Essential workwear for temporary summer staff: What you need to know

When the busy summer season arrives, many businesses turn to temporary staff to bolster their workforce. From warehousing and logistics to facilities management and hospitality, short-term hires help companies cope with increased demand. But while recruitment ramps up, one essential consideration can often get overlooked – workwear.

Whether it’s challenges around budgeting, logistics, or compliance, providing appropriate workwear for temporary staff is rarely straightforward. Yet, getting it right is vital – not just for health and safety but also for your brand image, operational efficiency, and employee morale. Here’s what you need to know.

Why supplying workwear for temporary staff matters

It’s easy to assume that because someone is only with you for a few weeks or months, full workwear provision isn’t necessary. But this is a risky mindset for any business. Here’s why:

1. Health and safety compliance

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and industry-specific workwear aren’t optional – they are often legal requirements. Whether it’s hi-vis vests in a warehouse, flame-resistant clothing for industrial settings, or non-slip footwear in catering environments, failing to provide adequate protection leaves your business exposed to legal and financial risk.

2. Professional image

Your brand doesn’t take the summer off. Temporary staff in unbranded or mismatched clothing undermine your business’s professional appearance. Uniformity in workwear supports your reputation, reassures customers, and fosters team cohesion.

3. Employee morale and productivity

Providing proper workwear – that fits, functions, and looks good – shows that you value all members of your team, permanent or temporary. Comfortable, well-equipped staff are more confident, more productive, and more likely to deliver a positive customer experience.

The common challenges businesses face

While the need for workwear is clear, the practicalities of supplying it to short-term staff can feel like a headache.

Cost considerations
Kitting out temporary workers involves upfront costs for uniforms, PPE, and laundering. For staff only on site for a short stint, this investment can seem disproportionate. Balancing quality, compliance, and budget constraints is no easy feat.

Returns management
Temporary staff leave. That’s the nature of the contract. But what happens to their workwear? Without a clear returns policy or effective tracking, garments often disappear – costing your business time and money to replace.

Storage and stock management
Maintaining stock of various sizes and types of workwear to suit an ever-changing workforce takes up space and administrative effort. Businesses often find themselves over-ordering “just in case”, leading to unnecessary waste.

Hygiene and laundering
Even short-term workers need clean, safe workwear. Managing regular laundering or replacing items at the end of each contract adds another layer of complexity, especially in industries where hygiene is paramount.

Industries where temporary staff require workwear

Not every role demands specific workwear, but in certain sectors, it’s absolutely essential:

1. Warehousing and logistics – Summer is peak time for fulfilment centres and delivery services. Temporary workers handling goods need durable uniforms, hi-vis vests, and appropriate footwear for safety and efficiency.

2. Facilities management and industrial cleaning – Whether maintaining schools, offices, or public spaces, temporary cleaning teams require PPE such as gloves, aprons, and uniforms to protect them from chemicals and hazards.

3. Manufacturing and engineering – Seasonal peaks in production often mean a boost in headcount. Protective clothing such as coveralls, safety boots, and flame-retardant garments are non-negotiable for temporary staff working in these environments.

4. Hospitality and events – Hotels, event venues, and catering firms all bring on extra hands over summer. Clean, branded uniforms ensure staff look professional and uphold hygiene standards, particularly in food service.

Tips for managing temporary workwear efficiently

• Opt for rental solutions: Rental workwear schemes – such as the efficient services provided by phs BeSafe – spread costs, reduce waste, and ensure garments are returned, laundered, and ready for reuse.
• Standardise uniforms: Keep styles and colours neutral across roles to simplify stock management and reduce ordering complexity.
• Implement clear returns policies: Make returning workwear part of the exit process for all temporary staff.
• Track inventory: Use simple tracking systems to monitor workwear issued and returned.
• Prioritise quality: Cheap uniforms won’t last and often do not meet safety standards. Investing in durable, compliant garments reduces long-term costs.

How phs Besafe can help

At phs Besafe, we understand the unique pressures businesses face when it comes to workwear for temporary staff – especially during the busy summer season. That’s why we offer flexible, scalable rental and laundry services designed to take the hassle out of your hands.

Our solutions cover everything from initial fitting to regular laundering and end-of-contract returns. We supply a wide range of industry-compliant workwear including hi-vis, flame-retardant, and specialist garments, all maintained to the highest standards. By partnering with phs Besafe, you can ensure your temporary teams are properly equipped, your compliance boxes are ticked, and your brand reputation stays protected, all while controlling costs and reducing waste.

Let us help you take the stress out of summer staffing. Explore our full range of services at phs BeSafe, our contact our friendly and knowledgeable team for more information.