Work Uniforms: Say Hello to the Halo Effect

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May 14, 2014, 09:22 ET

WILMINGTON, Mass., May 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- It's an everyday fact of life that many people tend to categorize others based on their appearance. For example, someone wearing glasses is often perceived as being smarter. Someone wearing a suit can be viewed as fashionable. Someone wearing jeans may be labeled as laid back.

Studies show consumers view employees who wear personalized company uniforms as being more professional, knowledgeable, and reliable than their non-uniformed counterparts. It's a psychological phenomenon known as a "Halo Effect." (PRNewsFoto/UniFirst Corporation)

For better or for worse, the perceived link between appearance and positive public perceptions is what social scientists refer to as the "halo effect," says Adam Soreff, Director of Marketing for UniFirst (www.unifirst.com), a leading provider of work uniforms, corporate attire, and facility service products to businesses throughout the U.S. and Canada.

"Basically, the 'halo effect' refers to when people judge others in a positive overall manner based entirely on a single, observed attribute," Soreff says. "It's what researchers refer to as having a positive cognitive bias. In the world of work apparel, for example, studies have shown that consumers overwhelmingly view employees who wear personalized company uniforms as being more professional, knowledgeable, and reliable than their non-uniformed counterparts. As a result, customers are more likely to do business with them."

The term "halo effect" was first coined during the early 20^th century by Edward Thorndike, a psychologist who used it to describe the way commanding officers perceived the overall abilities of their soldiers based upon a single positive trait. For example, in his studies, Thorndike found that favorable impressions of a soldier's physical appearance and uniform produced higher ratings for perceived "dependability."

Thorndike chose the term "halo effect" after noting how people assume that saints depicted in Renaissance era paintings with glowing haloes over their heads must have been "good" in every manner during their lives. (Conversely, alluding to Thorndike's studies, other behavioral researchers refer to such biases, when negative, as the "devil effect.")

The existence of the "halo effect" with respect to work uniforms was also demonstrated in a study conducted by J.D. Powers and Associates for the textile services industry. Among the study's many results, it revealed that consumers perceive employees who wear personalized work uniforms as wearing "halos" -- that is, that they take greater pride in their work and are, therefore, more capable of providing better products and services.

In today's highly competitive business world, Soreff says, incorporating what we know about the "halo effect" can be quite useful for any success-minded company. "A managed uniform program can really make the difference with public perception, and the difference between someone becoming your customer or a competitor's."

About UniFirst
UniFirst (NYSE: UNF), a North American leader in the supply and servicing of uniforms, workwear, and protective clothing, outfits more than 1.5 million workers each business day. The company's most popular brands include UniWeave®, SofTwill®, UniWear®, and Armorex FR®. UniFirst also offers Facility Service program, including floor mats, mops, and restroom products. For more information, contact UniFirst at 800-455-7654 or visit www.unifirst.com.

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SOURCE UniFirst Corporation