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Staples.com® | Expert: Margaret Lobenstine

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Human Resources Expert Expert: Margaret Lobenstine

Name badges are an excellent idea

Q: I run a pretty large plumbing operation. I would like each of the plumbers to wear name badges when out on jobs. I think it would make customers feel a little safer, plus they'd be able to address my guys by name. Do you think there's any merit to this idea?

A: Name badges are an excellent idea. They help create the sense of a professional, responsible work force, and, as you suggest, also make it easier for your customers to address your staff respectfully by name. The badges should be simple, easy to read, and include both first and last name of the employees. Some companies have a professional motto that addresses their eagerness to help their customers, for example, or their length of service, or the family nature of the business. If your company has such a motto, putting it right below the employee name might make a good connection for your customers also. If your employees find the notion of nametags strange at first, just remind them that cross–country bus drivers, doctors, airplane pilots, and many others already receive the benefit of wearing such tags.

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