Staff uniforms Cancel The title field is required!

1. Jason Pettus

   

   0 posts
   
   2/8/2016 2:02 PM

   Just curious as to how many of you require your staff to purchase their own uniforms? Personally, in the 20+ years of working in this industry they have always been provided for me. I am getting tremendous pushback from the other department heads about wanting to provide them for my staff at no charge.
   Any input or ideas would be appreciated.
   
   Thanks,
   Jason Pettus

   
   
   
   
2. Melvin Waldron

   

   43 posts
   
   2/8/2016 2:02 PM

   For our full time staff we buy them (me included) 3 pairs of pants (jeans) or 2 pairs of khaki type (me I choose to buy Columbia ROC pants, they last a really long time, but with the cost I can only get 2 pairs) we go to the local Bass Pro and will spend about $80 per person (only 3 of us). We also buy 3 to 5 staff shirts per season for all staff, full time and seasonal depending on schedule, returning or new, etc. The seasonal have to provide own pants, and can't wear cut off shorts. I can order Nike staff shirts through the Pro Shop when they put their staff shirt order in. Everyone has to launder their own. Only exception is the mechanic and our part time PM guy, they get uniforms through a uniform service.
   
   We are municipal so we try to have a somewhat professional look, while maybe not having the same uniform standards that other courses might have.
   
   I would add, I always thought, if our employer wants us to wear a uniform of some type, the employer should provide it. That's just my opinion, in order to make sure everyone is uniform. We did have issues at a county I worked for, the guys were given an allowance and were directed to purchase green pants, some decided to go with camouflage, and that wasn't acceptable, so that turned into a bigger issue then it should have, plus when guys did buy green pants, colors didn't always match.
   
   Mel

   
   Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO
   
   
3. Max Lamas

   

   0 posts
   
   2/8/2016 4:02 PM

   Check your state labor laws first. Determine what you can and can not do.

   
   
   
   
4. Gary Carls

   

   19 posts
   
   2/8/2016 9:02 PM

   Jason, At the City where I last worked the staff got an annual clothing allowance ($240) and could spend it how they needed it. As part of that they could go out and spend up to $100 on the outside to buy pants/jeans from Walmart or wherever. They then had a selection of logo polo shirts, jackets, windbreakers and sweatshirts that were purchased directly through the city. Coveralls and rain gear were provided separately as needed for each staff member. Most guys would get 3-4 pairs of jeans and 3-4 shirts each year. It made the crew look more professional out on the course and the expense was really fairly minimal each year.

   
   Gary K. Carls, CGCS, President - Oakland Turfgrass Education Initiative
   
   
5. Ronald Conard

   

   4 posts
   
   2/9/2016 8:02 AM

   Jason A Pettus said: Just curious as to how many of you require your staff to purchase their own uniforms? Personally, in the 20+ years of working in this industry they have always been provided for me. I am getting tremendous pushback from the other department heads about wanting to provide them for my staff at no charge.
   Any input or ideas would be appreciated.
   
   Thanks,
   Jason Pettus

   
   
   
   I guess the question begs, "What school of business did these folks attend where it is taught that crapping all over the staff leads to more productivity and a better product?"

   
   
   
   
6. Jason Pettus

   

   0 posts
   
   2/9/2016 10:02 AM

   Thanks for the responses. I feel they should be provided but after checking the Ohio law the company is in the right to make them take it as a deduction from their pay, which I still find to be ridiculous.
   
   I agree with you 100% Ron. Hopefully I can change their thought process on this matter.
   
   Thanks again,
   
   Jason Pettus

   
   
   
   
7. Max Lamas

   

   0 posts
   
   2/9/2016 11:02 AM

   Ronald Conard, CGCS said:

   Jason A Pettus said: Just curious as to how many of you require your staff to purchase their own uniforms? Personally, in the 20+ years of working in this industry they have always been provided for me. I am getting tremendous pushback from the other department heads about wanting to provide them for my staff at no charge.
   Any input or ideas would be appreciated.
   
   Thanks,
   Jason Pettus

   
   
   
   I guess the question begs, "What school of business did these folks attend where it is taught that crapping all over the staff leads to more productivity and a better product?"

   
   
   That's not the businesses problem. You are an agent for the business's and not your employees. Besides pay, all other perks are just perks. If you as a manager can not produce happy and efficient employees then you should sit down and analyze yourself.

   
   
   
   
8. Clay Putnam

   

   33 posts
   
   2/9/2016 11:02 AM

   Jason A Pettus said: Thanks for the responses. I feel they should be provided but after checking the Ohio law the company is in the right to make them take it as a deduction from their pay, which I still find to be ridiculous.
   
   I agree with you 100% Ron. Hopefully I can change their thought process on this matter.
   
   Thanks again,
   
   Jason Pettus

   
   
   Jason,
   
   I know it seems somewhat petty but most states, as I understand it, follow the guidance of the IRS. Anything of value provided by the employer to the employee is seen as compensation and thus taxable; I.e., vehicle, cell phone, uniform, insurance, etc. The IRS will stick their grubby hands up a shark's arse if they thought they could come out with a dollar. A lot of employers do not report these "perks" to the IRS, however, there are those that follow the letter of the code. Some employers get around the reporting requirement by making the employee pay for these perks. This sort of thing is common in the business world. Many businesses require the staff to pay for their uniforms entirely or in part. Some may purchase the first set of uniforms then require the employee to purchase any subsequent uniforms, etc., etc...

   
   
   
   
9. Ronald Conard

   

   4 posts
   
   2/9/2016 11:02 AM

   Max Lamas said:

   Ronald Conard, CGCS said:

   Jason A Pettus said: Just curious as to how many of you require your staff to purchase their own uniforms? Personally, in the 20+ years of working in this industry they have always been provided for me. I am getting tremendous pushback from the other department heads about wanting to provide them for my staff at no charge.
   Any input or ideas would be appreciated.
   
   Thanks,
   Jason Pettus

   
   
   
   I guess the question begs, "What school of business did these folks attend where it is taught that crapping all over the staff leads to more productivity and a better product?"

   
   
   That's not the businesses problem. You are an agent for the business's and not your employees. Besides pay, all other perks are just perks. If you as a manager can not produce happy and efficient employees then you should sit down and analyze yourself.

   
   
   Lol... I have a pretty good idea my guys would rather work for me than someone that thinks along the lines of an automaton. By the way you didn't answer the question. What school of business was it that you learned this?

   
   
   
   
10. Peter Bowman

    

    11 posts
    
    2/9/2016 12:02 PM

    "So, I'm prepared to offer you a job, as long as you know you'll have to buy your own required uniforms, and, just so you know, they're ugly enough that you probably won't ever want to wear them anywhere else if you quit or get fired. Especially if you get fired, since you probably won't want to be a walking advertisement for us."
    
    "How much are they?"
    
    "You'll need one for every day of the week. Shirt and pants. As long as they're clean I don't care how many you buy."
    
    "So I have to wash them, too?"
    
    "Next in line!"

    
    
    
    
11. Anthony Nysse

    

    1 posts
    
    2/10/2016 4:02 AM

    I agree with Mel; "I always thought, if our employer wants us to wear a uniform of some type, the employer should provide it." If we want staff to look presentable, look like an employee of the club and present an example of the department we manage, we should provide the uniforms.
    There are PLENTY of uniform companies that will provide shirts, pants, pick them up weekly and wash them. This takes out A LOT of hassle and is quite simple.

    
    
    
    
12. Mark Newton

    

    1 posts
    
    2/10/2016 7:02 AM

    In the past I have always purchased golf shirts from the ProShop ranging from Nike, Callaway, off brands etc but required them to purchase there own khaki pants. The shirts and sometimes jackets were just loaned to the employee to use and had to be returned at the end of the year or to receive their last paycheck. These shirts are quite expensive at roughly $18-20/shirt with our logo..
    
    I am contemplating going to a uniform service for the upcoming year with a look of short and long sleeve coveralls, these would be left on the property and cleaned weekly. One item of note is there are times I know when my staff could wear our shirts on days they are not working, like one said free advertising but also a liability if they happen to do something negative while wearing them. I am really liking the idea of everyone guaranteed to have a clean professional look every single day, all uniforms staying on the property and no chance of having to send someone home for not remembering to wear their uniform and khaki pants. Anyone else have these coveralls for their crew? Likes? Dislikes?

    
    
    
    
13. Steve Nelson

    

    0 posts
    
    2/10/2016 4:02 PM

    contract with a uniform company. pick up dirties 1x/week. mechanic also gets rags and some coveralls. Yes I'm an agent for my employer, who insists the employees look professional.

    
    
    
    
14. Andy Jorgensen

    

    1 posts
    
    2/12/2016 12:02 PM

    Clay Putnam, CGCS said:

    Jason A Pettus said: Thanks for the responses. I feel they should be provided but after checking the Ohio law the company is in the right to make them take it as a deduction from their pay, which I still find to be ridiculous.
    
    I agree with you 100% Ron. Hopefully I can change their thought process on this matter.
    
    Thanks again,
    
    Jason Pettus

    
    
    Jason,
    
    I know it seems somewhat petty but most states, as I understand it, follow the guidance of the IRS. Anything of value provided by the employer to the employee is seen as compensation and thus taxable; I.e., vehicle, cell phone, uniform, insurance, etc. The IRS will stick their grubby hands up a shark's arse if they thought they could come out with a dollar. A lot of employers do not report these "perks" to the IRS, however, there are those that follow the letter of the code. Some employers get around the reporting requirement by making the employee pay for these perks. This sort of thing is common in the business world. Many businesses require the staff to pay for their uniforms entirely or in part. Some may purchase the first set of uniforms then require the employee to purchase any subsequent uniforms, etc., etc...

    
    
    
    Correct me if I am wrong, but wouldn't a vehicle, cell phone, or uniform be a requirement to perform a job and not be taxable if it is provided by the company while performing said duties? Similar to us also providing a mower, screwdriver, computer, etc...to be used while working.
    
    Insurance is different as it is pre-taxed and included on a W-2 at the end of the year and therefore reported to the IRS.
    
    The only time I would see the IRS getting involved is if you are REQUIRED to purchase something to do your job (i.e. police officer's gun or uniforms). And even then that is considered a business expense on the employee's end and can be deducted from their personal taxes at the end of the year.
    
    That being said, uniforms promote professionalism. They may be as simple as some nice collared shirts to full sets of shirts, pants, etc...provided by a uniform company. We supply 11 sets on a weekly service. Costs me about $4 per person per week. For myself and Assistants, we get 18 shirts and 1 jacket a year ordered through the pro shop.

    
    
    
    
15. Clay Putnam

    

    33 posts
    
    2/12/2016 4:02 PM

    Andy Jorgensen said:

    Clay Putnam, CGCS said:

    Jason A Pettus said: Thanks for the responses. I feel they should be provided but after checking the Ohio law the company is in the right to make them take it as a deduction from their pay, which I still find to be ridiculous.
    
    I agree with you 100% Ron. Hopefully I can change their thought process on this matter.
    
    Thanks again,
    
    Jason Pettus

    
    
    Jason,
    
    I know it seems somewhat petty but most states, as I understand it, follow the guidance of the IRS. Anything of value provided by the employer to the employee is seen as compensation and thus taxable; I.e., vehicle, cell phone, uniform, insurance, etc. The IRS will stick their grubby hands up a shark's arse if they thought they could come out with a dollar. A lot of employers do not report these "perks" to the IRS, however, there are those that follow the letter of the code. Some employers get around the reporting requirement by making the employee pay for these perks. This sort of thing is common in the business world. Many businesses require the staff to pay for their uniforms entirely or in part. Some may purchase the first set of uniforms then require the employee to purchase any subsequent uniforms, etc., etc...

    
    
    
    Correct me if I am wrong, but wouldn't a vehicle, cell phone, or uniform be a requirement to perform a job and not be taxable if it is provided by the company while performing said duties? Similar to us also providing a mower, screwdriver, computer, etc...to be used while working.
    
    Insurance is different as it is pre-taxed and included on a W-2 at the end of the year and therefore reported to the IRS.
    
    The only time I would see the IRS getting involved is if you are REQUIRED to purchase something to do your job (i.e. police officer's gun or uniforms). And even then that is considered a business expense on the employee's end and can be deducted from their personal taxes at the end of the year.
    
    That being said, uniforms promote professionalism. They may be as simple as some nice collared shirts to full sets of shirts, pants, etc...provided by a uniform company. We supply 11 sets on a weekly service. Costs me about $4 per person per week. For myself and Assistants, we get 18 shirts and 1 jacket a year ordered through the pro shop.

    
    
    Any of those items are a taxable benefit if you use them for personal use. I.e., drive the vehicle from work to home and vise versa. Use the vehicle to pick up the kids, go to the grocery store, etc.

    
    
    
    
16. Max Lamas

    

    0 posts
    
    2/14/2016 11:02 AM

    Andy Jorgensen said:

    Clay Putnam, CGCS said:

    Jason A Pettus said: Thanks for the responses. I feel they should be provided but after checking the Ohio law the company is in the right to make them take it as a deduction from their pay, which I still find to be ridiculous.
    
    I agree with you 100% Ron. Hopefully I can change their thought process on this matter.
    
    Thanks again,
    
    Jason Pettus

    
    
    Jason,
    
    I know it seems somewhat petty but most states, as I understand it, follow the guidance of the IRS. Anything of value provided by the employer to the employee is seen as compensation and thus taxable; I.e., vehicle, cell phone, uniform, insurance, etc. The IRS will stick their grubby hands up a shark's arse if they thought they could come out with a dollar. A lot of employers do not report these "perks" to the IRS, however, there are those that follow the letter of the code. Some employers get around the reporting requirement by making the employee pay for these perks. This sort of thing is common in the business world. Many businesses require the staff to pay for their uniforms entirely or in part. Some may purchase the first set of uniforms then require the employee to purchase any subsequent uniforms, etc., etc...

    
    
    
    Correct me if I am wrong, but wouldn't a vehicle, cell phone, or uniform be a requirement to perform a job and not be taxable if it is provided by the company while performing said duties? Similar to us also providing a mower, screwdriver, computer, etc...to be used while working.
    
    Insurance is different as it is pre-taxed and included on a W-2 at the end of the year and therefore reported to the IRS.
    
    The only time I would see the IRS getting involved is if you are REQUIRED to purchase something to do your job (i.e. police officer's gun or uniforms). And even then that is considered a business expense on the employee's end and can be deducted from their personal taxes at the end of the year.
    
    That being said, uniforms promote professionalism. They may be as simple as some nice collared shirts to full sets of shirts, pants, etc...provided by a uniform company. We supply 11 sets on a weekly service. Costs me about $4 per person per week. For myself and Assistants, we get 18 shirts and 1 jacket a year ordered through the pro shop.

    
    
    My friend that works for the cities town and rec department was sent on education training. This was reported and he had to pay taxes on it. I believe the benefit has to go over a certain amount before it must be reported to the IRS.

    
    
    
    
17. Christopher Thuer

    

    101 posts
    
    2/14/2016 11:02 AM

    We do not require nor provide uniforms.

    
    Chris Thuer, CGCS, Bear Slide Golf Club, Cicero, IN
    
    
18. Melvin Waldron

    

    43 posts
    
    2/14/2016 2:02 PM

    Max Lamas said:
    
    My friend that works for the cities town and rec department was sent on education training. This was reported and he had to pay taxes on it. I believe the benefit has to go over a certain amount before it must be reported to the IRS.

    
    
    I work for a city and only have mileage that is reimbursed reported on my W-2. Educational stuff we don't pay for, city doesn't report it if it benefits the city.
    
    When we had minute plans, we would have to pay for any personal call on our cell phones over 2 minutes. Of course since it is city property I only use my city phone for city stuff. Only use truck at work, does not go home with us.
    
    Mel

    
    Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO
    
    
19. Andy Jorgensen

    

    1 posts
    
    2/14/2016 6:02 PM

    Clay Putnam, CGCS said:

    Andy Jorgensen said:

    Clay Putnam, CGCS said:

    Jason A Pettus said: Thanks for the responses. I feel they should be provided but after checking the Ohio law the company is in the right to make them take it as a deduction from their pay, which I still find to be ridiculous.
    
    I agree with you 100% Ron. Hopefully I can change their thought process on this matter.
    
    Thanks again,
    
    Jason Pettus

    
    
    Jason,
    
    I know it seems somewhat petty but most states, as I understand it, follow the guidance of the IRS. Anything of value provided by the employer to the employee is seen as compensation and thus taxable; I.e., vehicle, cell phone, uniform, insurance, etc. The IRS will stick their grubby hands up a shark's arse if they thought they could come out with a dollar. A lot of employers do not report these "perks" to the IRS, however, there are those that follow the letter of the code. Some employers get around the reporting requirement by making the employee pay for these perks. This sort of thing is common in the business world. Many businesses require the staff to pay for their uniforms entirely or in part. Some may purchase the first set of uniforms then require the employee to purchase any subsequent uniforms, etc., etc...

    
    
    
    Correct me if I am wrong, but wouldn't a vehicle, cell phone, or uniform be a requirement to perform a job and not be taxable if it is provided by the company while performing said duties? Similar to us also providing a mower, screwdriver, computer, etc...to be used while working.
    
    Insurance is different as it is pre-taxed and included on a W-2 at the end of the year and therefore reported to the IRS.
    
    The only time I would see the IRS getting involved is if you are REQUIRED to purchase something to do your job (i.e. police officer's gun or uniforms). And even then that is considered a business expense on the employee's end and can be deducted from their personal taxes at the end of the year.
    
    That being said, uniforms promote professionalism. They may be as simple as some nice collared shirts to full sets of shirts, pants, etc...provided by a uniform company. We supply 11 sets on a weekly service. Costs me about $4 per person per week. For myself and Assistants, we get 18 shirts and 1 jacket a year ordered through the pro shop.

    
    
    Any of those items are a taxable benefit if you use them for personal use. I.e., drive the vehicle from work to home and vise versa. Use the vehicle to pick up the kids, go to the grocery store, etc.

    
    
    Key words: personal use. And I agree with you on that. I really don't see the staff wearing their grungy, pin-stripe uniforms for personal use. Now the collared shirts I have is another story.
    
    Also, the IRS changed the ruling on cell phone use age a few years back and it's not considered a fringe benefit if the personal useage is Kept to a minimum.

    
    
    
    
20. Clay Putnam

    

    33 posts
    
    2/15/2016 5:02 AM

    Andy Jorgensen said:

    Clay Putnam, CGCS said:

    Andy Jorgensen said:

    Clay Putnam, CGCS said:

    Jason A Pettus said: Thanks for the responses. I feel they should be provided but after checking the Ohio law the company is in the right to make them take it as a deduction from their pay, which I still find to be ridiculous.
    
    I agree with you 100% Ron. Hopefully I can change their thought process on this matter.
    
    Thanks again,
    
    Jason Pettus

    
    
    Jason,
    
    I know it seems somewhat petty but most states, as I understand it, follow the guidance of the IRS. Anything of value provided by the employer to the employee is seen as compensation and thus taxable; I.e., vehicle, cell phone, uniform, insurance, etc. The IRS will stick their grubby hands up a shark's arse if they thought they could come out with a dollar. A lot of employers do not report these "perks" to the IRS, however, there are those that follow the letter of the code. Some employers get around the reporting requirement by making the employee pay for these perks. This sort of thing is common in the business world. Many businesses require the staff to pay for their uniforms entirely or in part. Some may purchase the first set of uniforms then require the employee to purchase any subsequent uniforms, etc., etc...

    
    
    
    Correct me if I am wrong, but wouldn't a vehicle, cell phone, or uniform be a requirement to perform a job and not be taxable if it is provided by the company while performing said duties? Similar to us also providing a mower, screwdriver, computer, etc...to be used while working.
    
    Insurance is different as it is pre-taxed and included on a W-2 at the end of the year and therefore reported to the IRS.
    
    The only time I would see the IRS getting involved is if you are REQUIRED to purchase something to do your job (i.e. police officer's gun or uniforms). And even then that is considered a business expense on the employee's end and can be deducted from their personal taxes at the end of the year.
    
    That being said, uniforms promote professionalism. They may be as simple as some nice collared shirts to full sets of shirts, pants, etc...provided by a uniform company. We supply 11 sets on a weekly service. Costs me about $4 per person per week. For myself and Assistants, we get 18 shirts and 1 jacket a year ordered through the pro shop.

    
    
    Any of those items are a taxable benefit if you use them for personal use. I.e., drive the vehicle from work to home and vise versa. Use the vehicle to pick up the kids, go to the grocery store, etc.

    
    
    Key words: personal use. And I agree with you on that. I really don't see the staff wearing their grungy, pin-stripe uniforms for personal use. Now the collared shirts I have is another story.
    
    Also, the IRS changed the ruling on cell phone use age a few years back and it's not considered a fringe benefit if the personal useage is Kept to a minimum.

    
    
    Andy, to help ease your mind I will amend the entirety of my posts to this:
    
    "Check with your accountant or professional tax preparer".

    
    
    
    
21. Justin Murray

    

    0 posts
    
    2/15/2016 9:02 AM

    I am currently pricing uniforms for our staff. Cintas, Uni-First, and GK services. All claim they offer better product. Uni-First has best pricing $4-$5 per week. The others were $8-$10 per week. All three require 3 year contract, which have different buyouts on contracts. Was leaning towards Uni-First due to pricing but we use Cintas for some rugs and clubhouse items which I see their level of service and we have a contract in place.
    
    I also think they should be provided to the staff at no cost to them.

    
    
    
    
22. Max Lamas

    

    0 posts
    
    2/15/2016 11:02 AM

    Mark Newton said: In the past I have always purchased golf shirts from the ProShop ranging from Nike, Callaway, off brands etc but required them to purchase there own khaki pants. The shirts and sometimes jackets were just loaned to the employee to use and had to be returned at the end of the year or to receive their last paycheck. These shirts are quite expensive at roughly $18-20/shirt with our logo..
    
    I am contemplating going to a uniform service for the upcoming year with a look of short and long sleeve coveralls, these would be left on the property and cleaned weekly. One item of note is there are times I know when my staff could wear our shirts on days they are not working, like one said free advertising but also a liability if they happen to do something negative while wearing them. I am really liking the idea of everyone guaranteed to have a clean professional look every single day, all uniforms staying on the property and no chance of having to send someone home for not remembering to wear their uniform and khaki pants. Anyone else have these coveralls for their crew? Likes? Dislikes?

    
    
    
    In new hampshire, if i was to withhold my employees paycheck, i would get in trouble with the labor department as well as be prepared to have my wages auditted. Better off to just file a criminal complaint than threaten with holding back or deducting wages out of there check

    
    
    
    
23. Joe Wachter

    

    5 posts
    
    2/19/2016 1:02 PM

    We provide 5 shirts for our staff full and seasonal. My full-time guys take an accounting of any that might be in good shape and we supplement from there. We pay for pants/shorts as well for full-time and seasonal staff. Under 2K a year for the most part. We do not allow jeans on the course.
    
    I think the most important items would be shirts and you could leave it up to staff, especially seasonal to supplement if you had to compromise. I think full-time staff should be supplied most everything they need including coveralls for winter.

    
    
    
    
24. Bob Pruneau

    

    5 posts
    
    3/28/2016 4:03 PM

    Staff here get 2 golf type shirts ( must be worn daily or go home ) and a hoody type sweater provided by club . Plus a clothing allowance for other gear that they need .

    
    
    
    
25. Don Davis

    

    0 posts
    
    3/30/2016 10:03 AM

    Jason,
    I am able to purchase logo shirts from Hartwell (www.hartwell.com) for around $4 per/shirt. I give the guys 3 shirts and have them buy extras. By keeping the cost down, other departments and owners have had little to say. Best of Luck
    
    Don