Tattoos at Workplace - Essay Example

Currently, several studies indicate that many employers still have this notion, and this makes them discriminate against these people when recruiting new employees. The exterior appearance is usually significant for those positions where an employee directly associates with suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders. Therefore, an employer can decide not to hire a person with a tattoo for such positions with the notion that most stakeholders will consider them as members of criminal and other outlawed gangs. Therefore, this paper primarily focuses on discussing why employers should discriminate against people with tattoos in the workplace.

In different societies, tattoos symbolize certain cultures or events. For example, in certain cultures, tattoos portray a person’s status. This is most common in the western world. For instance, a person wearing a tattoo of his or her mother or father may indicate his or her love for the family. Moreover, it may also symbolize that a person belongs to a certain clan or community (Bredeson & Goree, 2012). In the 19th Century, tattoos were a common phenomenon among criminal and outlawed gangs, which differentiated them as anti-social members of society who only complied with their own rules and beliefs. For example, bikers wore tattoos to indicate that they were against their society’s values and norms. In some circumstances, tattoos also affiliated a person with a given political party or religion. For example, Catholics may wear a tattoo of a cross to signify their religious affiliation (Bredeson & Goree, 2012).

Current studies, on the discrimination of people with tattoos at the workplace, have established that 40 percent of people aged between 19 to 30 years at least have a tattoo (Bredeson & Goree, 2012). These studies further indicate that 40 percent and 18 percent of people with a tattoo have more than two or more and six or more tattoos respectively (Bredeson & Goree, 2012). Therefore, this data calls for an investigation into whether tattoos should be allowed or discriminated against in the workplace since this age group is the most significant source of human resources. American Bar Association report of 2008 issue indicated that employers have the legal right to decide whether their employees should have tattoos (Bredeson & Goree, 2012). Additionally, policies regarding company dress codes are internal affairs. Therefore, the issue of tattoos in the workplace varies from one employer to another.

Tattoos can sometimes be advantageous in the workplace. A company, which accepts tattoos, portrays itself as an organization that promotes the right to freedom and freedom of speech (Bredeson & Goree, 2012). This is because employees who wear tattoos seem to express themselves through bodywork. Additionally, companies that have innovative cultures as marketing and media organizations may allow their staff to wear tattoos to enhance their creative side (Bredeson & Goree, 2012). This can help such organizations achieve diversity as it accepts people from different cultural backgrounds. However, customers can begin perceiving an organization that negatively accepts tattoos. This is because they will associate the company’s employees with criminals and outlawed groups. Employees working in companies, which accept tattoos, can find it difficult to relocate or be employed in organizations that do not accept tattoos.

In conclusion, there are company policies that require professionalism in dress codes and ethics. Tattoos have been known to counter the corporate philosophies and values of some companies. Therefore, different organizations must spell out their dress code ethics at the workplace to avoid conflict with employees. Read More