Staff Uniforms

[MrPIC]

Hi everyone, I've been thinking recently about rail staff uniforms, and the impacts they have on not only corporate image, but also on staff attitude and morale. I'm a firm believed that a high quality, smart uniform goes a long way to helping staff feel more professional and therefore perform a little better. Obviously there's some people who you could dress in the smartest uniform imaginable and will still be useless, but I think for most people a good uniform goes a long way to improving their own view of themselves and their abilities.
I don't want this to descend into a privatisation vs nationalisation debate, but personally i think a common uniform for UK rail staff would improve cohesiveness amongst staff, not just amongst ourselves but also to the public. What are your thoughts on the power or not of a good uniform? Also, what are your thoughts regarding management wearing uniforms or not? Personally I think it would do wonders for everyone if a common uniform was worn by all grades, with perhaps "branch" or "specialisation" badges or patches, and of course a distinction or other for management (certainly not any form of "rank" slides).
Thoughts?

 

[Jonfun]

I actually think a system of rank slides wouldn't be a bad idea. Different colour for the different tranches of staff, eg Catering staff could be blue, Operations staff could be white, revenue staff could be red. BR did a similar thing with their stripes.

Overall I'd actually prefer to see a more military style uniform (formal wear, rather than camoflauge gear and ballistic vests!) which I think would instill a greater amount of respect from the passengers, and more discipline from the staff.

 

[TheEdge]

Something which many TOCs and other non railway companies do which I personally think is awful is use cheap off the shelf suits and then expect them to look neat and fitted! I find they just look tacky and tend to look untidy.

I think a uniform of a decent polo shirt and just a pair of tidy plain trousers is far better than the ubiquitous polyester suit. Best uniform I've worn is the GA depot driver, black polo shirt with logo and cargo trousers. Easy to look after and easy to look tidy

 

[185]

Anything, even a tutu would be better than the tatty 1980s tracksuit recently issued to us.

Smartest uniform - Dark coloured outer great-coat with logo, Corporate coloured suit, smart tie, perhaps waistcoat, shiny name badge.

No dodgy tank-tops or jumpers except for dispatchers or station revenue who permanently work outside.

 

[MrPIC]

I think something along the lines of Royal Navy styles of dress, ie, the old "4's" (or 8's if you prefer lol) for back of house type duties by shunters, cleaners etc, "3's" consisting of either short or long sleeved shirt and trousers for customer facing staff, and a smarter "1's" style of dress for management or whatever else. Along with branch/grade badges and region/line identifiers would be quite good I think.
As mentioned, the current selection of cheap corporate suits and ties that look poor on almost everyone is too "business-like" in my opinion for what should be a public service.

 

[cactustwirly]

I agree, I think something like the DB uniform would look very smart.

 

[EM2]

The thing is, job roles differ between locations, even within the same organisation.
For example, some Network Rail Customer Service Assistants at stations work primarily on Information & Mobility roles, so they need clothing which is comfortable when pushing wheelchairs, deploying ramps etc. and has big pockets to hold maps, timetables, T-keys etc.
But others mainly do Security roles, often outdoors or in cold delivery yards, so they need thicker garments, but don't need as many pockets as they don't carry as much stuff. Some stations have a lot of areas in the open air, so staff that do security patrols there need an option of more waterproof clothing more than at stations that are mainly under cover.

 

[Economist]

I think it's got to be comfortable and practical, I'm quite happy with polo shirts and trousers.

What I don't like are thick long-sleeve shirts. Freezing cold in winter, espcially when you first put them on, and roasting hot in summer. Shirts-wise, I prefer short sleeve and thin material, polo shirts are by far the best.

 

[bramling]

Hi everyone, I've been thinking recently about rail staff uniforms, and the impacts they have on not only corporate image, but also on staff attitude and morale. I'm a firm believed that a high quality, smart uniform goes a long way to helping staff feel more professional and therefore perform a little better. Obviously there's some people who you could dress in the smartest uniform imaginable and will still be useless, but I think for most people a good uniform goes a long way to improving their own view of themselves and their abilities.
I don't want this to descend into a privatisation vs nationalisation debate, but personally i think a common uniform for UK rail staff would improve cohesiveness amongst staff, not just amongst ourselves but also to the public. What are your thoughts on the power or not of a good uniform? Also, what are your thoughts regarding management wearing uniforms or not? Personally I think it would do wonders for everyone if a common uniform was worn by all grades, with perhaps "branch" or "specialisation" badges or patches, and of course a distinction or other for management (certainly not any form of "rank" slides).
Thoughts?

It’s a mistake not to have some form of differentiation between grades, as during disruption / incidents it really helps to be able to quickly identify who is a driver, station staff, manager, et cetera. London Underground has gone down the “democratisation” route and it has been a shambles.

Personally I don’t really buy the idea of dressing people in polo shirts - dress people like they’re on a school trip and people will start behaving like it. However others no doubt take a different view. Again, London Underground happens to be a current example of an operator who has created a bad uniform.

 

[otomous]

It’s a mistake not to have some form of differentiation between grades, as during disruption / incidents it really helps to be able to quickly identify who is a driver, station staff, manager, et cetera. London Underground has gone down the “democratisation” route and it has been a shambles.

Personally I don’t really buy the idea of dressing people in polo shirts - dress people like they’re on a school trip and people will start behaving like it. However others no doubt take a different view. Again, London Underground happens to be a current example of an operator who has created a bad uniform.

That's rather a sweeping statement. I don't think I behave like a child because I wear a polo shirt for work. It is incredibly practical and comfortable. There is no point in dress shirts and suit jackets when you have to get dirty to some extent, which we still do. What we need is one thin jacket, one warm jacket, polo shirt, cargo trousers and shorts for summer, safety boots or trainers. Drivers are not decorated poster boys. Leave the more formal stuff to the people who have to interact with passengers all day, not the ones who have to mess around in filthy cabs, heave themselves in and out using grimy handholds or get down on the ground to look under the train.

 

[Tobberz]

Simply bringing back into widespread use the BR-style flat or peaked cap would be a good start in my view.

 

[EM2]

Simply bringing back into widespread use the BR-style flat or peaked cap would be a good start in my view.

Not a lot of use at the end of a windswept platform in the driving rain.

 

[northernchris]

I'm a firm believed that a high quality, smart uniform goes a long way to helping staff feel more professional and therefore perform a little better. Obviously there's some people who you could dress in the smartest uniform imaginable and will still be useless, but I think for most people a good uniform goes a long way to improving their own view of themselves and their abilities.
Thoughts?

My employer (non railway) has recently introduced a new dress code which in effect is dress down, unless you are meeting external people in which case business wear is to be worn. The thinking behind this is it boosts morale and productivity (not sure how they worked that out though!)

I've noticed this week that some Northern staff have been wearing shorts, and whilst it's not the smartest look it's a lot more practical which in my view should come first over style.

 

[Mutant Lemming]

Well in that case what does it say about the rag bag army "crewing" the WCRC service on the Windermere branch ? Apart from some random mixture of hi-vi's pretty difficult to tell between the ranks of enthusiasts who seem to be the majority travelling on it and those crewing it.

 

[matt_world2004]

Non rail related job. I havent had a new uniform in three years and its winter only. And starting to look raggy.

The common uniform across tfl rail ( minus roundel colour variations )based modes looks better than the company specific you see on buses.

 

[birchesgreen]

Personally I don’t really buy the idea of dressing people in polo shirts - dress people like they’re on a school trip and people will start behaving like it.

Not in any work place i've ever been in, or visited.

 

[broadgage]

IMHO, uniform needs to be comfortable to wear, reasonably smart, not require dry cleaning, and not expensive.

For guards and drivers and ticket office staff, I would suggest a light coloured polo shirt bearing the company name, dark trousers of washable polycotton material, and black safety shoes.
In all but mild weather, a V necked pullover to be worn over the polo shirt.
For winter, a warm coat in addition.

For customer facing station staff, as above but in brighter and distinctive colours.

Office staff not normally on public view, what they want within reason.
Senior management if on public view, a suit with collar and tie.

Workshop staff, polo shirts and trousers and protective overalls when required, or all the time if preferred.

 

[700007]

There is a bus company in London where management wear different coloured shirts to their bus drivers and engineers would wear overalls in company colours. I quite liked this system.

I also like the Underground / Overground / Tramlink / DLR / TfL Rail variation in uniforms. In big stations like Stratford, it makes it really easy to differentiate which staff belongs to which TOC. Handy for passengers who might have a query for London Overground services, they know to ask the guys in orange as opposed to those in blue.

 

[GB]

Handy for passengers who might have a query for London Overground services, they know to ask the guys in orange as opposed to those in blue.

I think you give them too much credit. I regularly get asked questions when on a platform and my uniform is completely different to that of the TOC staff (I am freight).

 

[Bensonby]

Hi Viz should be completely binned unless you are actually working in a role where you need to be wearing it for real H&S reasons.

 

[underbank]

Hi Viz should be completely binned unless you are actually working in a role where you need to be wearing it for real H&S reasons.

Have to agree with that. So many people are wearing it these days, it's lost it's impact.

 

[Mutant Lemming]

In the current "economic climate" there does tend to be a culture of procuring the cheapest available with regards to uniforms which often tends to be a false economy. Not only does cheaper often not last as long it is also treated as such by the wearers and not as well looked after hastening it's demise. Though you could argue it does it's little bit to 'keeps fares down'. Compare the cut of a Eurostar uniform to that of EMT or LU at St.Pancras.

 

[Bromley boy]

Personally I don’t really buy the idea of dressing people in polo shirts - dress people like they’re on a school trip and people will start behaving like it.

Beg to differ re. polo shirts, they are comfortable and practical. Ideal for a job which involves clambering into and out of cabs in all weathers.

For drivers I’d be in favour of no uniform, as per SNCF, or the UK freight driver approach of jeans, t-shirt and stout shoes. No point being dressed in a badly fitting cheap suit and tie - you’re there to drive trains not flog mortgages.

On the other hand I quite like the Japanese “airline pilot” look, complete with white gloves (for top table link 1 drivers only ):

 

[bramling]

Have to agree with that. So many people are wearing it these days, it's lost it's impact.

Very much agree with this. Should only be worn when specifically necessary, especially the coat variants. I’m sure some people wear them to/from work as some kind of self-importance statement. I’ve also learned to be rather supicious of those who turn up in an immaculately clean orange coat.

 

[Anvil1984]

This is going to be one of those passenger perception vs staff practicality subjects and it’s not one size fits all.

On a Intercity service with air con and a slightly more relaxed pace (work wise not speed wise) then a shirt and tie etc would be practical for guards / predominantly customer facing staff. For staff at places such as Northern it’s impractical especially in hot weather, try working a 142 / 150 for 9 hours on a summers day and (despite having industrial strength anti perspirant on) having to put up with massive sweat patches and what feels like a river on your back. Most messrooms aren’t air conditioned either (especially at my TOC) so you take comfort over passenger perception

The main problem is that the uniform is given to pretty much the lowest possible tender so what is given to you is just vague sizing (not every 15’ neck has the same belly)

 

[cactustwirly]

I think it's got to be comfortable and practical, I'm quite happy with polo shirts and trousers.

What I don't like are thick long-sleeve shirts. Freezing cold in winter, espcially when you first put them on, and roasting hot in summer. Shirts-wise, I prefer short sleeve and thin material, polo shirts are by far the best.

But polo shirts don't look very smart. Way too casual especially for customer facing roles.
It should be more like the OeBB or SBB uniform:

 

[LAX54]

Hi everyone, I've been thinking recently about rail staff uniforms, and the impacts they have on not only corporate image, but also on staff attitude and morale. I'm a firm believed that a high quality, smart uniform goes a long way to helping staff feel more professional and therefore perform a little better. Obviously there's some people who you could dress in the smartest uniform imaginable and will still be useless, but I think for most people a good uniform goes a long way to improving their own view of themselves and their abilities.
I don't want this to descend into a privatisation vs nationalisation debate, but personally i think a common uniform for UK rail staff would improve cohesiveness amongst staff, not just amongst ourselves but also to the public. What are your thoughts on the power or not of a good uniform? Also, what are your thoughts regarding management wearing uniforms or not? Personally I think it would do wonders for everyone if a common uniform was worn by all grades, with perhaps "branch" or "specialisation" badges or patches, and of course a distinction or other for management (certainly not any form of "rank" slides).
Thoughts?

Like.... Railman. Leading Railman.. Seniro Railman.. Supervisor.

 

[Dieseldriver]

Very much agree with this. Should only be worn when specifically necessary, especially the coat variants. I’m sure some people wear them to/from work as some kind of self-importance statement. I’ve also learned to be rather supicious of those who turn up in an immaculately clean orange coat.

From a freight point of view a lot of the time I just wear my HVV for the day. Nothing to do with making a self importance statement more just to make my life easier by avoiding having to to take my heavy bag off and root around in it every time I need to go lineside. Also less chance of actually forgetting to put it on in the first place...

 

[Bromley boy]

But polo shirts don't look very smart. Way too casual especially for customer facing roles.
It should be more like the OeBB or SBB uniform:

Drivers aren’t customer facing, though, despite what TOCs might say...

 

[Mutant Lemming]

HI-VI's are to make staff stand out. There was a general instruction for all operational staff to wear them at one point. We pointed out that while changing ends at busy locations like Baker Street passengers would constantly come up and ask questions delaying a driver's progress to the 'front' cab and causing delay to the service. A delay on a departing service there impacts on all 6 surface platforms. They soon rescinded the order. As someone pointed out earlier the wearing of HI-VI's outside their purpose nullifies their impact and worn over a uniform makes if more difficult to determine who is a member of staff and who is a cleaner/contractor/brightly attired cyclist.