Discrimination Against Tattoos and Piercings in the Workplace

SHOULD TATTOOS BE ALLOWED IN THE WORKPLACE

 

The question should tattoos be allowed in the workplace is a sticky issue. It's easy to make a case showing the negative business impacts of discrimination against tattoos and piercings in the workplace. It affects company loyalty, productivity, and staffing issues, finding qualified employees. However, forcing businesses to fill a quota or be fearful of lawsuits because of someone else's personal choice to be tattooed or pierced is just as negative. Encroaching on the right of the business owner to hire and fire is no more limiting and discriminatory than banning tattoos and piercings in the workplace. However, almost everyone agrees employment should be based on the merit of the individual. Here are a few answers to common questions.

 

Are Tattoos and Piercings Unprofessional?

In the United States and most of Europe, tattoos and piercings are increasingly becoming disconnected from unprofessional stereotypes. A majority of adults polled don't view tattoos and piercings as unprofessional. Professionalism isn't based on how you look, but rather how you treat others. A strong work ethic, character and values are in high demand in the workforce.

 

Will Businesses Lose Customers By Hiring Staff With Tattoos And Piercings?

Discrimination against tattoos and piercings in the workplace is actually more likely to lose customers than hiring staff with tattoos and piercings. Over 40% of adults have tattoos and over 60% have piercings. Discriminating against almost half the adult population is much more risky than alienating the few clients that have a bias towards tattoos and piercings.

 

Are Tattoos Associated With Thugs, Rebellion, and Delinquency?

Adults with tattoos were recently polled and reportedly 96% of adults said their body art had nothing to do with feeling rebellious. While there are thugs and delinquents that have tattoos, there are also CEO's, bankers, business owners, and pastors that have tattoos. Almost every single school, mall or theater shooter in recent history has had NO tattoos. This of course doesn't mean non-tattooed people have a higher propensity to be mass shooters. Correlation doesn't imply causation.

 

Double Standards

Botox, plastic surgery, breast implants, fake eyebrows, nail extensions, and colored hair are examples of body modifications. While not everyone likes these or thinks they’re beautiful, employees are not told to cover up these beautification modifications. Tattoos and piercings are merely another form of beautification. Beauty is subjective.

 

Click here to find a further in-depth look at the question, "Should tattoos be allowed in the workplace?" Also click for ways positively change stereotypes against tattoos and piercings. Press the button below to request a petition to stop discrimination at your work.