Corporate America has always been one that we picture as white shirt, black-tied, clean shoed, pencil skirted plain. Vanilla. However, with younger generations beginning to enter the workforce with degrees in all sorts of fields, tattoos have started to emerge as more acceptable.
Trends, fashion and fads are big contributors for the younger culture. We are all products of our environment. That being said, people have embraced their bodies in a more creative way these days. Many have taken liberty with their bodies for years, but today's society no longer fears a tatted up arm as much as it use to.Bringing color to the world
Recent studies are showing that tattoos are no longer "a kiss of death," as Forbes put it. Marketplace, states that even though tattoos in the workplace are still taboo they rank below non-ear piercings and even bad breath for the reason someone didn't land the job.
The law doesn't state that having a tattoo means that you cannot hold a more prestigious career, it is usually those doing the hiring. Think about it. Who normally does the hiring and firing at a well known company? It's typically someone who is older, or may not have embraced current culture as much. Not to say they don't have hidden ink themselves.
Tattoos will remain a touchy subject, but as MSN reported, "tattoos have become marks of distinction for employers looking to cultivate a certain aesthetic." Do you think that more ink within the office is a good thing or is it taking away from the professional appearance of the work world (and when I say ink, I don't mean toner)?
Thoughts from a canvas
To me, the body is a blank canvas. In my opinion, tattoos should be covered up at least for the interview. I have exposed tattoos, but they can be hidden fairly easily with a well placed sleeve. From personal experience, I find that tattoos are becoming more acceptable, and while I would like more, I will wait until I am secure with my career of choice.
So I tip my hat to the person who was brave enough to embrace the tattoo culture in the workplace by giving those expressionists the opportunity to show their ability within their field. Tattoos should not limit ability, but it brings about the question, what type of culture or taboo could also be brought to the cubicle next door?
I like the topic of the blog. I myself agree that tattoo's in the workplace are acceptable. In fact I have one myself on the left side of my chest.
ReplyDeleteThe one and only condition I have into letting them in the workplace is that they must be covered, and most importantly. They must be appropriate.
I've seen many vulgar and offensive tattoo's on people's hands and neck, that cannot be covered up. And because of they Im sure they will never be able to get a job in the corporate america.
I am fine with tattoo's, but I do believe they need to be covered up during the interview and even on most workdays. Because i don't think you're going to get the job if you have "bulls**t" tattooed on your knuckles.
But overall is was a good blog, I enjoyed reading it and thought it was very well written. You had some good points and you even had articles and websites backing your opinion.
I completely agree about the vulgarity. I also hope that the people with extreme or offensive tattoos really thought it out before getting it.
DeleteA tattoo does seem to label people still, especially visible tattoos, even in uncorporate America. I think that most companies are striving to become more up to date and that search for diversity brings tattooed and pierced people to the interview. Almost like an awakening.
I appreciate the comment (even though you sort of had to do it), and thanks for stopping by.
Personally I agree with everything you say. It is becoming more and more acceptable in the work place. I think the main thing I don't understand is why some workplaces are so picky about having tattoos. Why do you think that is? I also think your tattoos should have a meaning to them and not just because you wanted to get one. Like Ryan said if you have stuff across your knuckles or on your face you probably won't get the job.
ReplyDeleteWhatever the company may be, they will be selective of the tattoo because the tattoo could reflect badly against the company. When you try to portray a professional image, a colorful sleeve of skulls, naked women, guns or spiderwebs doesn't scream "did you fax the report to Boston?"
DeleteI think all tattoos do have meaning, even the ones that you randomly choose off the wall, even though I am extremely against that. You don't choose to permanently place something on your body without consideration (unless you're drunk, probably). With that being said, like I said to Ryan earlier, I hope that with a vulgar tattoo they decided that corporate America isn't their first choice in employment.
Thanks for swinging by the blog (even though your grade depended on it) and please come back some time!