“We’re looking forward to the new collection, as we have been using the previous collection for quite some time. Moreover, a uniform workwear collection is also a good thing for strengthening the association’s brand”, Ylänkö continues.
In the past, pharmacies have collaborated on workwear with several companies through which the pharmacies would purchase the workwear for themselves. Pharmacies have also handled the washing and other maintenance of workwear with an independently agreed company.
“With regards to workwear, the association had received requests to implement rental workwear with a partner company, meaning that the pharmacy would not have to purchase the garments and then enter into separate maintenance agreements with laundry companies. The aim was to make workwear cost-effective and functionally consistent, without forgetting modern design”, says Kalle Riihivainio, pharmacist formerly responsible for brand affairs at the Association of Finnish Pharmacies, who was involved in creating the collection.
Workwear inspires confidence in pharmacy customers
Implementing something new was important in the reform. The workwear in the pharmacy industry has always followed the same pattern, so now there was a desire to highlight a relaxed look, comfort, as well as the customer service representative’s approachability. The new workwear collection includes women’s and men’s work jackets, thermal jackets, trousers and t-shirts. The collection also utilises responsible material choices, such as the ecological Tencel fibre in the work jackets.
“Workwear is an integral part of the company image. People often tend to think that since the same garments have always been fine, why change anything. As other companies develop their look, pharmacies must also be able to do the same. A pharmacy is a modern operator and should look like it as well. Customers’ perceptions of the company and the industry as a whole are based on many things, and I believe that the role of workwear should by no means be underestimated. That’s why we wanted to strengthen the positive image of pharmacies with a new, fresh collection together with Lindström”, says Riihivainio.
“One goal was for the workwear to inspire confidence in pharmacy customers. We did not compromise on quality either, and all the garments can withstand industrial washing. The modernity of the collection is reflected in the garments’ appearance, sizing and materials, which are much lighter, more breathable and more flexible, i.e. more employee-friendly, than the current workwear materials”, says designer Minna Kuivamäki from Lindström.
Working is more comfortable in new workwear
Jenna, an employee of Herttoniemi Pharmacy, was one of the new workwear collection trial users. Jenna thinks that the new workwear is simply more comfortable and makes working smoother.
“The first things that come to mind are the good tightening possibilities in the jacket and its sufficiently large pockets. Previously there wasn’t enough pocket space, but now it feels like I can easily fit items from four pockets into these new ones. Furthermore, I like the press-stud fastening of the jacket because it makes the jacket easy and quick to take off if you need to change clothes in the middle of things. In addition, the buttons on the old jackets always seemed to come loose, but there is no such problem with press-studs”, says Jenna, and continues:
“My favourite garment was definitely the knit jacket (thermal jacket) because it was so comfortable to wear. The knit jacket was warm, fit perfectly and was flexible when I reached for the shelves. The garment protected me while doing shelving tasks, and no dirt seemed to stick to it at all. I also liked the colour scheme of the collection because it was neutral enough for the pharmacy environment, but at the same time, different and nice to wear. Regarding the materials, I could say that the garments felt comfortable and were not itchy in any way.”
Always enough clean garments available
Jenna thinks that Lindström’s workwear service worked well. “There were always enough clean garments available, and they were easy to put on. I didn’t even always notice that Lindström’s service representative had visited, but there were always clean garments. The garments came back reliably and felt the same, meaning that they didn’t change in the wash”, says Jenna.
Rental workwear service is an easy, hygienic and sustainable choice
Herttoniemi Pharmacy also used Lindström’s workwear service in connection with the trial. The workwear service is a more ecological alternative to purchased garments. The pharmacy does not have to worry about acquiring, washing or recycling the garments when they reach the end of their life cycle. This saves a lot of time and resources.
The good thing about a rental workwear service is that all employees always have access to safe and comfortable workwear in the correct size, with the garments maintained in accordance with the highest hygiene regulations. This means that there is no need to hunt down or hoard workwear. The workwear is repaired and stored for you, and any dirty garments are washed at Lindström’s laundry near your pharmacy in a responsible manner, saving water and energy.
“The workwear service is a very attractive option, especially as we have some turnover in our personnel. Herttoniemi Pharmacy employs several pharmacy students and a few seasonal workers every year. The workwear service provides the garments that are required at any given time and then removes them from the dressing room when they are no longer needed. Based on my experience, I would recommend the workwear service to other pharmacies as well”, says Ylänkö.
“There are pharmacies all over Finland. To supply and maintain workwear, we needed an operator with sufficient resources to cover the needs of pharmacies throughout Finland. Lindström’s other services, from mats to towel dryers, also support the acquisition and maintenance of workwear. It is ecological that several services that facilitate the daily life of a pharmacy can be obtained comprehensively from the same company”, says Riihivainio.
“There are pharmacies all over Finland. To supply and maintain workwear, we needed an operator with sufficient resources to cover the needs of pharmacies throughout Finland. Lindström’s other services, from mats to towel dryers, also support the acquisition and maintenance of workwear. It is ecological that several services that facilitate the daily life of a pharmacy can be obtained comprehensively from the same company”, says Riihivainio.
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