Something is very wrong when your employer starts mandating how you do your eyebrows.
France’s state-owned rail company, SNCF, recently handed out brochures to its employees regarding some new staff uniforms. So far, so good.
But here’s where things get ridiculous.
Inside the brochure was a chapter on “beauty tips” for female employees.
Yes – you read that correctly. Apparently, to be a good rail employee in France, you have to be pretty.
Now, to be fair, the brochure also included some grooming tips regarding beards and moustaches for the men.
But let’s compare that to some of the advice dished out to the women, which dictated that blush should be “pink for light skin and peach for darker complexions”, eyebrows should be “well-groomed” to “intensify your gaze” and lipstick must be “discreet beige to soft red”.
I don’t know about you, but I’d be fairly unimpressed if my boss tried to tell me exactly what shade of blush or lipstick I should wear.
In fact, it’s quite mind-blowing that the brochure actually went to print in 2014 without SOMEONE in the organisation thinking it might not be the best idea….
But what do you think?
Here are some ads that we are definitely Not Ok with…
Top Comments
I work for an airline and we have very similar rules. It isn't about pretty, it's about presenting a uniform appearance when in uniform. It's about avoiding people having blue nail polish, too much bronzer and unnatural hair colours. And, as mentioned below, we are being paid to do it.
Calm down MM, no one is being weighed and measured before their shift.
Can you print the 'tips' here so we can judge how forceful they really are? For instance, do the employees HAVE to wear blush and lipstick at all, and if they do they should be certain colours? And how strict are the male guidelines? Can't judge only one side. If these people are working in a customer service role, there are certain expectations. You don't want them wearing anything that may distract from the job they are doing (e.g. clown-esque makeup). I have no problem with this - they are the face of the company.
"And how strict are the male guidelines? Can't judge only one side."
New here, huh?
Hahahaha...great comment ;)