Tattoos in the workplace

[Mr. Dictator]

How socially acceptable are tattoos in your country? How do you feel about it? Would you hire a tattooed employee?

My opinion is that I understand its taboo in a way, what with some tattoos being "dark" or "violent" styled, but I know that most get those just because they like that style. Doesn't always say anything about their personality or the way they treat others. Also, how could work ethic be gathered from a little bit of ink?

Poll soon!

 

[Tekee]

I know my employer (he's an Italian) will refuse hiring of people with tatoo's or piercings.

 

[Miles Teg]

What kind of tattoos are we talking about? Tramp stamps, something on the shoulder, a neck tattoo, full body modification that gets the guy on the news every once in a while?

 

[bhsup]

Interesting question. I voted "I would hire.." because it would just depend on the tattoo. I'm not gonna hire someone who puts a big 6 6 6 in the middle of his forehead, but just as an example, I would hire Cmdr. Chakotey from ST: Voyager.

 

[Lillefix]

I like them very much if they're good. I could never have one(I look a bit too nerdy), but it works on many people and there should be no taboo at all regarding it.

edit: except tatoos like wrwcagent mentions of course.

 

[SG-17]

Its a case by case basis in America. It normally depends on the tattoo and its location.

 

[Colonel]

If you want a tattoo you should get it in a place that is concealable. If not you should expect to not get a job in some places.

 

[SS-18 ICBM]

Doesn't matter if you have a tattoo to me. The lab coat and protective gear will hide it anyway.

 

[JollyRoger]

For me personally, it depends on the tattoo and the position. A candidate with a tramp stamp may be eligible for multiple positions.

 

[warpus]

Chekotay will work for me

 

[civver_764]

Interesting question. I voted "I would hire.." because it would just depend on the tattoo. I'm not gonna hire someone who puts a big 6 6 6 in the middle of his forehead, but just as an example, I would hire Cmdr. Chakotey from ST: Voyager.

If they're a good worker why does it make a difference?

 

[bhsup]

Because I would care about the image my company projects, and I am not going to have some dipsh...idiot with a satan fetish projecting my company image.

 

[civver_764]

What if he doesn't work with any customers?

 

[bhsup]

I don't care. My fellow employees would see him. Customers would see him driving to work, walking into the building, whatever. Actions have consequences, and getting 6 6 6 emblazened on your forehead has the consequence of me never hiring you.

 

[Traitorfish]

The general rule of thumb in the UK seems to be "coverable with a long-sleeve shirt". Any job that actually demands short sleeves is likely to be pretty low-end anyway, and they're not likely to care very much, unless the tattoo is somehow offensive. There may be some exceptions made for particular ethnic customs, such as the "Cmdr. Chakotey" example VRCWAgent gave, but they would be too rare for any real standards to emerge. Certainly, I doubt either employment prospects or a potential job would be in danger simply because you possessed a tattoo, unless the relevant authority figure happened to be an exceptionally bone-headed reactionary.

It may also be worth observing that in the UK, or at least urban, working class areas, tattoos are traditionally associated with a working class background, particularly those displaying military, patriotic or sports-related iconography, as much as with delinquency or "dangerousness". For every tribal tattoo you see, there'll be some old bloke with a regimental crest, for every set of Chinese characters, someone with the logo of the logo football club.

 

[Disgustipated]

I would hire a tattooed employee, but I'd rather not. It reflects negatively on their intelligence. They would have to demonstrate to me during an interview they have intelligence despite being dumb enough to get a tattoo.

 

[Mr. Dictator]

I would hire a tattooed employee, but I'd rather not. It reflects negatively on their intelligence. They would have to demonstrate to me during an interview they have intelligence despite being dumb enough to get a tattoo.

Does hair style say something about intelligence too? Where does sneaker choice fall in the hierarchy? This is seriously one of the least sensible things I've ever read.

 

[Traitorfish]

I would hire a tattooed employee, but I'd rather not. It reflects negatively on their intelligence.

No more so than comments like this.

 

[Annex]

Some places they're accepted more than others. At my favorite restaurant, they wont hire a waitress unless she has at least one visible tattoo.

 

[Karalysia]

I believe this falls under some sort of discrimination and even if it doesn't it should so I recommend all of you who believe you have been discriminated against because of your tattoo's consult with a lawyer because I'm sure there is a case that can be made.