Chapter 2 :- Uniforms

Uniforms:- Uniforms are outfits of a specified material, colour,and design, usually provided by the establishment, for certain staff such that all employees is an equivalent or similar position wear identical outfits. 

(A.) Advantages of Providing Uniforms to Staff:- 

• They ensure a well-groomed appearance for staff. 
• They help to create an atmosphere or set the scene. For example, a uniform may match the decor or the theme of the property. 
• They help identify the hotel staff and their position to the guest. 
• They help differentiate between staff and guests. 
• If made in the right design for work,they provide comfort for the staff. 
• They instil a feeling of belongingness and loyalty to the establishment among the staff. 
• They enhance the spirit of teamwork. 
• They allow employees to save money on working clothes and costs of laundering. 
• Some uniforms may have a protective role. 
• It is easier for staff to take up messy jobs when they know that their own clothes are not involved.
• Some uniforms may confer prestige on the wearer.

(B.) Issuing and Exchange of Uniforms ; Type of Uniforms:-

Issuing Uniforms to New Employees:-

• In case of new employees, uniforms are issued against a authorization letter received from the personnel department. 
• The employee is required to sign for his or her particular uniform. 
• A uniform issue slip is also provided to the employee by the personnel department to let him/her prove that he/she is a new employee and is part of the organization. 
• The uniform is then issued from the linen room, where the name of the department and the items issued are entered in the register and the signature of the employee is taken. 

Issuing Uniforms to Regular Employees:- 

• Uniforms are usually given to employees on a one-for-one basis, that is, one fresh uniform for a soiled one.
• On leaving the organization, an employee has to get a signature for 'uniform clearance 'from the linen room supervisor, failing which the last pay cheque is withheld. 

Uniform Exchange Procedure:-

• A regular register (see Exhibit 18.3) in which the movement of uniforms is recorded is maintained by the linen and uniform room supervisor. The procedure is as follows:-
• For regular employees, ensure that they have arrived for uniform exchange at the stipulated time. 
• Check the uniform being returned for any damage.
• Issue a fresh uniform strictly on a one-for-one basis, ensuring that it is of the correct size and name (if the uniform is specially tailored for a person).
• Make out the uniform exchange slip (see Exhibit 18.4) in duplicate only when the employee deposits a soiled uniform and takes the clean one on the following day. In order to put forth his/her claim, the employee has to produce the uniform slip, authorizing his/her entitlement to the uniforms. The original uniform slip is given to the employee and the duplicate retained in the uniform exchange slip book. 
• If the soiled uniform is found to be damaged such that it can be mended, warn the employee. If the uniform cannot be mended,  report the matter to the supervisor. 

(C.) Selection and Designing of Uniforms:- 

• Terrycots are the most popular choice for uniforms as they have the advantages of both natural and synthetic fibres. 
• Suiting materials are used for trousers and skirts. 
• Drill (cotton) is the popular choice for cook's coats and aprons as it is cool,durable, and easy to maintain. 
• Gaberdine or any white suiting material may be used for chef's coats,as they keep up appearances.

Points to be Considered while Designing Uniforms:-

1. General profile of the employees - The cultural background, age,and so on of the hotel's employees need to be kept in mind along with the hotel's ethos and the employees work profiles. 
2. Image and identity of the property- If the hotel wants to create a desirable, eye-catching, smart, efficient, and professional image, the uniforms should be chosen to reflect, and indeed create, this impression. 
3. Comfort in wear - This depends on the right fabric being used, and even more important on a good fit. 
4. Purpose of work - Designing for the purpose of the work is of paramount importance. Pockets are an important part of designing. 
5. Appearance and style - While keeping in mind the environment of the establishment, a uniform should be designed in such a way that it will look equally good on the stout and thin, the tall and short. 
6. Climatic conditions of the place - These must be considered especially if the hotel is not centrally air-conditioned. 
7. Budget and value for money -  In the selection of fabric for uniforms, one should keep in mind the allocated budget, and seek value for money. Laundering and maintaining uniforms is a challenge. 
8. Fabric - Fabric selection is also a critical factor to consider when purchasing material for uniforms. Cotton outfits are preferred as uniforms because they are porous and more absorbent than polyester and cotton blends.
9. Ease of availability of materials - The fabric and accessories chosen for the uniforms must be readily available whenever new uniforms are required. 
10. Staff turnover - This is another challenge. Free-size uniforms can be used in high -turnover areas to address this. 

(D.) Layout of the Uniform Room:- 

Key Terms:-

• Drill :- Hardwearing, smooth cotton fabric, twill-or satin- woven ,which is used for shirts,trousers, and uniforms. 
• Dungarees :- Coveralls or overalls made of hardwearing denim or calico material, worn by the maintenance crew in hotels. They typically have multiple pockets to keep the tools handy.
• Gaberdine:- A strong fabric in a tight twill weave, it is made from worsted ,man-made fibre, or blends. The fabric is used for suits,dresses,sportswear,and uniforms. 
• Par Level :- The standard number of each inventoried item that must be on hand to support daily, routine housekeeping operations. 
• Toque :- A toque is the traditional headgear for chefs. It is a type of hat with a narrow brim or no brim at all. They were made popular by the 13th century French chefs.