Changes meant to make uniforms 'more comfortable and practical'
Australia's flag carrier is now permitting its cabin crew to wear flats, makeup, and jewellery regardless of gender in a major overhaul of its uniform requirements, according to reports.
Qantas will not be changing its uniforms, according to the Australian Associated Press (AAP), but it will be scrapping its designated "male" and "female" uniform determinations.
Instead, the airline is introducing uniform "capsules" that will serve as guidelines on what pieces can be worn together and what grooming will be required.
"These changes will make wearing our uniform more comfortable and practical for all of our people, including those with a wide range of body types and those from diverse cultural backgrounds," a Qantas spokesperson said as quoted by news.com.au.
Under the updated guidelines, female cabin crew members will be permitted to wear flats with dresses, while male employees are now allowed to wear makeup.
Wearing diamond earrings are also allowed, as well as any size and style of watches, ABC News reported.
Regarding hair, employees will all be allowed to grow them out as long as they will be in a ponytail or bun when at work, according to the report. Cornrows, a traditional style of braids, will also be allowed to employees except for flight crew members due to safety reasons.
The company is retaining, however, its policy to cover up tattoos, and its rule to keep stockings paired with dresses or skirts.
The updated guidelines will also apply to low-cost airline Jetstar, a Qantas subsidiary.
The changes introduced are the first in a decade, according to news.com.au. The airline attributed the shift to employee feedback and customer expectations.
"In the 80s, sideburns had to stop at mid ear, 'gelled spikes' were out and we recommended navy blue as the best eyeliner colour," the airline said as quoted by the AAP. "In the 70s, women had to wear skirts above the knee. Today, our employees can choose whether or not to wear makeup, flat shoes and boots are in, and strict rules on watch sizes are out."
With this latest uniform update, Qantas joins the list of airlines including Virgin Atlantic and WestJet that are introducing inclusive uniform policies for employees.
Imogen Sturni from the Australian Services Union (ASU) told BBC that the new style and grooming updates from Qantas are a "big win for workers."
"Some of the dress code requirements were bordering on ridiculous, such as makeup style guides and a requirement for women to wear smaller watches than men," Sturni told BBC in an interview.
The ASU has long urged the national airline to ease its uniform policy, particularly its heels and makeup requirements for women, according to the AAP.
