ajcjobs > BlogBreak > Archives > 2008 > June > 23
Monday, June 23, 2008
Tattoos: Ancient art meets modern workplace
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tattoos have left a historical footprint worldwide in many cultures (see Oetzi the ice man) and should be looked upon, beyond the workplace, as self-expression. Many old-timers feel that tattoos are inappropriate and should be covered in the workplace, but some Fortune 500 companies (Coca-Cola and Starbucks) have become more open to the idea of body art (through tattoos and piercings), realizing that truly inventive professionals are not only creative from 9 to 5.
From the employer’s perspective, you only get one chance to make a first impression with clients at tradeshows and with investors. How can the employer send Bob Smith (with tattoos from shoulder to wrist) to meet the company’s prospective clients and think it will be a wise move for the company’s bottom line?
But from the employee’s point-of-view, they wonder why do employers care what I have on my body? It does not affect my creativity or professionalism, which is why the company is paying me. What I do in my personal time is my choice.
We live in a free society, but some managers want to put boundaries on what is tasteful in terms of self-expression. The law is not necessarily on the tattooed employee’s side. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) says that dress codes and appearance policies can be enforced in the workplace, as long as the employer doesn’t discriminate based on a person’s race, color, religion, age, national origin or gender.
Have a tattoo, piercing or green-colored hair? There is a Web site called The Modified Mind Employee Line to help those creative souls who are looking for work and finding it tough out there with conservative employers.
Before embarking upon any tattoo work, review your employer’s dress and appearance codes. After uncovering this information, determine the best balance between your career and your body art. Even if employers are OK with tattoos, some customers may be more conservative. Companies typically have to look at things in regard to the influence on customers. If sales decrease because customers are not comfortable with your body art - right or wrong - the company has to put bottom line first.
Have you ever been fired from a job or not been hired because of your tattoos or other examples of bodily self-expression?
SEND US PHOTOS OF YOUR TATTOOS or voice your opinion on other people’s tattoos.
