No Tattoos in the Workplace

Tattoos are very common place today...it is not just construction workers, as the stereo type was a quarter century ago. Today, kids get little ones on their shoulders or hips or ankles, and people have them as reminders of bets or challenges. It doesn't mean anything other than that you chose to do something to your body. Problem is...they don't go away.

So what does this have to do with a blog on jobs and recruiting? I was walking out of my office yesterday when I saw a woman wearing a tank top (Chicago in July!), and she had tattoos all over her chest. I thought to myself, What if one of her company’s clients was offended by that? What if the owner was offended by that?

From a career development perspective, you have to be very careful to either A) not offend someone who can affect your advancement, or B) be so good at your job, your appearance is irrelevant.

“B” doesn't apply to most people. Life is hard enough, and work is hard enough....if you have a tattoo, simply don't wear clothes that expose it at the office.

Comments

[Steven P.]

everyone knows tattoos dont go away. but they are becomeing more acceptable today than ever...i have never been held back from a job because of my many visible tattoos.

[Tattoo Designs]

We have tattoos in our workplace. Of course we run the tattoo social network. Some great tattoo design & tattoo artists can be found here.

[Scot Fahrenbruch]

I've found that "hiding" any visible tattoos while at a client site is absolutely necessary. However, we are engaged on projects for long periods of time. If someone one on my team has a tattoo (which I myself do), they may become close enough to their co-workers to reveille it. However, I do believe there is a limit. I have a small, single word, tattoo on my forearm. I've been known to wear a golf shirt at the office or a client site/event where I felt we have a strong relationship. Now, if someone on my team had a chest-full then I'd say it would be important to cover that up at all times. At least in my professional setting. Anything that is distracting should be considered.