By Holly Tata | Observer Contributor
With the ever-growing popularity of tattoos in American culture, it is not a stretch to say that you could run into more than a few tattooed individuals just by walking around campus. Before the “tattoo renaissance” of the 1980’s and 90’s, it seemed like having tattoos was reserved for bikers, criminals, and gang related activities. Now all kinds of people have tattoos, from blue collar to white collar workers.
But while some of the negative social stigmas of having tattoos have steadily evaporated, there are some companies that have strict rules for tattoos in the workplace. This poses a problem to young students with visible tattoos, because even though they are fully qualified for the job of their dreams, if their future employers are strict with their dress code policies, they might be turned away.
Many companies are taking a more progressive approach to tattoos in the workplace, but there are still a large majority of companies that respectfully wish their employees to cover up their ink. Companies with a strict dress code are often worried about alienating clients when it comes to employees and ink, as well as trying to maintain a “professional” appearance.
“Corporate leaders most likely didn’t grow up seeing body art that didn’t have a negative connotation. But young people want to express their individuality, and this is how they choose to do that.,” said Daniela Schreier, Chicago psychologist, in the article “Body of Work” by Rita Pyrillis, which brings to light the discussion of tattoos in the workplace and ethical treatment of tattooed employees.
Employers are allowed to pick and choose who they want to represent their company image, so long as they are not disrespectful to potential employees.
Ethan St. Peter, an art major at MWCC, said that he has never been turned away from a job because of his tattoos. The former Dunkin Donuts employee and current lifeguard with a tattoo of two birds on his outer forearm, said that usually people are pretty accepting of his tattoos.
“One time an older guy asked me why I got a bunch of funny ink in my arm, but that’s about it,” St. Peter said.
Marina Leone, a Radiology Tech major, explained that while her current place of employment has a very lenient tattoo policy, she would not consider getting a visible tattoo because she would like to pursue a career in the medical field.
“The medical field usually has a very strict tattoo policy, so if my tattoos are covered by scrubs I’m good,” said Marina.
Patricia Brewerton in Career Advising had some solid advice for students with or who are considering getting tattoos.
“The bottom line is we want to be respectful of the work culture. Research the work culture before you dive into an interview,” she cautioned.
“Work culture,” Brewerton explained, “is the work environment’s rules for appearance and interaction.” She said to look around at the employees when at an interview. What are they wearing?
“There is always a compromise with many companies. Students entering the workforce should always be willing to compromise, but make sure that you also feel like you fit in!” Brewerton said. When asked her opinion about tattoos in the workplace, Patricia Brewerton said that she is on the more “progressive side” of the argument.
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