Creating a good first impression is critical. Maintaining it is equally important. In a fast-paced world in which the average “job” lasts less than 1 ½ years, you can send a positive message to your current employer, or potential future employers, by taking a personal initiative to improve your appearance, your communication skills, your understanding and ability to relate to people of diverse personalities, as well as your personal hygiene, health, grooming, and etiquette.

When an employer sets up a program for staff, it conveys a very positive message as to how employees are valued. A program that produces happier, healthier employees with a higher sense of self-worth, self-confidence and loyalty is a very wise investment.

This is an efficient vehicle to achieve corporate goals:

• better understanding of standards for dress and deportment; opportunity to introduce standards where none existed, or reinstate standards that have “slipped”
• better health and attendance
• better understanding among staff, improved communication and working relationships.

Costs involved at either the corporate or personal level are self-liquidating:

• improved employee morale and performance lead directly to an improved bottom line
• improved image, confidence, well-being, credibility and professionalism increase the individual’s potential for greater success, both on the job and socially.