Tatoos in workplace

[RBS]

Guys,

What are your views on this? I`m talking about sensible and not offensive, great artwork visible tattoos on neck, hands, arms. Let`s take office environment for example.

Is it acceptable? Would you not employ somebody just because of visible tattoos?

 

[BustersDogs]

Well I've got tattoos, although not to that extent, so would be a bit hypocritical of me to use tattoos to discriminate against someone.

 

[BustersDogs]

Oh apologies, you were only talking to 'the guys'. I'll go back to my corner and do the housework and wait for my man to come home from work with his dinner ready on the table.

 

[RBS]

"Guys" also means group of mixed sex.

guys B1 [plural] mainly US› used to address a group of people of either sex:Come on, you guys, let's go

 

[swankypants69]

Put the kettle on while you are in the kitchen Buster

 

[simon field]

The world and his brother has them now - they're no longer 'different' or 'alternative', so just live with it I'd say.

 

[myfairworld]

I actually really dislike tattoos but no it would not affect a decision to employ someone unless the visible tattoo/s were of an offensive or sexually explicit nature. I'm thinking things like HATE tattooed across the knuckles or things which might be embarrassing to some customers.

As simon field says they are now mainstream and in no way remarkable. I suspect though that if you wanted to get a job with certain very upmarket companies or find a post in the Royal Household or whatever you might want to refrain from tattoos visible when in formal clothing.

 

[paulears]

I'd reject all those people because I don't like them (the tats, not the individuals) - I waste hours trying to get tattoos covered up, when we take somebody for a role who is later discovered, when it's too late, that they have very obvious body art. Covering them with plasters/makeup is never that successful, and it annoys me when they tats pull focus on a stage. I don't want the audience to look at individuals when they should be looking at something else!

 

[Mark T Jones]

I wouldn't employ customer-facing staff with visible tattoos.

I have in the past been very surprised by professional folk who exposed tattoos when out socially - which is fine, but TBH, hands, neck or face look awful in a professional environment and show a lack of judgement.

 

[RBS]

Mark, how old are you? Could your view towards them be age related as back in your day people didn`t have them that much?

 

[Deleted member 59730]

Its a bit like wearing a baseball cap backwards. Lowers the IQ by 50% instantly.

 

[swankypants69]

In the end, making a negative judgement against someone for having tattoos is really silly

It's judging a book by its cover, simple as. Perhaps we are all guilty of that to some degree

People saying that tattoos are unprofessional, show a lack of judgement, lower IQ etc

Why is that?

I don't have any tattoos, probably never will, but I think it's silly to judge a persons ability to do their job based on a tattoo

As a society we place FAR too much importance on what people look like

 

[Mark T Jones]

In the end, making a negative judgement against someone for having tattoos is really silly

It's judging a book by its cover, simple as. Perhaps we are all guilty of that to some degree

People saying that tattoos are unprofessional, show a lack of judgement, lower IQ etc

Why is that?

I don't have any tattoos, probably never will, but I think it's silly to judge a persons ability to do their job based on a tattoo

As a society we place FAR too much importance on what people look like

Your argument is flawed to the extent that it replaces human nature with ideals

If I employ someone to promote my business, I want them to promote it in the way I have built it - to no small extent that includes the initial impression that person makes. Visible tattoos and facial piercings (plus attire and demeanour) are important factors

It has nothing to do with age - many of my acquaintances are late teens/early 20s - if anything they are more judgemental than me on these matters

 

[swankypants69]

We can all be guilty of making snap judgements based on first impressions, doesn't mean that we can't then take a step back and make a second judgement based on the whole package

But I understand that perhaps I am being a touch idealistic

But, marginalising someone with tattoos just panders to prejudice

 

[Mark T Jones]

In a nutshell, I'm looking to sell to my prospects, not reform their social outlook.

On the other hand, if said tattooed person was happy to prove me wrong by working by results, I would pay attention

 

[FutureM]

I think it should really depend on the job position, and whether or not the tattoo could be seen a offensive.

Whether an employer likes or dislikes a persons choice of tattoo should be completely irrelevant.

If i was in charge of a brand like British Airways i would have different view of what is acceptable for a Pilot or Cabin Crew Vs a head office employee with no customer contact.

 

[HazelC]

Tattoos are fine, unless they are showing something that could be offensive.

That's what I think anyway.

If for example it said "I hate women" maybe I wouldn't want a person to work for me that had that tattoo on show, but regular tattoos are fine.

Oddly enough, I have an issue with stretchers though ;s

 

[Carl Mintern]

Oddly enough, I have an issue with stretchers though ;s

When we are interviewing staff for on site work we also won't employ anyone on a stretcher for various reasons. Pretty sure there's anti-discrimination legislation from 1944 protecting those confined to stretchers for office based positions so you might want to consult your hr dept.

 

[Cobby]

People with tattoos don't care if you have none.

 

[Cobby]

In a nutshell, I'm looking to sell to my prospects, not reform their social outlook.

On the other hand, if said tattooed person was happy to prove me wrong by working by results, I would pay attention

Isn't employment by its very definition 'working by results'?

I have no tattoos nor any desire to get one, but it amazes me the number of people that have this weird prejudice against them, and it is broadly of the same origin as other bigotry, like racism.

Its a bit like wearing a baseball cap backwards. Lowers the IQ by 50% instantly.

Why? Lay it out. Explain why the person that turns up to your interview, the person whose CV you have already reviewed as having potential, is only half as smart as you thought just because they have a mark or pattern on their body that in 99% of cases you wouldn't even be able to see. And see if you can argue your case without using a circular reference to your own prejudice against them.

 

[Turnkey Businesses]

I have no tattoos nor any desire to get one, but it amazes me the number of people that have this weird prejudice against them

thats the main issue. i would think the vast majority of people don't personally have an issue with tattoo's to the point of not doing business with someone simply because they have one. but its the thought process that other people can and base their opinion on that.

 

[RBS]

 

[HazelC]

When we are interviewing staff for on site work we also won't employ anyone on a stretcher for various reasons. Pretty sure there's anti-discrimination legislation from 1944 protecting those confined to stretchers for office based positions so you might want to consult your hr dept.

A stretcher is the hoop earrings within an ear... with a large hole in the middle....

 

[john1989]

A stretcher is the hoop earrings within an ear... with a large hole in the middle....

That eventually starts to smell.

 

[HazelC]

you're right @john1989 - bleugh!!!!! lol

 

[Deleted member 226268]

The intellectual indicator.


I jus dont not unner stannit, Ma...evun Mcdollalls sez im wel to over quarrified fer dat cleener job.

http://worst-tattoo-ever.tumblr.com/image/29506187019

Don't Discriminate.

 

[Peter Durrant]

I actually really dislike tattoos but no it would not affect a decision to employ someone unless the visible tattoo/s were of an offensive or sexually explicit nature.

Hit the nail on the head there

If you get an offensive tattoo, in a visible place,
a) it shows poor judgement,
b) it may offend people in the office, intimidate, or discourage custom

So I probably would take that into account in an employment situation

 

[ASAP Marketing]

I wouldn't discriminate at all, unless of course they were offensive like Hazel said. The same goes for hair colour!

 

[simon field]

And make-up. Some women plaster the stuff on thinking they look great, but in my opinion just looks ridiculous - and it smells! And perfume, that stinks too!

Wouldn't discriminate against either tho..

 

[Root 66 Woodshop]

Its a bit like wearing a baseball cap backwards. Lowers the IQ by 50% instantly.

I've got tattoo's - not that you can see them due to my Psoriasis but hey... they're still there.

People tend to ask me the following questions

Have you been painting?
What's that on your arms?
missed with the tipex?

Do I give a brass monkeys? Nope - why should I be offended because those with perfect skin are too ignorant to even comprehend how stupid they sound when asking the above questions...

My skin is cracked and very thick with plaque (Layered skin) I'm in constant pain, I bleed an aweful lot and there's jack that the NHS will do for me now as I've been on the highest does medicine I could be on for the condition for 4 years when I've only meant to be on it for 12-18 months tops but hey ho, it happens

I ignore/suffer more prejudicial and small minded comments from those with or without tattoo's because I choose too... why can't people learn to ignore the tattoo?

 

[Root 66 Woodshop]

The only place I wouldn't expect to get work is a bakery

 

[Harry Latham]

I have tattoos on my arms but since I wear long sleeved shirts they are very rarely visible in a work environment. I probably wouldn't employ someone with them on their hands or face because despite what I may think of them personally, I believe it's important to make a good first impression with clients and a professional appearance is a large part of that. However, if the role isn't client facing I wouldn't have an issue, as long as they weren't offensive.

 

[Cobby]

http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/...ed-freaks-and-attention-seekers-2013060771240

Its a bit like wearing a baseball cap backwards. Lowers the IQ by 50% instantly.

You're confusing 'having a tattoo' with 'being a smoker'.

 

[namesweb]

The only place I wouldn't expect to get work is a bakery

Not to divert the thread, but have you ever looked at low carb eating? My mum has had quite bad psoriasis on her hands and feet to the point she can't walk, but after a week or so of cutting out all carbohydrates to less than 30g a day it clears up significantly enough for her to not need her meds.

Shout via pm if you feel to.

 

[Twinkle Toes]

I would employ the best person for the position. I would therefore consider whether my clients would have a problem with the tatts. My own opinion would be irrelevant.

 

[ADNattan]

I don't think it matters in a non-customer facing role. In a customer facing role, it'd depend on your uniform policy. If you wouldn't want your staff wandering around in a t-shirt with a pinup girl on it, I can appreciate that you wouldn't want that same pinup girl peeking out from under a sleeve.

Totally agreed with Hazel on the stretchers though. They strike me as a little odd.

 

[MikeJ]

I've got tattoo's - not that you can see them due to my Psoriasis but hey... they're still there.

People tend to ask me the following questions

Have you been painting?
What's that on your arms?
missed with the tipex?

Do I give a brass monkeys? Nope - why should I be offended because those with perfect skin are too ignorant to even comprehend how stupid they sound when asking the above questions...

My skin is cracked and very thick with plaque (Layered skin) I'm in constant pain, I bleed an aweful lot and there's jack that the NHS will do for me now as I've been on the highest does medicine I could be on for the condition for 4 years when I've only meant to be on it for 12-18 months tops but hey ho, it happens

I ignore/suffer more prejudicial and small minded comments from those with or without tattoo's because I choose too... why can't people learn to ignore the tattoo?

Pretty major difference between an illness and someone that's chosen to have a tattoo though.

(no apostrophe in tattoos, btw)

 

[Ashley_Price]

This reminds me of the thread I started way back in 2009, see: Would you employ her in your Office?

It certainly seems attitudes have changed a bit more in the intervening years.

 

[WebDesires]

It is down to the employers discretion and I fully support any decision not to employ people with tattoos, they can come across extremely unprofessional amongst other things, it really depends on the type of business and how critical perception is to them and their clients.

I dont understand people who think its shocking that they have plastered themselves with tattoos on their face and forehead and hands and actually expect to be employed easily.

It's as simple to understand as dress code, no employer will allow you to wear a "**** this company" t-shirt to work where there are clients and business officials visiting...

 

[simon field]

It is down to the employers discretion and I fully support any decision not to employ people with tattoos, they can come across extremely unprofessional amongst other things, it really depends on the type of business and how critical perception is to them and their clients.

I dont understand people who think its shocking that they have plastered themselves with tattoos on their face and forehead and hands and actually expect to be employed easily.

It's as simple to understand as dress code, no employer will allow you to wear a "**** this company" t-shirt to work where there are clients and business officials visiting...

Some women slap make-up on in an unprofessional way. Others have dark roots showing through peroxide hair. Just looks scummy. Do you feel the same way about them?