30 September 2025
How to prioritise employee safety and wellbeing during the uniform procurement process
In today’s procurement landscape, teams are under pressure to manage budgets, ensure compliance, and meet sustainability targets, all while supporting the people who wear the uniforms every day. Too often, cost takes precedence, and employee safety and wellbeing become secondary considerations.
At alsico, we believe uniform procurement should put people first. The uniforms you select have a direct impact on employee health, safety, comfort, and morale. By prioritising wellbeing alongside cost and efficiency, procurement leaders can drive safer workplaces, more engaged teams, and long-term value for their organisation.
why safety and wellbeing must be central to uniform procurement
Uniforms are far more than a professional dress code. They are a frontline defence against workplace risks and an important factor in how employees feel about their work. Choosing the wrong uniform supplier or cutting corners during procurement can lead to:
- Increased risk of accidents and injuries due to inadequate protection.
- Higher discomfort or poor fit.
- Lower staff morale and reduced productivity.
- Negative perception of the organisation’s duty of care.
In healthcare, for example, uniform procurement directly influences patient safety, infection control, and staff wellbeing. In NHS uniform procurement, high-quality garments are essential to withstand frequent uniform laundering and long shifts. A poor procurement decision can have serious consequences. Not just for staff, but for the communities they serve.
things to consider to prioritise safety and wellbeing in the procurement process
When planning a uniform procurement strategy, safety and wellbeing must be treated as key evaluation criteria. Below are the core areas to focus on:
best practice framework for safety-first procurement
Embedding safety and wellbeing into uniform procurement requires a structured approach. This begins with a thorough needs assessment, involving employees in the decision-making process to better understand their requirements and the challenges they face in their roles. Once needs are identified, supplier evaluation becomes critical. Not just assessing cost, but also on safety standards, ethical credentials, and sustainability practices.
It is important to look at the total cost of ownership rather than focusing solely on the unit price, since durable, safe uniforms can ultimately reduce replacement cycles and minimise risks. Following this model will enable procurement professionals to make informed decisions that deliver long-term value while keeping people protected.
industry-specific safety and wellbeing considerations
Uniform procurement must address the unique safety and wellbeing needs of employees across different industries. While healthcare often highlights the critical role of uniforms, other sectors also depend on specialised garments to protect staff and ensure operational performance.
-
healthcare and care homes
Healthcare uniform procurement requires consideration for infection control, patient safety, and staff wellbeing. High-quality, durable fabrics must withstand frequent laundering, whilst ergonomic, inclusive designs support long shifts and help staff feel comfortable, valued and respected.
-
electrification and arc flash
Employees working with high-voltage systems require electrical safety clothing such as flame-resistant arc flash uniforms. Safety cannot come at the expense of comfort. Well-fitted, lightweight garments help to maintain alertness, and allow freedom of movement during critical tasks.
-
contamination control
Industries like pharmaceuticals, laboratories, and food processing rely on uniforms that prevent contamination and maintain hygiene standards. Fabrics must be durable, easy to clean, and resistant to chemical or biological hazards, while ensuring employees remain comfortable during long periods of wear.
-
emergency response
Firefighters, rescue teams, and hazardous materials (HAZMAT) personnel need emergency response uniforms that protect against heat, chemicals, and mechanical hazards. These garments support mobility and reduce physical strain, ensuring staff can perform safely and effectively under high-pressure conditions.
-
industries requiring wearer protection
Regardless of sector, uniforms should balance compliance and protection with comfort, breathability, and ergonomic fit. Poorly designed or uncomfortable garments can lead to higher absenteeism, reduced productivity, and increased risk of workplace incidents.
Considering the specific safety and wellbeing requirements of each industry – from healthcare and NHS staff to electricians, laboratory workers, and emergency responders – will allow procurement teams to select uniforms that protect people, support performance, and foster confidence across the workforce.
It’s worth reviewing case studies from other organisations that have worked with a uniform supplier, as these provide unbiased insights into product performance, durability, and how well the garments support employees in real workplace conditions.
alsico supports safe and wellbeing-first uniform procurement
As one of Europe’s largest uniform manufacturers, alsico is trusted by industries where safety and wellbeing are non-negotiable. We combine large-scale production with specialist expertise to deliver procurement solutions that go beyond basic workwear.
What you get with alsico:
- Innovative fabrics: From flame-retardant textiles to antimicrobial healthcare uniforms, our garments are designed to protect.
- Ergonomic design: We create uniforms that support physical comfort and reduce workplace strain.
- Inclusive ranges: Gender-inclusive and culturally sensitive designs ensure every employee feels respected.
- Sustainability leadership: We are committed to reducing environmental impact through responsible sourcing and production.
- Procurement support: Our specialists work with procurement teams to conduct needs assessments, provide samples, and ensure large-scale supply reliability.
Choosing alsico means that as a procurement professional, you gain a partner dedicated to employee safety and wellbeing.
Uniform procurement is not just about acquiring clothing; it’s about protecting people, supporting wellbeing, and demonstrating organisational values. At alsico, we help procurement managers achieve exactly that.
Procurement decisions have a direct impact on safety, staff morale, and overall performance. Putting safety and wellbeing at the heart of procurement processes enables organisations to create safer workplaces, healthier teams, and a more engaged workforce.
To discuss how we can support your next uniform procurement project, contact our team of specialists today.
learn more about the environments we supply into
Environments
wearer protection
Protection is weaved into every part of alsico, we build it into everything we do and it drives our every decision. Our protective workwear range covers all high-safety sectors.
Environments
healthcare
We are one of the largest healthcare uniform suppliers in the UK, and are the majority supplier for the new NHS National Healthcare Uniform project.
Environments
workwear
At alsico, we have shown excellence in a wide range of work uniforms, ranging from warehousing to global travel companies and from transportation to construction.
Environments
electrification
Our passion for creating innovative fabrics has positioned us as a key supplier in the exciting new sector of electrical safety clothing, from battery companies to aerospace, to all anti-static environments.
Environments
contamination control
We have developed a specialism in cleanroom clothing and uniforms, delivering exceptional performance in highly controlled environments.
Environments
emergency response
We are always honored to be asked to provide workwear for our emergency services teams. We put our trust in them to help to look after us, and we do our very best in return, delivering performance when it matters.
contact us
