firm providing image services for
the past ten years to healthcare institutions, corporations and
individuals. We help healthcare organizations transform their image,
increase patient safety and satisfaction, and create a patient-
centered experience through our renowned image products and
services. Our services provide healthcare institutions a competitive
image advantage in the marketplace. As a leader in the image
industry, Avidere™ achievements include:
Healthcare uniform program design services
1st to introduce healthcare image training programs
Creator of The Power of Image™ Training Series
Fashion advisor to leading apparel manufacturers
Expert contributor in leading image trade publications
Television host of image and style shows
Leading fashion training company to industry professionals
Avidere Products & Services
The Power of Image™ Healthcare Professional DVD
The Power of Image™ Business Professional DVD
Healthcare Uniform Program Design
Healthcare Image Assessment
Image Seminars & Workshops
Dress Code Policies
Image Management Coaching Scripts
Employee Dress Distinction™ Style Guide
Employee Image Reference Guide
Leadership Image Coaching
About The Author Roberta Hughes, renowned image expert and
founder of Avidere, is a national speaker,
published author and the host of the nationally
acclaimed The Power of Image™ training
system. She is an expert in color and fashion
design and merchandising, and an image
consultant and fashion advisor to leading
apparel manufacturers and healthcare
providers. Roberta is featured in national
publications including WebMD, CNBC.com and
Counselor Magazine and on television
networks including ABC, CBS and NBC. She
has served on the editorial advisory board of Skin Inc Magazine and Uniform
Magazine and is a graduate of the Conselle Image Management Institute.
Featured In / On
WebMD
CNBC.com
NBC, KSL Studio 5
CBS, KUTV News
Fox 13 News
ABC, Good Things Utah
Job Club Radio
KSL Radio
Bride Access
The Beauty Show™
Skin Inc Magazine
Day Spa Magazine
Utah Business Magazine
Pulse Magazine
Uniform Magazine
Wearables Business
Counselor Magazine
Sample Client List
Scheels®
Cintas®
Landau®
Edwards Garment®
Strategic Partners Inc.
Holiday Inn®
RX America
United Way
Western University of Health
Science
Anthem Memory Care
West Tennessee Healthcare
St. Mark’s Hospital
Pearland Medical Center
Henderson County Hospital
Marquette General Hospital
University of Utah Healthcare
Nanticoke Health Systems
Sanford-Brown Institute
Gateway Aesthetic Institute
University of Michigan
Minnesota State University
TLC Nursing
Wells Fargo® Bank
Nash Healthcare System
Ocean Reef Club
Utah Valley University
Smith Barney
Reliable Runners
International Spa Association