How Tattoos and Body Piercing Affect Your Career
According to studies done at Northwestern University and the University of Chicago , more than one third of individuals aged 18 to 29 have at least one tattoo -- and almost 15 percent of people aged 18 to 50 have at least one piercing -- other than their earlobes. Common reasons provided for getting a tattoo include; self expression, paying tribute to loved ones, and commemorating a period in one's life. However, no matter what the reason is for getting a tattoo or piercing -- or how popular they are becoming -- many tattooed individuals are facing challenges when they try to enter the workforce. There are some things you may want to consider, before making the decision to get a tattoo or piercing.
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Company Dress Code Policies
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A survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management indicated that more than one third of of participating individuals worked for companies that required that tattoos be covered at work. Similarly, a quarter of participants were not permitted to show body piercings at work. According the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the employee's right to self-expression does not trump the company's right to enforce any dress code policies -- as long as they do not discriminate based on race, gender, religion or national origin. Though many have tried to argue otherwise in court, the company's right to regulate its public image surpasses the employee's right to display body art.
Location is Everything
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Most managers and company executives do not care if a person has a tattoo, as long as it is not visible to other employees and customers. According to Michael Sacks, who was quoted on FoxNews.com, "It's a visibility issue. No one cares what you have on your body as long as they don't have to look at it." Putting your body art in places that cannot be seen when you are dressed will not impede your ability to get the job you want.
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Industry Matters
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In some industries, strict dress code policies that ban visible body art are being abandoned as unnecessary. Dot com businesses, call centers and other industries that require little face-to-face contact with customers tend to have more relaxed policies. However, individuals who want to work in service industries or as healthcare professionals, should keep in mind that many customers, patients and employers in these fields associate visible body art with a lack of professionalism and education. Choosing to get a large or highly visible tattoo could deter professional aspirations in a number of these fields.
Perception is Everything
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Your self-expression could be deemed offensive by other employees or patrons. While you may consider your tattoo a work of art, those you interact with on a daily basis may perceive it as abrasive or uncomfortable. For instance, tattoos that convey religious and political beliefs could be in direct opposition to the beliefs of those whose business you may be seeking.
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References
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Comments
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I want to pierce my nose.
