Survey Reveals Industry’s Perceived Value of Uniforms

CLEVELAND — In December 2005, PCT sent out an e-mail survey asking our readers various questions about company uniforms. The survey was sent out to 500 random readers, of which 249 responded. The survey revealed some interesting findings about the use of company uniforms within the pest control industry.

Not surprisingly, 90% of respondents indicated that their employees wear some sort of uniform. Employees most likely to wear uniforms were field technicians (94%), although a significant percentage of management (54%) and sales personnel (59%) also wear uniforms.

More than 90% of those surveyed said that they believe uniformed employees gives a company a competitive advantage.

The No. 1 reason employees wear uniforms is for professionalism (97%) while identification (84%), and protection & safety (53%) also were popular reasons. Those who responded that they do not wear uniforms cited a variety of reasons, including lack of comfort, serving in positions where uniforms aren’t necessary (e.g., office personnel) and company size.

The uniform provider in the pest control industry whose name first comes to mind is Cintas (25%), followed by WearGuard (10%) and Aramark (8%). (Editor’s note: Aramark acquired WearGuard in 1992, but still manufacturers the WearGuard line of work clothes.)