On the eve of International Women’s Day 2023 with its global campaign theme of #EmbraceEquity, we consider how what you wear to work every day can send a powerful message.
Just as uniforms are important for presenting a professional appearance, at NNT, we believe that they should also promote equity and respect diversity. We want wearers to feel proud that their NNT workwear reflects their values. As a business, we’re constantly innovating at all levels to create positive change around workplace dressing, supporting comfort, safety, efficiency and inclusion. General Manager, Matt Blashki, explains: “Unifying the way a team dresses through uniforms can promote a more inclusive, equal environment by removing visible differences and creating a sense of unity and belonging.” He continues, “This can help to reduce bias and discrimination based on appearance and foster a culture of inclusivity where everyone is valued and respected for their skills and contributions.” Here, members of the NNT leadership team share a few of the ways we’re creating modern workwear that embraces equity, which can benefit your team, too.
Smart Design
Forget a one-size-fits-all approach to uniforms. “Dressing a diverse workforce needs to encompass numerous factors, from clients’ brand needs to differing team member sizes, religions, ages and personal preferences,” says Head of Sales, Julie Wade. “Our broad range allows clients to select uniform styles to best suit the needs of their brands and teams.” And that starts with informed design. Vicky Wynn Williams, Head of Merchandising, explains, “The uniform design process has evolved to prioritise the comfort, functionality and personal expression of the individual wearing NNT garments.” She says, “This human-centred design philosophy incorporates feedback from diverse wearers and implements sustainable and ethical manufacturing practices, ensuring that our uniforms empower employees to perform their best while feeling confident and comfortable in their attire.”
Gender-neutral alternatives
Just as functional workwear cut for women is fundamental for many frontline and defence jobs, it’s important to promote gender-neutral choices, too. “NNT's collection of gender-neutral or unisex health garments is an excellent example of our commitment to inclusivity,” says Vicky. “These designs prioritise the individual's preferences, body shape, and gender identity, ensuring that everyone feels seen and respected.” Adds Julie, “Some of our clients are also opting for new naming conventions around fits for staff, such as tailored, classic and alternative, in an effort for uniforms to be accepted as non-gender specific.” Vicky concludes that by offering these options, “NNT is taking a crucial step towards promoting equality and creating a more welcoming and inclusive workplace.”
Mindful marketing
“Being on the frontline is a tough gig, no matter your background or gender; we’ve taken the time to listen to our wearers to ensure our garments speak to their needs,” says Head of Marketing, Madeline Cambel, on the importance of how NNT’s broad range is promoted. Julie agrees, adding, “Our marketing approach is to showcase our product on a diverse range of models from different genders, ethnicities, ages and body sizes.” Madeline explains that NNT campaigns also regularly feature real workers who are the embodiment of the business’s values. “We want people to see our garments represented on a diverse range of talent that appeals to a wide audience, just like the modern workplace,” she says.
From our business to yours
“As a business leader, I am most proud of NNT's commitment to gender equality, including our diverse and inclusive hiring practices, our equal pay policies and our support of women's leadership and development initiatives,” says Matt. “We have also partnered with organisations to promote women's education and empowerment, and we continue to strive for equity and fairness in all aspects of our business.”
