British Airways wants its employees to feel comfortable! The airline recently announced crew members and pilots can now wear make-up and piercings.
The new changes will go into effect Monday (November 14).
The rules follow changes that were made by Virgin Atlantic, which bow allows its employees to wear uniforms that correspond with their gender identity and to wear pronouns badges, The Guardian reported. However, BA uniform rules remain.
The new changes will make British Airways even more diverse and seen as an open-minded company. Last year, the company introduced a non-binary gender option for passengers when booking a flight.
The internal memo reads that male employees are allowed to wear mascara, false eyelashes, and earrings.
The memo went on to urge its employees to“be bold, be proud, be yourself”, and that it hopes anyone “regardless of gender, gender identity, ethnicity, background, culture, sexual identity, or otherwise,” will embrace the changes.
However, BA is requesting staff to use “subtle shades” when wearing make-up. “We are proud of all of our colleagues at British Airways and we are committed to an inclusive working environment.”
“We have worked with our people to create updated guidelines for grooming, beauty, and accessories, allowing our colleagues to bring the best, most authentic version of themselves to work every day,” a BA spokesperson said.
At the end of the summer, Virgin Atlantic allowed its staff members to choose which uniform they want to wear while on the job. The company aims to reinforce its position as an inclusive and welcoming airline, it stated.
VA also became laxed on its rules regarding tattoos, by now allowing employees to leave them visible. As well as its rules on makeup.