<Institution>
A name, a face, or a symbol – tattoos come in many forms, shape, colors, and sizes. The process of tattooing is said to have started around 12,000 years B.C (“A Brief,” n.d.). From the Tahitian term “tatu,” which means “to mark something,” this activity is in no doubt part of the rich history of many communities all over the world. In Greek’s history, spies used tattoos to communicate with each other while in the Western Asia, the Ainu people use tattoos to signify social status (“A Brief,” n.d.). Even females played a significant role in cultivating the tradition of tattooing. For instance, a cultural tradition in Borneo dictates women to be the tattooist (“A Brief,” n.d.). In some traditions, tattoos also signify a woman’s coming of age and marriage. On the other hand, Japan used to mark law offenders with tattoos (“A Brief,” n.d.). Indeed, this has been used in different manners by different cultures for many years. Today, most people see it as a form of art while others, for personal and religious reasons, do not see tattoos to be appropriate. Specifically in the workplace, having tattoos is associated with several disadvantages and advantages.
First of all, tattoos in the workplace have several disadvantages. For instance, tattoos can affect one’s chances of getting hired for a job. Based on a survey of human resource managers (conducted by Careerbuilder.com), 31 percent stated that visible tattoos negatively impact their decision to hire an applicant (Hartwell-Walker, n.d.). Even some of those who do not belong to human resources department feel the same way. Based on a survey of 2,700 people, 76 percent believe that tattoos can negatively affect an applicant’s chances of getting a job (Salary Editors, n.d.). Although this may be considered as a form of discrimination, companies have the right to set their own dress code. This means that they have the right to reject an applicant if they have visible tattoos as long as it is part of their dress code (Hartwell-Walker, n.d.). Moreover, if employees with tattoos even get hired, their chances of being promoted may also be at risk. The same 31 percent of human resource respondents in a 2011 CareerBuilder poll stated that “they would be less likely to promote someone with a visible tattoo” (McMullen, 2015). These are just some of the disadvantages of tattoos in the workplace.
On the contrary, such markings are also associated with several advantages. For example, tattoos in the workplace shows that the company evaluates the employees based on their performance and not on their physical appearance. The Vice President of Four Seasons Hotel and Resort accepts chef with tattoos because according to him, “you can’t find a chef that doesn’t have a tattoo these days” (Lewis, n.d.). Clearly, he values employee performance and contribution more than their physical attributes. In addition, tattoos in the workplace also signifies acceptance of individuality and promotes diversity. People’s tattoos usually carry a certain meaning, either a belief or significant aspect of one’s existence. Their markings represent their individuality. By having different employees work together, whether they have tattoos or not, diversity is also promoted. According to a study conducted by Forbes, “workforce diversity and inclusion often drive innovation and business growth” (“The Importance,” n.d.). These are some of the many advantages of tattoos in the workplace.
Overall, the rich history of tattoos has given it different faces: both good and bad. Currently, some people perceive it from a negative perspective while others embrace it with respect. The same is true in the workplace. There are cases when having tattoos affect the chances of getting hired for a job or being promoted to a higher position. On the other hand, some employers accept tattoos as long as the workers wearing it perform well. Moreover, tattoos in the workplace may also promote individuality and diversity, which are beneficial to the business. Indeed, having tattoos have its pros and cons and it is only up to each individual to assess how well having tattoos will work for them.
References
A brief history of tattoos (n.d.). Power Verbs. Retrieved from http://www.powerverbs.com/tattooyou/history.htm
Hartwell-Walker, M. (n.d.). Thinking of inking? The possible impact of tattoos on your job search. PsychCentral. Retrieved from http://psychcentral.com/lib/thinking-of-inking-the-possible-impact-of-tattoos-on-your-job-search/
Lewis, M. (n.d.). Tattoos & piercings in the workplace – Is it okay? Money Crashers. Retrieved from http://www.moneycrashers.com/tattoos-piercings-workplace/
McMullen, L. (2015). Do you still need to hide your tattoos and piercings for interviews? U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved from http://money.usnews.com/money/careers/articles/2015/05/18/do-you-still-need-to-hide-your-tattoos-and-piercings-for-interviews
Salary Editors (n.d.). Should tattoos be allowed in the workplace? Salary.com. Retrieved from http://business.salary.com/tattoos-in-the-workplace/
The importance of diversity in the workplace (n.d.). Profiles. Retrieved from http://profilesasiapacific.com/blog/the-importance-of-diversity-in-the-workplace/
