If you work in a business that is customer interactive, you most likely will have to wear a name tag. Does a name tag convey an experienced image? Is it a corporate catch-all for managers that are too inattentive to learn their employee’s names?
Name badges also help overcome any future problems as customers can remember the name of the staff they dealt with, meaning lost property or other issues can be efficiently rectified. They also provide accountability for staff – as you’re far less likely to be rude or disagreeable when wearing a name badges.
According to forbes.com, this is intentionally designed to put a customer at ease, as they can easily remember your name. Mark Harmon, CEO of Auberge Resorts, says that a name badge helps “…develop a relationship between our staff and guests. It’s awkward for the guests to have to ask for your name or the staff member to introduce himself. I find that guests love it when they can easily remember the name of our people.”
Violation of privacy?
Besides the obvious benefits of name badges, they don’t lend themselves to creativity or individuality. Forcing a name badge onto staff can make employees have a sense of corporate domination. In the age where anyone can be located through Google or social media, displaying your entire name on a name badge can feel intrusive. There is no law to protect you even if you restrain against wearing name badges.
How to wear a badge.
Wearing a name badge is a must for most customer-facing roles in the service and hospitality industries. When they are well-presented, readable and unobtrusive they provide a handy way for customers to build relationships with staff. Building customized badges that reflect your brand will help add a spark of individuality and benefit both the customer and staff.
Even with an objection to a name badge, the welfare for the company would be too good to dismiss. With that in mind, how should you wear your name badge?
- Readability: A name badge shouldn’t be too big or too small. It needs to be readable but not distracting.
- Colors: Name badges should complement uniform designs and not be garish. They’re supposed to be a subtle addition.
- Location: Make sure your badge isn’t obscured by hair or your clothing. Most people wear their name badges on the corresponding side to their dominant hand. Commonly, people read from left to right – so placing your nametag on the left may make it easier for customers to quickly note your name.
