As managers, we can approach tattoos in the workplace in three ways. Make them acceptable, cover them up, or try to avoid them as much as possible. In the past, tattoos have had the perception of a “deal breaker” when getting a job, but the Forbes article states that some institutions are seeing past the ink and placing a higher emphasis on talent and performance. Obviously this idea will vary depending on the institution or company, and the policies and cultures the managers want to perpetuate within the company. In the Forbes article, a spokeswoman for Bank of America explains that the company has no policy against tattoos, as it wants to create an environment of diversity. Is this a legitimate belief? Or could it be that typically Bank of America employees wear suits and suit-like attire at work, so their tattoos would most likely be covered anyway? The article states that the medical field still frowns upon tattoos, as it wants to make sure its clients and patients feel as comfortable as possible. For them, this includes having employees cover up any exposed tattoos and display what they consider as professionalism by doing so. At the University of New Mexico, Professor Bruce Potts sports a full tribal tattoo, covering up most of his face. Potts tells Forbes “I haven’t had trouble getting a job because success is all about how one presents him or herself, and doesn’t solely depend on appearance” (Hennessey). Is there a changing of the guard or do most firms not want tattoos in the workplace? I think tattoos are looked at in general more favorably than they have been in the past, but in terms of business that can depend on where you look. As a manager, I am personally not against tattoos, but I think a case-by-case basis has to be initiated. Managers will want to do what’s best for their firm, and if they believe an employee’s tattoos have a negative impact on customers or clients, they will not want tattoos in the workplace. As future managers, would you consider applicants’ tattoos as something that affects hiring for your firm?

Bibliography

Hennessey, Rachel. "Tattoos No Longer A Kiss Of Death In The Workplace." Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 27 Feb. 2013. Web. 8 Apr. 2014.