Shirt, No Shirt?? [Archive] - LawnSite.com™ - Lawn Care & Landscaping Business Forum

GreenIsland

03-01-2002, 10:10 PM

Try working for any Professional business and not wearing a shirt. Just is not done. Exception might be for oilfield workers and construction workers where it is tolerated , I really don't think you'll find many people who appreciate seeing someone without a shirt. Alot of jobs the elderly don't even appreciate you wearing shorts. You are only as good as your customers- how you present yourself, your company, or somebody elses company is how you make your living. I worked in the panhandle of florida for two years- where it gets about has hot and muggy as it can possibly get- shirt and jeans everday ( that's what customers want-- that's what they get). I think it was good for me- kept more of the back fat off..

landman

03-01-2002, 10:28 PM

Shirts on. We require our guys to wear company shirts, no matter what. Our standard issue is 6 Shirts, 3 sweatshirts, and a jacket. This past year we had gotten Tank tops the same color as our uniforms with the same logo. only diffrence is no sleeves. Our guys still have to wear their work pants no matter what. Our policy is no uniform, no work for the day.

summitgroundskeeping

03-01-2002, 10:32 PM

We were company uniforms, but if I'm doing one of my neighbors lawns or landscaping in an area that nobody will see me, and it's hotter than hell out...
Sorry baby, it's comin off.

Oh ya, new uniforms this year...
Green button up collar shirts w/lots of pockets-Work'n Gear
BRIGHT orange tees w/ a pocket- Work'n gear
and w/company logos

Cowman65

03-01-2002, 10:47 PM

summit, i'm really glad i am not one of your customers

SLS

03-02-2002, 12:35 AM

Shirt on.

No Melanoma for me. (I hope).

Once you see a family member who went shirtless most of his life die of skin cancer a suntan don't seem to important. He spent his final days in a hospital bed that they had to constantly change the sheets on...because all the moles on his back would not stop bleeding. "Too many years enjoying the 'benefits' of the sun." said the doctor.....

I would prefer to sweat.

Chuck Sinclair

03-02-2002, 01:27 AM

Shirts on at all times, if i took mine off every one would run for the hills :eek:

richard coffman

03-02-2002, 01:36 AM

Mmmm,
:D
it get so darn hot here in utah, that no matter what you do, it still feels the same. Personally if i had someone workin for me, I wouldn't want to see them with there shirt off. my companys image is very important to me and unless you've just gotten stung by a bunch of bees, the shirt must stay on.

]thanks,

Richard Coffman/owner
Special Needs Lawn Services.:p

PAPS

03-02-2002, 02:21 AM

Shirts on at all times...

Mykster

03-02-2002, 02:28 AM

I see it as a business or fast food restaraunt sees it. No shirt, no shoes, no service. I wouldn't want the old lady working at Mc D's helping me w/out a shirt just because it's too hot.

LAWNGODFATHER

03-02-2002, 02:37 AM

Originally posted by Mykster
I wouldn't want the old lady working at Mc D's helping me w/out a shirt just because it's too hot.

GROSS:mad: :eek: :rolleyes:

bubble boy

03-02-2002, 02:49 AM

i always have a shirt on...skin cancer just too much of a threat.

i tell my guys shirts on...

but i must say, guys that work for some really big and respected companies here go shirtless so go figure.

MikeLT1Z28

03-02-2002, 03:31 AM

hmm, too many reasons not to.

it's unprofessional.
safety (skin cancer and from some debris)

here in the south it's really humid. you sweat, grass clippings and dirt will stick to that sweaty chest, shoulders, back and arms. that would be enough reason for me to fire someone before finishing a job.

and the final reason, if i took my shirt off i'd get sued for blinding people and causing accidents! :eek:

65hoss

03-02-2002, 05:21 AM

Not an option, shirts on.

John Gamba

03-02-2002, 06:23 AM

ON At All Time's
Johnny G :cool: :cool:

rodfather

03-02-2002, 08:29 AM

Take your shirt off and you're out of a job...plain and simple. I don't care how hot it is.

KathysLGC

03-02-2002, 09:53 AM

I usually always do things around the house with my shirt off but if some one was to be doing work around my house he better have a shirt on. I say shirts on. Just keep a bunch in your truck so after one gets to soaked just change it.

mowerguy

03-02-2002, 12:43 PM

Shirts on I think you look much more professional. When it is real hot in july and august we were tank tops but i think it still looks better than no shirt. I wear a wide brim hat to keep the sun off my ears and neck. no skin cancer for me

LAWNS AND MOWER

03-02-2002, 12:58 PM

95% of the time my shirt is on. The other 5% it's off and I have to be out of view of anybody whatsoever and it's got to be :blob2: :blob2: Anybody seeing my bright white beer belly would be a prime candidate for a heart attack!!!! Seems as if alot of my shirts have shrunk up this past winter. Hate it when that happens.

LAWNS AND MOWER

Mowingman

03-02-2002, 01:48 PM

A shirt is required. I provide uniform shirts and employees are required to wear them. I also require they wear long pants, no shorts allowed, for safety reasons and appearance.:)

Hookset

03-02-2002, 01:58 PM

Shirts on, use plenty of sunblock and wear good sun-shades. I learned the hard way, had skin cancer removed from below my eye two years ago, I was lucky.

Turfdude

03-02-2002, 03:55 PM

Well, for the most part - shirts on. On days of 90+ degrees, shirts/tanks can be off, but must be tucked in side of shorts to be quickly donned if approached by a client and/or potential client. I rarely take mine off and can't stand wearing a backpack blower w/ out one.

Bob

awm

03-02-2002, 05:13 PM

when its real bad out ill take it to a muscle shirt.but if i worked for a company that rquired certain attire ,thats what it woul be.

Shady Brook

03-02-2002, 05:40 PM

Shirt on at all times.

Personal safety would be a great reason, plust no shirt looks very unprofessional. I do not even allow tank tops. I love tank tops, and was even called the "human tank top" by more then one cuz that was what I wore, summer or winter. I don't allow it because I don't think that it looks very professional, but also I have had ladies work for me in the past. If you let a guy where one, you have to let the lady. I don't think any of us need the hastle with descrimination, and you walk a fine line here. I know from experience that if your not careful you can run into some trouble. Had allowed a tank top on real hot days to a male, so the gal said she wanted to as well, cuz it was real hot. She said it would be modest, Yeah if that is possbile! Well it was not modest, she attracked much attention, and new policy ended that for good.

Oh well, that is how I see it.

Jay

johnhenry

03-02-2002, 07:29 PM

Shirts on.I usally always carry a extra shirt in the truck in case of meeting. You must look good to the homeowners and business. I try to look as clean and neat as I can.

goodbeus

03-03-2002, 08:31 AM

Originally posted by heygrassman
Do you or your employees perform work for a customer (regular maintenance or landscape work) without a shirt on (on a regular basis)?

Shirts on...it looks more professional...it also keeps you cooler during the summer...as you sweat, the shirt absorbs the moisture, keeping the shirt and you cooler....

Bob Minney

03-03-2002, 12:39 PM

Shirts on - always

CT18fireman

03-03-2002, 01:03 PM

Mowing crew leaves each morning in shirts provided by me. They also take a spare incase they get it really soiled. They are allowed to wear jean or kacki shorts, blue jeans or work pants. In cooler weather I also have sweatshirts. Sometimes if we are doing other work like digging, clearing or other jobs especially on new sites where customers are often not present I will let the guys go to a tank top. This is only when working though.

One thought though. I go with a gray shirt. It does not get as hot as some of the dark colors I often see on other companies.

PrimeGreen Lawn

03-03-2002, 02:05 PM

Company shirts and cacky colored shorts or pants only. However when we're out of site from anybody (many of our houses are surrounded my trees or out in the country) I will allow them to take them off. But put em' on before you get into my clean truck!

hollywood

03-03-2002, 04:48 PM

shirts always. no tank tops. hats provided. glad to see most people here are aware of the effects of long term exposure to sun. plus if working residental jobs most people dont want to see shirtless workers....it truly is unprofessional.

David Gretzmier

03-03-2002, 04:56 PM

shirts, jeans, hats , brown boots, company jacket all required in winter; kahki shorts/pants, shirt, brown boots, hats required in summer. it aint any cooler with your shirt off and sweat dripping everywhere anyway. Dave g

Grasshog

03-03-2002, 07:53 PM

No skin

trimmer

03-03-2002, 10:35 PM

If you want to take off your shirt, then take it off. I have never heard of anyone getting mad about it. Almost everyone that works around here that can take their shirt off does. One of the best lawn maintenance operations in my area always have their shirts off including the owner, I have heard of more women that like it than don't. I work with my shirt on most of the time but if I want to take it off I am, so call me unprofessional. I just think there are others ways to judge people.

RoewMow

03-03-2002, 11:01 PM

Your customer may not say anything to you immediately, but they may say it by not recommending you to one of their friends/other business owners.

If there is even a remote chance of being seen by a cusotmer or their customer I believe the best policy is to leave your shirt on.

If you won't be seen do what you feel. Just remember the sunscreen.

BRIAN GALLO

03-03-2002, 11:59 PM

Shirt stays on until I get home to take a shower! Same goes for anyone working for me.

Bill Davis

03-04-2002, 12:10 AM

a shirt is a must for a business. People want you to look good while doing work for them, you are a reflection of the people that you do work for. just keep an extra in the truck and everyone will be fine.:D

Tim Canavan

03-04-2002, 12:27 AM

Originally posted by E-man
shirts on. I dont care if its 90 degrees

Shirts on. I don't care if it's 110 degrees. We only have two seasons in Houston.Summer and Winter. Guess which one is the longest.

MOW ED

03-04-2002, 11:01 AM

Shirts are always on.

Pants however, are optional!!:p

JimLewis

03-04-2002, 11:25 AM

For us - Shirts AND HATS on at all times or you don't work for me. We run a professional outfit here and we want people to know it.

If you're happy being a scrub, then by all means, leave the shirts off. It just makes the rest of us look more professional. :-)

TOSLC

03-04-2002, 11:59 AM

Last year I didn't really care what the guys wore. This year (since I'm trying to grow my business) the guys will be required to wear shirts provided by me, and blue jeans (no holes), or Carhart shorts.

Runner

03-04-2002, 04:20 PM

Uniform, consisting of Khaki or canvas green cargo shorts, company shirts are worn at all times. Hats are optional, but they must be acceptable. (no beer hats or anything of that nature). Occasionally, on select jobs, if I'm way out in a desolate field mowing, I'll lose the shirt for a bit. Just enough to avoid the tanlines. As far as you guys that require hats, do you they have to be YOUR hats?, or are you saying that the employees HAVE to wear some type of hat. See, I would have some trouble with this, as my head sweats too much to always wear a hat. As long as the hair is taken care of, it would seem that THat would be enough.

JimLewis

03-04-2002, 09:08 PM

They have to be our company hats. It's just the professional way to go. It all depends on what image you are trying to convey. But I am always trying to convey a very professional image. And that's part of that image.

I basically just copied what all of the really successful landscaping companies in my area do. All of them have nice company shirts and hats. And they always wear them. If you want to be successful, you gotta do what the successful people are doing and then some.

keifer

03-04-2002, 09:28 PM

Shirts on it will help from dehydration. plus the sweat in your shirt will some what keep you cooler.

proline32

03-04-2002, 11:08 PM

I always wear a white teeshirt with my company logo on it and a khaki shirt over the top with our logo on it as well, even during the summertime, Lots of times I wear a longsleave shirt during the summer to protect from UV and a green baseball cap with a khaki bill, Jeans are required as well and black steel toe shoes. I take pride in my image and the companies image, The mowers are clean, and the trucks are are washed once a week. I don't put "professional Lawn Mowing service" on my cards for nothing.
If an emplyee dosen't like the uniform policy they can quit and start thier own business and look like a scrub.

thelandscaper27

03-05-2002, 02:09 PM

If it's a hottter than hell day..., Shirts are on with knee knockers.

(anybody remember knee knockers? :p )

LawnLad

03-05-2002, 02:40 PM

Shirts tucked in at all times for all the reasons stated by others. We provide long sleeve and short sleeve kelly green t-shirts with our logo along with cold weather gear. We provide uniform baseball hats. No tanks/muscle t's/wife beaters. What you do for one, you have to do for all. There are some folks I do not want to see in a low cut tank top.

Anyone know where to buy bush/booney hats? I can only find them in S/M and L/XL, I need to find a brand that breaks it out into the four sizes.

Also - what brand cargo pants do you guys use? Where to buy?

TLS

03-05-2002, 04:12 PM

If its hot, and the homeowner isn't home, the shirts off. Not every day, not every lawn, but I hate farmers tans :mad: . I leave my work, equipment, and service speak for my professionalism, not what I look like with my shirt on or off. Also, shorts are worn May to Sept.. A few nicks and cuts here and there from string trimming, but remember we are MEN!

As for cargo pants, try Carhartt painters pants and shorts. They are lightweight light colored Khakis with many pockets. They are way stronger than denim jeans but much cooler. Try Gemplers they carry a LOT of Carhartt products.

LAWNS AND MOWER

03-05-2002, 04:57 PM

I'm with TLS on this one. My shirt comes off if it's scorching hot and I'm certain I'm not in sight of anybody. My work does the talking. And yes, I have shirts with company logo's but I'm sure we'll be called the "S" word sooner or later.

LAWNS AND MOWER

Green Care

03-05-2002, 05:21 PM

Uniform is a must.

It's unprofessional.

E-man

03-05-2002, 05:35 PM

the hottest it usually gets up here is mid to upper 90s with high humidity. 110 degrees is hot ,that extra 10 to 15 degrees would kill me.lol:blob2:

Nebraska

03-05-2002, 05:56 PM

Shirts for the male employees, no shirts for the female employees. Seems to draw more business:D

LawnLad

03-05-2002, 07:27 PM

Forgot about that... do we set a double standard when guys can take their shirts off but girls can't. Or do you really want your cusotmers seeing your female workers in a sports bra (assuming the girl doesn't care).

What you do for one employee - don't you have to do for all your employees?

Nebraska

03-05-2002, 07:44 PM

The previous post of mine was a non PC joke.

This is a no brainer subject. If you want to look and be professional require a standard uniform for all which of course would address the issue of taking the shirt off. Does going shirtless appear professional? In my opinion it does not. Outfit your employees with light weight cotton shirts of a light color if you are in a very hot and humid area....

Next thing people will be asking if it's ok to urinate in Mrs. Jones's bushes.

LawnLad

03-05-2002, 09:35 PM

Those spots on Mrs. Jones's bushes look just like the spots on Mr. Smith's bush behind his garage.

How long before port o' potty's are installed on landscape trailers? I've seen DOT crews with them.

lbmd1

03-05-2002, 09:46 PM

We get our Khaki shorts through Eddie Bauer, shirts silkscreened from my cousin for about $4 a shirt (cost) Funny you should mention the port a pottys Lawnlad. We have 2 women that work for us that don't mind in between going in the woods but I feel bad. I'm looking at some type of camper potty for our cabover box truck for the girls for privacy. Talk about PC, next thing you know i'll have to install a tampon/condom machine in there too.

Mike

little green guy

03-05-2002, 11:01 PM

if it's real hot and humid out I have no problem with taking shirts of exept on commercail properties. I have seen plenty of other companies that work without shirts on, we keep ours on most of the time but sometimes it just dosn't matter.

In my opinion cutomers don't realy care that much about it as we think they do. Whats realy important to customers is service, when they call with a request, question, complaint or whatever, that it is taken care of promtly and honestly, that you are depenble and do quality work. Those are the kinds of things that realy matter, thats what makes a real professional, not how color cordinated your uniforms are, sure they look good and I have them too but any scrub can go get shirts made up. taking your shirt off once in a while is not going to make or break your buisness. I definitly think uniforms help to convey a professional image but thats not realy what matters to customers, sure it does a little but not as much as we think. I think we tend to judge each-others proffessionalism on how nice the other guys rigs are and what equipment everyone is running, thats the kind of stuff that matters to us but it dson't realy matter as much to the customer as we think it does, they seem to judge us in different ways.

Nebraska

03-06-2002, 12:49 AM

With the cabovers I imagine it will not be too long before they are an option....Could be room in an 18 footer with a 2x2 area with a port-a-potty! They have it on a 21 foot fish'n'ski combo I was looking at so I bet it would not be too much a stretch to put it in a cabover....Hate to have the cleanout duty though.
Imagine "pulling the curtain" on an open trailer?

P.S. I did a search and it has already been asked and discussed in greeeaaat length about Mrs. Jones's and Mr Smith's bushes...