Virgin Atlantic Scraps Gendered Uniforms To Drive Inclusivity, Dividing Opinions Online
Most of us will have to work for at least one day in our lives. A somewhat smaller number of us will be required to wear a specific work uniform, either to represent the company or to keep ourselves safe. Imagine construction workers or police officers working in their everyday clothes; things might get messy.
However, your identity and ability for self-expression shouldn’t be compromised in the meantime. What if you identify as a man, but are forced to wear a dress or skirt, which doesn’t represent you in the slightest? What if you hate the thought of shoving your delicate feet into uncomfortable heels and then having to stand for hours? What if you actually prefer to wear heels but are unable to because it’s not part of the ‘men’s’ uniform? Company policy, you know!
Whelp, it’s time for a change! And becoming an example of such change is Virgin Atlantic, which has recently prioritized inclusivity in an updated uniform policy, completely scrapping gendered uniforms and allowing staff to wear clothing that represents them and their true identity. Not surprisingly, this has divided the internet. Let’s get into the details!
More info: Twitter | Virgin Atlantic Press Release
Virgin Atlantic will be giving its crew a choice in uniform, allowing staff to wear clothing that represents their true identity
Image credits: virginatlantic
Virgin Atlantic announced on September 26 that they will be giving their crew a choice of what uniform to wear in an update to their gender identity policy, which previously required the crew to wear a specific uniform based on their gender.
Cabin crew, ground teams, and pilots will now be able to decide whether they want to wear Virgin’s bright red uniform—traditionally worn by women, consisting of a jacket and skirt—or the burgundy option—a blazer and trousers with a tie, most commonly worn by men.
Cabin crew, ground teams, and pilots will now be able to decide whether they want to wear red or burgundy, a jacket or blazer, a skirt or trousers, regardless of gender
Image credits: Virgin Atlantic
It comes following the result of research findings that show that allowing staff to embrace their individuality at work increased mental well-being (49%) and feelings of happiness (65%), and created a better experience for staff and customers (24%).
Employees also reported feeling more accepted and comfortable when able to be their true selves at work (26%) and an increased sense of loyalty to their employer (21%).
In addition to that, the crew will be provided with gender pronoun badges. Passengers will also be able to request their preferred badge at check-in
Image credits: Virgin Atlantic
The first changes towards inclusivity happened back in 2019 when Virgin removed its policy requiring female staff to wear makeup and began providing them with trousers in addition to skirts.
Now staff members will be able to choose to wear skirts or trousers, regardless of how they identify, allowing for non-binary staff members to better choose what best represents them.
Virgin has updated its ticketing system so that flyers with gender-neutral passports are able to choose between “U”, “X”, or “Mx”
Image credits: Virgin Atlantic
But that’s not all. The crew will also be provided with gender pronoun badges. Passengers will also be able to request their preferred badge at check-in. Virgin has updated their ticketing system so that those holding passports with gender-neutral pronouns feel included—these flyers will be able to choose between “U”, “X”, or “Mx”.
Currently, citizens from a small number of countries, including the US, India and Pakistan, are able to hold these gender-neutral passports.
Research showed that allowing staff to embrace their individuality at work increased mental well-being and created a better experience for staff and customers
Image credits: Virgin Atlantic
The airline’s comment on the video posted on Twitter read: “Our Vivienne Westwood uniforms were designed in 2014 and have been proudly worn by our crew, pilots and ground teams ever since. This update allows our people to choose which of these uniforms best represents them—no matter their gender, gender identity, or gender expression.”
Virgin Atlantic may be the first airline to bring about such an inclusive policy; however, they aren’t the first ones to change up the dress code. In Canada, the airline WestJet is bringing in a wind of change by allowing its flight attendants to wear more gender-neutral and inclusive uniforms.
In addition to that, SkyUp Airlines transformed their female uniforms back in 2021, exchanging suits with skirts to trouser suits and trench coats, and heels for comfortable Nike sneakers. So it seems the trend is becoming more comfortable and inclusive for staff and we love to see it!
“This gender identity policy allows people to embrace who they are and bring their full selves to work,” said RuPaul’s Drag Race judge, Michelle Visage
Image credits: Virgin Atlantic
The airline posted several campaign videos promoting the latest policies. The short clip posted on Twitter showed a diverse range of people with various identities all sporting the Virgin uniforms in their own way, even including a cameo from RuPaul’s Drag Race judge, Michelle Visage.
“As the mother of a non-binary child, and as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, these efforts by Virgin Atlantic to further inclusivity for its people are extremely important and personal to me,” Visage said in a statement. “People feel empowered when they are wearing what best represents them, and this gender identity policy allows people to embrace who they are and bring their full selves to work.”
“If we are clean and we are pressed, and we are looking the way we’re supposed to look, then why aren’t we able to present as we identify?” asked Visage.
Image credits: Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic’s chief commercial officer, Juha Jarvinen, stated: “At Virgin Atlantic, we believe that everyone can take on the world, no matter who they are. That’s why it’s so important that we enable our people to embrace their individuality and be their true selves at work.”
“It is for that reason that we want to allow our people to wear the uniform that best suits them and how they identify and ensure our customers are addressed by their preferred pronouns,” Juha added.
“It’s not about canceling people, it’s not about removing women or removing men. It’s about more inclusive language,” said Alison Porte, Virgin Atlantic’s first officer
Image credits: Virgin Atlantic
One cabin crew member, Jaime Forsstroem, expressed their happiness at the updated policy, telling ITV: “The updated gender identity policy is so important to me. As a non-binary person, it allows me to be myself at work and have the choice in what uniform I wear.”
“This policy allows everyone a seat at the table,” Tyreece Nye, a non-binary performer and activist, said in one of the promotional videos. “It’s just allowing everyone from the community to just have a voice.” “It’s not about canceling people, it’s not about removing women or removing men. It’s just about more inclusive language,” said Alison Porte, Virgin Atlantic’s first officer.
Image credits: Virgin Atlantic
It seems that the policies aren’t just focusing on outward appearances. The Evening Standard reports that the airline’s existing “trans inclusion policies” include allowing time off work for medical treatments related to gender transition, a choice of changing and shower facilities that “align with the gender a person identifies as,” and co-creation of a “personalized transitioning plan.”
In a statement by Virgin Atlantic, it was said that mandatory inclusivity training will be rolled out across the workforce at the airline and Virgin Atlantic Holidays, in which there will also be “inclusivity learning initiatives” for tourism partners and hotels in destinations such as the Caribbean. This is to ensure all their customers feel welcomed despite the present-day barriers to LGBTQ+ equality.
Virgin Atlantic’s chief commercial officer, Juha Jarvinen, stated: “At Virgin Atlantic, we believe that everyone can take on the world, no matter who they are”
Image credits: Virgin Atlantic
The Virgin Atlantic Twitter account’s bio reads: “We’ve always championed individuality. Here’s to those that were born to fly. Those who see the world differently.” Virgin Atlantic may be well on its way to becoming “the most inclusive airline in the skies.”
And to all those who decide not to understand, choosing rather to judge or diminish the importance of such a move, there’s a simple choice—don’t fly with Virgin! I’m sure they don’t want your 1900s idyllic nostalgia-based worldview either.
You can watch their iconic promo video here
We’ve changed our uniform code to give our crew, pilot and ground teams the option to choose which of our iconic uniforms, designed by Vivienne Westwood, best represents them 👠 #SeeTheWorldDifferently pic.twitter.com/dbCP4WxObl
— virginatlantic (@VirginAtlantic) September 28, 2022
Many people believe that this is a fantastic idea, yet others have reservations about it. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to upvote and follow the author, because you’re fabulous, and I wish you a fantastic day!
Although this move has garnered lots of praise, it’s also received criticism. Let us know your thoughts on this in the comments section!
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This has the added benefit of keeping the less pleasant folks away from the airline. Two birds with one stone! I have to laugh at MrsBain though....I didn't realize being a she was now a sexuality! If you're going to be offended at least check what you're offended at!
I've always found the traditional women's uniforms more "flaunting" if anything. Glad to see that people are able to be comfortable now.
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Props to Virgin. Someone's choice of expression does not affect me, therefore I don't care or have an opinion. Let people be comfortable with who they are
I agree with the guy who said he doesn't care what the pilot is wearing as long as they fly the plane where it needs to go safely and on time.
Load More Replies... Imagine being such an a*****e that you’d boycott an airline over their uniforms. Conservatives really do hate freedom, the freedom of choice, and people being themselves.
Evangelical Christian National Conservatives - "My freedoms are threatened if you're not free to only live and believe the same as me."
Load More Replies... Don't understand how people can say its unprofessional. People have been professional in skirts for hundreds of years. Also it's not flaunting sexual orientation or gender identity in someone's face. A man may choose to wear a skirt because it feels better for them, regardless of anything else.
It looks pretty professional to me- skirt or pants and a blazer. Everyone looks neat, well-groomed, and fabulous.
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Imagine getting mad for letting people wear what they want
Imagine doing so because you believe that it makes your god mad, while at the same time being offended because members of a different religion have different clothing requirements.
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That actually happened to me on a plane
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wow now i might wanna ride virgin atlantic just to see this
What does it matter what they wear , as long as it is clean, smart and practical for their job..........men in skirts, why not women have been wearing trousers for years
Good. They look fine. Clothing shouldn't be gender exclusive. Men in skirts and blazers? Fabulous. And I'm a straight guy, so you can take that to the bank, homophobes. It has nothing to do with sexual orientation. It's about being true to who you are inside. Quit being such pussies about it.
I don't even understand the negativity. So, say some one is extremely conservative and or transphobic. Is your flight attendant THAT important too you? Will you even remember what they looked like the day after your flight? This is not a long term relationship here. You can't deal with someone dressing in a way you don't like for a few hour? Some people aren't happy unless they are complaining about something
And after complaining they get even more upset because someone dares to tell them to stop acting like little crybabies :)
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I can already see a certain specific type of person that is going to "protest" virgin
I have a feeling quite a few of them are going to show up in this comment thread and complain how we are losing our good ol' American moral because people are allowed to dress in line with their identity.
Load More Replies... 
My concern was the shoes - the ad shows red high heels with all the skirt suits, and they're often impractical, uncomfortable and unsafe. However, if you google the uniform, they actually have a wide range of options on the shoes, including low heels and flats. So no worries that people who might want to wear a skirt have to choose between their skirt and having comfortable shoes.
One more reason to fly Virgin Atlantic. I think being comfortable at work is important.
Yes, I want to fly with the airline that has happy employees.
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On Alaska Airlines, there was a flight attendant who was non binary and wearing a skirt and blazer. I thought it was very cool!
I think they should add a few other options, Skorts and Kilts. The option to be in something that still looks like a skirt but it easier to wear without worrying about length or sexualising the wearer, and kilts, for Males that just want to be comfortable on long flights but are not making a statement about gender etc. I think that this is a great idea, but it needs a bit more thought. These people are in this professional attire for sometimes 19 - 25 hours, they sit in it, serve in it, take naps as far as I know in it and customers get to wear whatever they feel the most comfortable in. Of course we want airline staff to look professional but there are many ways to do that. Also I hope footwear has changed as well, because honestly female flight attendants wearing what is essentially a court-shoe for that many hours is crazy.
A flight attendant wearing a kilt is something I need in my life
Load More Replies... I think this is great. The type of uniform someone wears (ie gendered) makes no difference to their job performance. The only thing that's always bothered me is that I think skirts and heels are impractical for air stewards to wear, should be a flat no on them - particularly the heels..
I've ways thought this, too- would anyone really be offended by a female flight attendant wearing slacks and a blazer instead of a skirt? Maybe just the people with some sort of fantasy about the mile high club, but most people wouldn't think twice.
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Listen, I just like this idea because I'd be so much more comfortable wearing trousers and flat, sensible shoes on a transatlantic flight, especially if it needed to be evacuated for some reason.
Bored Panda, please stop saying “people are divided online”. This is implying that it’s a popular and normal opinion to not support people’s right to exist. While everyone has the right to their own opinions, words such as these make it seem ok in the public eye to not respect others.
Dear MrsBain, you completely missed the point! This is about gender identity and expressing yourself, not about sexual orientation! They are both completely different things! There was no badge were it was written "Hetero", "Bisexual" or "Gay", because no one needs to know that. However knowing one's pronouns is very important, because that's who they are. Nobody needs to know who you're attracted to, especially on a plane! I'm tired of people who can't see the difference between gender and sexuality. 😒
I'm delighted!! 🙂 I just can't see the relevance of gendered clothing. I'd rather not see, say, my dad in a dress but that's because he wouldn't be comfortable and few things suit us when our posture is defensive and awkward. It'll be one of those things that people adjust to seeing and, soon enough it'll seem ridiculous to think that male and female bodies should be restricted and judged by two pieces of material between the legs.
Exactly! And people who wear an outfit they love, they will be comfortable and confident. By the way, I have seen my dad in women's clothes though, as a part of a play in the school he worked at as a teacher. He played an elderly lady. A bit awkward to see, but mostly hilarious! He went full for it and didn't care about others' opinions.
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I don't know why people go against this. I like these dresses, they are beautiful. People should be proud of their gender.
I don't get why people are offended by this lol it's literally just "wear what makes you comfortable, whether that's a skirt or slacks" and I have to say as a tomboy woman I would choose slacks
It's hilarious (read sad) that the second commenter mrs Bain thinks that gender expression has anything whatsoever to do with sexual orientation.
Well this weeds out the sexist people at least. Good on Virgin, hope more and more companies start doing this, and that people in general wear whatever suits their identities in ordinary life without criticism.
I think its great. The airline industry is rooted in gender stereotypes and being a certain type of 'beautiful', as opposed to mainly judging for their skill and performance. As a woman who wears pants and flat shoes, the comfort alone would make such a difference with being on their feet all day
I just find it hilarious that people are freaking out over this... If your flight attendant (who you assume is female) is wearing pants and a jacket... who cares?? It's not like they're gonna pour your diet coke wrong because they're not wearing a skirt. And to the people saying it's 'unprofessional', y'all can't tell me you've never worn pants to work. It's literally just enforcing gender stereotypes. This is the same society who, twenty years ago, we're just getting over the fact that men could be flight attendants too.
This 'divided opinions' is just normal people vs transphobic people and then Mark Antony Ward who was worried about crew safety in transphobic countries/countries with very traditional gender roles, which is a good point ngl
I am cabin crew, and this is f*****g awesome. The only issue - I hope Virgin CC do not work in these type of shoes - it looks so uncomfortable for me 🙈 Otherwise nice touch! ETA: Though I guess pilots wouldn't receive skirt in theirs uni. You should have seen their five-points seatbelts in the flight deck, it is impossible to fasten it if you are wearing skirt 🙈 And also about crew safety: there are designated manuals for the destinations where other dress code should be followed. For example, we are flying to Saudi Arabia and on these flights women are advised to wear uniform set with trousers to avoid the situations when their skirt/dress length is inappropriate for some of the passengers on board. So I think nothing special happened to crew safety - for specific destinations there are probably still requirements about the uniform set to be worn on duty.
Lol. One of the comments "I don't care if..." but followed by the typical don't flaunt it on front of me BS. That means that you do actually care and think it's your business. I truly don't care. As in as long as you look clean, professional, and it's clear that you're an employee (this goes for any business), then I don't care. I'll use your pronouns. You could be 6'4", weight 259 pounds of muscle, been male at birth but now identify as female and like to wear pencil skirts and I really don't care. Just don't look unclean or slovenly. I don't want to feel like I need to wash my hands after whatever our interaction is.
I was in a clothing store hurriedly trying to find a dress for an award show that was going to be happening in 45 minutes. I said, "yes, ma'am", sweaty and rushing, not realizing the clerk was a man in women's clothes with long hair. The person didn't have a nametag and I wished the person had a nametag with pronouns. I'm not big on using my pronouns as a cis woman because I'm a part of a majority, and I'm happy to make minorities feel loved, seen and heard
Hmmm... There are accommodations that can be made in language maybe instead. Bearing in mind you are still going to get people who don't wish to state their pronouns. You could simply say 'yes' and drop the ma'am (or sir). I believe in the US, in some states, it is considered polite?? But an update to language use may well be due. When clerks come up and say 'may I help you sir/ma'am', in future they could just say 'may I help you?' It is what is used and considered polite in the UK, for example. Saying ma'am or sir is unnecessary, just habit, and possibly out of step with the changes going on with people. That is one specific issue admittedly but one where there is a solution to name tags without pronouns which is simple. That aside I love this new policy of Virgin's!
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This is catering to 100% of their employees. They’re ALL free to choose their uniform.
Load More Replies...
This has the added benefit of keeping the less pleasant folks away from the airline. Two birds with one stone! I have to laugh at MrsBain though....I didn't realize being a she was now a sexuality! If you're going to be offended at least check what you're offended at!
I've always found the traditional women's uniforms more "flaunting" if anything. Glad to see that people are able to be comfortable now.
Load More Replies... Props to Virgin. Someone's choice of expression does not affect me, therefore I don't care or have an opinion. Let people be comfortable with who they are
I agree with the guy who said he doesn't care what the pilot is wearing as long as they fly the plane where it needs to go safely and on time.
Load More Replies... Imagine being such an a*****e that you’d boycott an airline over their uniforms. Conservatives really do hate freedom, the freedom of choice, and people being themselves.
Evangelical Christian National Conservatives - "My freedoms are threatened if you're not free to only live and believe the same as me."
Load More Replies... Don't understand how people can say its unprofessional. People have been professional in skirts for hundreds of years. Also it's not flaunting sexual orientation or gender identity in someone's face. A man may choose to wear a skirt because it feels better for them, regardless of anything else.
It looks pretty professional to me- skirt or pants and a blazer. Everyone looks neat, well-groomed, and fabulous.
Load More Replies... Imagine getting mad for letting people wear what they want
Imagine doing so because you believe that it makes your god mad, while at the same time being offended because members of a different religion have different clothing requirements.
Load More Replies... That actually happened to me on a plane
Load More Replies... wow now i might wanna ride virgin atlantic just to see this
What does it matter what they wear , as long as it is clean, smart and practical for their job..........men in skirts, why not women have been wearing trousers for years
Good. They look fine. Clothing shouldn't be gender exclusive. Men in skirts and blazers? Fabulous. And I'm a straight guy, so you can take that to the bank, homophobes. It has nothing to do with sexual orientation. It's about being true to who you are inside. Quit being such pussies about it.
I don't even understand the negativity. So, say some one is extremely conservative and or transphobic. Is your flight attendant THAT important too you? Will you even remember what they looked like the day after your flight? This is not a long term relationship here. You can't deal with someone dressing in a way you don't like for a few hour? Some people aren't happy unless they are complaining about something
And after complaining they get even more upset because someone dares to tell them to stop acting like little crybabies :)
Load More Replies... I can already see a certain specific type of person that is going to "protest" virgin
I have a feeling quite a few of them are going to show up in this comment thread and complain how we are losing our good ol' American moral because people are allowed to dress in line with their identity.
Load More Replies... My concern was the shoes - the ad shows red high heels with all the skirt suits, and they're often impractical, uncomfortable and unsafe. However, if you google the uniform, they actually have a wide range of options on the shoes, including low heels and flats. So no worries that people who might want to wear a skirt have to choose between their skirt and having comfortable shoes.
One more reason to fly Virgin Atlantic. I think being comfortable at work is important.
Yes, I want to fly with the airline that has happy employees.
Load More Replies... On Alaska Airlines, there was a flight attendant who was non binary and wearing a skirt and blazer. I thought it was very cool!
I think they should add a few other options, Skorts and Kilts. The option to be in something that still looks like a skirt but it easier to wear without worrying about length or sexualising the wearer, and kilts, for Males that just want to be comfortable on long flights but are not making a statement about gender etc. I think that this is a great idea, but it needs a bit more thought. These people are in this professional attire for sometimes 19 - 25 hours, they sit in it, serve in it, take naps as far as I know in it and customers get to wear whatever they feel the most comfortable in. Of course we want airline staff to look professional but there are many ways to do that. Also I hope footwear has changed as well, because honestly female flight attendants wearing what is essentially a court-shoe for that many hours is crazy.
A flight attendant wearing a kilt is something I need in my life
Load More Replies... I think this is great. The type of uniform someone wears (ie gendered) makes no difference to their job performance. The only thing that's always bothered me is that I think skirts and heels are impractical for air stewards to wear, should be a flat no on them - particularly the heels..
I've ways thought this, too- would anyone really be offended by a female flight attendant wearing slacks and a blazer instead of a skirt? Maybe just the people with some sort of fantasy about the mile high club, but most people wouldn't think twice.
Load More Replies... Listen, I just like this idea because I'd be so much more comfortable wearing trousers and flat, sensible shoes on a transatlantic flight, especially if it needed to be evacuated for some reason.
Bored Panda, please stop saying “people are divided online”. This is implying that it’s a popular and normal opinion to not support people’s right to exist. While everyone has the right to their own opinions, words such as these make it seem ok in the public eye to not respect others.
Dear MrsBain, you completely missed the point! This is about gender identity and expressing yourself, not about sexual orientation! They are both completely different things! There was no badge were it was written "Hetero", "Bisexual" or "Gay", because no one needs to know that. However knowing one's pronouns is very important, because that's who they are. Nobody needs to know who you're attracted to, especially on a plane! I'm tired of people who can't see the difference between gender and sexuality. 😒
I'm delighted!! 🙂 I just can't see the relevance of gendered clothing. I'd rather not see, say, my dad in a dress but that's because he wouldn't be comfortable and few things suit us when our posture is defensive and awkward. It'll be one of those things that people adjust to seeing and, soon enough it'll seem ridiculous to think that male and female bodies should be restricted and judged by two pieces of material between the legs.
Exactly! And people who wear an outfit they love, they will be comfortable and confident. By the way, I have seen my dad in women's clothes though, as a part of a play in the school he worked at as a teacher. He played an elderly lady. A bit awkward to see, but mostly hilarious! He went full for it and didn't care about others' opinions.
Load More Replies... I don't know why people go against this. I like these dresses, they are beautiful. People should be proud of their gender.
I don't get why people are offended by this lol it's literally just "wear what makes you comfortable, whether that's a skirt or slacks" and I have to say as a tomboy woman I would choose slacks
It's hilarious (read sad) that the second commenter mrs Bain thinks that gender expression has anything whatsoever to do with sexual orientation.
Well this weeds out the sexist people at least. Good on Virgin, hope more and more companies start doing this, and that people in general wear whatever suits their identities in ordinary life without criticism.
I think its great. The airline industry is rooted in gender stereotypes and being a certain type of 'beautiful', as opposed to mainly judging for their skill and performance. As a woman who wears pants and flat shoes, the comfort alone would make such a difference with being on their feet all day
I just find it hilarious that people are freaking out over this... If your flight attendant (who you assume is female) is wearing pants and a jacket... who cares?? It's not like they're gonna pour your diet coke wrong because they're not wearing a skirt. And to the people saying it's 'unprofessional', y'all can't tell me you've never worn pants to work. It's literally just enforcing gender stereotypes. This is the same society who, twenty years ago, we're just getting over the fact that men could be flight attendants too.
This 'divided opinions' is just normal people vs transphobic people and then Mark Antony Ward who was worried about crew safety in transphobic countries/countries with very traditional gender roles, which is a good point ngl
I am cabin crew, and this is f*****g awesome. The only issue - I hope Virgin CC do not work in these type of shoes - it looks so uncomfortable for me 🙈 Otherwise nice touch! ETA: Though I guess pilots wouldn't receive skirt in theirs uni. You should have seen their five-points seatbelts in the flight deck, it is impossible to fasten it if you are wearing skirt 🙈 And also about crew safety: there are designated manuals for the destinations where other dress code should be followed. For example, we are flying to Saudi Arabia and on these flights women are advised to wear uniform set with trousers to avoid the situations when their skirt/dress length is inappropriate for some of the passengers on board. So I think nothing special happened to crew safety - for specific destinations there are probably still requirements about the uniform set to be worn on duty.
Lol. One of the comments "I don't care if..." but followed by the typical don't flaunt it on front of me BS. That means that you do actually care and think it's your business. I truly don't care. As in as long as you look clean, professional, and it's clear that you're an employee (this goes for any business), then I don't care. I'll use your pronouns. You could be 6'4", weight 259 pounds of muscle, been male at birth but now identify as female and like to wear pencil skirts and I really don't care. Just don't look unclean or slovenly. I don't want to feel like I need to wash my hands after whatever our interaction is.
I was in a clothing store hurriedly trying to find a dress for an award show that was going to be happening in 45 minutes. I said, "yes, ma'am", sweaty and rushing, not realizing the clerk was a man in women's clothes with long hair. The person didn't have a nametag and I wished the person had a nametag with pronouns. I'm not big on using my pronouns as a cis woman because I'm a part of a majority, and I'm happy to make minorities feel loved, seen and heard
Hmmm... There are accommodations that can be made in language maybe instead. Bearing in mind you are still going to get people who don't wish to state their pronouns. You could simply say 'yes' and drop the ma'am (or sir). I believe in the US, in some states, it is considered polite?? But an update to language use may well be due. When clerks come up and say 'may I help you sir/ma'am', in future they could just say 'may I help you?' It is what is used and considered polite in the UK, for example. Saying ma'am or sir is unnecessary, just habit, and possibly out of step with the changes going on with people. That is one specific issue admittedly but one where there is a solution to name tags without pronouns which is simple. That aside I love this new policy of Virgin's!
Load More Replies... This is catering to 100% of their employees. They’re ALL free to choose their uniform.
Load More Replies...
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