Alaska Airlines Makes Uniforms Gender-Neutral So Staff Can Be Authentic Selves

In a bid to ensure all staff “can bring their best and most authentic selves to work,” Alaska Airlines has updated its uniform guidelines to champion “freedom and flexibility” for all its employees, and make everyone feel included.

This heartwarming initiative comes in the form of a new range of gender-neutral uniform pieces that workers, such as frontline employees, flight attendants, and lounge staff, can incorporate into their daily work wear.

To go the extra mile, the company has allowed all employees—regardless of gender—to don fingernail polish, makeup, up to two earrings per ear, and a single stud nose piercing. 

Not to mention, the airline’s grooming policies now allow for more visible tattoos, hair style options, and have changed the names of its uniform sets to refer to fit instead of gender identification. 

James Thomas, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Alaska, said he experienced first-hand how it felt “not to be seen, heard, or able to bring your authentic self to work.” 

“It didn’t feel great and honestly made it hard to come to work every day during those times, or to deliver my best work,” he explained.

As such, the company hopes its ongoing efforts will create a working environment where every one feels valued and accepted.

“Updating our uniform policy shows people without telling them, what Alaska’s values are,” said Tim, who identifies as he/him, a flight attendant with the airliner for 17 years.

“Showing people who we are is just as important as telling them,” he noted. 

The next time you’re in the airliner’s lounge, you may notice some employees donning a pin on their uniform that displays their personal pronouns. The firm has extended this as an optional addition so workers can be identified in the way they feel best.

“I feel that there has been greater awareness and sensitivity to personal pronouns, and I love that. But I’m also cognizant that changes take time and I want our society to feel comfortable with how they view and communicate with me,” said Isaac, a lead customer service agent.

In addition to employees, Alaska’s guests will soon be able to choose their own personal pronouns as well. The company pledged that by the end of this year, customers will be able to indicate their preferred pronouns when making a ticket booking. 

[via Euronews and Alaska Airlines, images via Alaska Airlines]