What's the role of workplace uniforms? Last week, Qantas announced Australian fashion designer Rebecca Vallance would design its first new uniform in more than a decade. It's a bold move for the national carrier.

According to a YouGov study about half of Australian workers wear a uniform to work. There are industries where uniforms are commonly worn - like trades and services, retail, hospitality, healthcare, medical and sales.

So, are they just branding? Or do they inspire a sense of pride in workers?