Virgin Atlantic has updated its gender identity policy that allows cabin crew, pilots and ground team to choose which of the iconic, Vivienne Westwood-designed uniforms best represents them – no matter their gender, gender identity or gender expression.
In a move that cements its position as the most inclusive airline in the skies, Virgin Atlantic will offer its people a fluid approach to its red and burgundy uniforms. This means that LGBTQ+ colleagues will be able to choose either the red or the burgundy uniform, depending on which best reflects themselves.
The new uniform policy is part of Virgin’s “Be Yourself” agenda, backed by TV star and LGBTQ+ campaigner 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,” shared Visage. “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.”
The updated gender identity policy is part of the airline’s ongoing drive to champion the individuality of its people and customers. It is complemented by the roll out of optional pronoun badges for all its people and those travelling with the airline. The badges are available now too.
“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,” shared Jaime Forsstroem, Cabin crew at Virgin Atlantic.
INDUSTRY-LEADING INCLUSIVITY INITIATIVES
Virgin Atlantic has also updated its ticketing system and customers holding a passport with gender neutral gender markers will now be able to select U or X gender codes on their booking, and use the gender-neutral title, Mx. Currently its only citizens from a small number of countries, including the US, India and Pakistan, that are able to hold these passports and travellers must travel on the codes that match their passport. But Virgin Atlantic is working on a longer-term plan to amend communication preferences so that customers will be addressed by their preferred pronouns whenever they interact with the airline.
The airline has already unveiled a series of industry-leading inclusivity initiatives for its people to empower them to truly be themselves at work and feel comfortable in their roles. In 2019, Virgin Atlantic gave cabin crew the choice whether to wear make-up, as well as the option to wear trousers and flat shoes. More recently, the airline lifted restrictions around allowing visible tattoos for crew members and its front-line people.
DELIVERING BETTER EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCES
The announcement comes as research finds that enabling employees to express their true selves at work boosts happiness (65%), increases mental wellbeing (49%), creates a more positive workplace culture (36%) and provides a better experience for 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%).
Despite these positive benefits, 25% of Brits have felt pressure to hide their true selves at work, with 13% feeling uncomfortable making requests that enable them to express who they really are. Brits have dressed differently (30%) or in clothing they aren’t comfortable in (15%), changed the way they style their hair or makeup (22%) and covered up parts of their personality (38%) all in an attempt to fit in.
The airline’s initiatives also include an update of its existing trans inclusion policies, which already allows time off for medical treatments related to gender transition, personal choice of changing & shower facilities that align with the gender a person identifies as and co-creation of a personalised transitioning plan.
“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,” stated Juha Jarvinen, Virgin Atlantic’s Chief Commercial Officer. “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.”
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