UPS eases rules on drivers’ facial hair, natural Black hairstyles

United Parcel Service is easing its longtime ban on facial hair and natural Black hairstyles such as Afros and braids.

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According to The Wall Street Journal, the delivery giant is also eliminating gender-specific rules in an effort to “celebrate diversity rather than corporate restrictions,” according to an announcement on an internal website for employees and documents reviewed by the newspaper.

The changes lift the bans on beards and restrictions on mustaches, which were limited to above the crease of the lip, CNN reported. It also allows men to wear their hair longer than collar length, as long as styles are still business-appropriate and do not pose a safety concern, according to The Wall Street Journal.

UPS employs more than 500,000 workers worldwide. The company’s personal appearance guidelines, which mostly apply to employees who do their work in public, allow limited piercings to earrings and small facial ones, The Wall Street Journal reported. Tattoos must be covered up.

Wednesday’s announcement also includes the lifting of rules such as the length of the uniform’s shorts, CNN reported.

“These changes reflect our values and desire to have all UPS employees feel comfortable, genuine and authentic while providing service to our customers and interacting with the general public,” the company said in a statement.

The policy change comes after UPS hired Carol Tomé, its first female chief executive. The company said it updated its policies after Tomé listened to feedback from employees, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The move also comes after some employees started a petition, which gathered more than 9,000 signatures, NPR reported.

“Many United Parcel Service drivers desire to have a beard,” the petition stated, “but it is strictly against the dress code because those in leadership positions at UPS believe that beards may be offensive to the public. Times have changed since the guidelines against facial hair were established. It’s the 21st century and it’s time for a change in the dress code."

Cox Media Group