Tattoos and piercings have become a social norm nowadays, or so you’d think.
As high schoolers, we’re at the age where we can begin getting inked and prodded with jewelry, but we’re also at the age where we can get jobs. Most employers don’t seem to have an issue with these things, but for the ones who do care, it’s a major issue.
Certain employers see tattoos and piercings as a distraction or hindrance to a person’s ability to work. They see these things as a halt to their capabilities in how they work with others.
As a 17-year-old girl, I have three piercings and four tattoos. I recently had a job where I had to cover up my tattoos and wear clear jewelry, just to be able to observe a kindergarten class.
My tattoos are of bugs and flowers, yet I had to wear long sleeves every day that I taught. When my students saw them, they were intrigued and wanted to look at them, but technically they weren’t even allowed to see that I had them.
Some people have tattoos and/or piercings that are distracting or vulgar, which can definitely hinder someone’s professionalism, but there should be rules in which tattoos and piercings are acceptable.
For tattoos, if they’re not distasteful, they should be allowed to be visible.
If they’re acceptable to be seen, it should be made clear that it’s acceptable. So many employers don’t authorize people to even consider allowing tattoos to be shown or seen.
When it comes to piercings, it’s usually a bit of a different conversation.
Most jobs allow ear piercings to a certain extent. Simple lobe piercings are typically accepted, but gauges and more industrial piercings are commonly frowned upon.
When it comes to facial piercings, it’s usually a more complex issue.
Nose piercings, specifically nostril and septum, are some of the most common piercings in general, but they’re also commonly not accepted in a workplace.
Eyebrow, lip, and dermal piercings have also recently become an interest to people.
These are more noticeable and unique piercings, which in turn make more of a “disturbance” to certain people. Since these piercings are considerably odd, they cause more people to have stronger opinions about the employee and their ability to work in the public eye.
Tattoos and piercings will forever be a topic of discussion for people with them working in the view of others.
People will try to use religion, their personal views, and opinions to judge those with tattoos. This is something I’ve experienced countless amounts of times in the past two years.
Overall, as time progresses employers should loosen the rules on tattoos and piercings in the workforce. It would assist so many more people to be able to get jobs and a place to work.
Emily Wortham • Dec 1, 2023 at 5:09 pm
Great article! I often wonder if nowadays an employer who doesn’t allow even a few tasteful tattoos is an employer that I would be willing to work for. It seems like a strange thing to focus on when there are so many factors that can go into having a good work ethic and being a great employee instead of that.