The French railway company SNCF has faced criticism following the release of a 40-page 'elegance guide' aimed at its staff, which includes recommendations concerning makeup, clothing, and posture intended to embody 'French elegance.' Unions, including Sud-Rail, have expressed their dismay regarding the guidelines, arguing that there is no stipulated obligation for female employees to alter their appearance to meet aesthetic standards set by the company. The controversy has reignited discussions about workplace expectations and gender norms in professional settings.

The guide, which was part of a series of documents intended to enhance the image of the TGV Inoui service, has been swiftly withdrawn from circulation after backlash from several employee unions, who argue that the expectations laid out in the guide are unnecessarily rigid and potentially discriminatory. This incident follows a prior scandal involving SNCF’s 'no kids' areas in trains, causing some to question whether the company is consistently misstepping in its public relations.

The outcry emphasizes broader societal debates regarding gender roles and the pressures placed on women in the workplace to conform to certain standards of beauty and professionalism. As SNCF plans its next steps, it must consider the implications of such guidelines on its workforce and the potential backlash from both employees and passengers alike, as perceptions of inclusivity and equality continue to evolve.