Staff who work in a remote call center do not interact with customers face-to-face. Customized software enables businesses to have phone calls, emails, texts and faxes directed to call centers anywhere in the world. This allows businesses to provide affordable customer support 24 hours a day. Call center agents may provide product information, fill orders, offer technical support, or address complaints and returns.
Although call center staff do not provide customer service face-to-face, they are still responsible for handling hundreds of calls each week. Effective staff can increase sales and help restore goodwill or promote consumer loyalty. Studies have shown that formal attire can impact a person’s profit levels, production levels, and abstract thinking. This means that call center staff who regularly dress professionally will outperform those who regularly dress casually. You can use these techniques to encourage staff to dress professionally in your call center.
1. Orientation
You can educate staff about policies they must follow by implementing a customized training process. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) is responsible for establishing workplace safety guidelines. OSHA training videos cover how to prevent workplace accidents and ensure a safe working environment for all. For example, you may not allow staff to wear flip-flops or open toe sandals to protect them against workplace injuries.
You may also opt to make sensitivity training part of your workplace orientation. This can ensure that your staff understand the rights of other workers and what dress policy applies to each employee.
2. Dress Code
Your employee handbook outlines your expectations for staff and can include dress code guidance. Use clear, effective language to identify restricted clothing and promote appropriate dress. You can also use photographs or illustrations to show both appropriate and inappropriate attire. When staff have clear guidelines provided, you can refer to the guidelines to issue reminders when necessary.
Effective policies also need effective discipline. You may need to issue warnings to staff who do not comply with your dress code. Staff can be sent home to change if there are repeated offenses. You can also require staff to repeat training if they do not comply with your dress code.
3. Model Professionalism
Managers should model appropriate conduct in the workplace to ensure staff understand what is and is not appropriate. This extends to the dress code. When managers follow the dress code, staff will have a clear understanding of how they are expected to dress.
Fill your wardrobe with petite blouses, dress jackets, dress pants and skirts. You can enjoy wearing stylish clothing that is both comfortable and professional. You can also be assured that your outfits will meet your workplace policies. When staff see you following the guidelines they will be more likely to adhere to them.
4. Provide Incentives
Incentives can be an appropriate way to motivate staff. Workplaces often focus on sales numbers and measurable standards when rewarding staff. In order to encourage staff to dress professionally, you can make a point of acknowledging staff who dress appropriately. This can be accomplished with verbal praise or it can be a factor used to select an employee of the week or month.
You may also develop a rewards program that supports your workplace standards. Give staff gift cards to stores that sell attire appropriate for your workplace. These gift cards can be provided when staff receive an employee award, reach specific workplace targets or celebrate an anniversary. This is an effective way of ensuring staff have the financial resources to improve their wardrobe.
5. Offer Accommodations
Staff may wish to bike to work or need to take several transfers to reach the workplace. You can enable these employees to meet workplace dress standards by providing them with a safe place to store clothes and change on site.
You can also increase support for the dress code by including a casual dress day in your schedule. This gives staff a chance to be more relaxed and personal at work. Employee handbooks should still provide guidance for casual dress days to ensure basic standards are met. For example, staff may be allowed to wear jeans instead of dress pants, but may not be allowed to wear extremely short shorts.