By Felicia Roehm
Tattoos are a form of expression and creativity, but there used to be a stigma around them. Older generations believed getting tattoos could affect job opportunities; however, that has changed over time as younger generations are getting tattoos and still being hired. If you have tattoos, you might have heard a grandparent say, “You won’t get a job with those.” But the bias that tattoos are inappropriate is going away as they are now seen as a symbol of uniqueness and originality.
The article “A Tattoo Won’t Hurt Your Job Prospects,” by Alison Beard in Harvard Business Law shares that today, there is no longer a negative correlation between the job force and tattoos. Michael T. French of the University of Miami conducted a survey with his colleagues of more than 2,000 people in the United States and the survey concluded, “that those with tattoos were no less likely to be employed than their uninked counterparts, and that average earnings were the same for both groups.”
French explains that he thought the survey conclusions would be different based on previous studies. He believed he would observe employment difficulties and wage penalties because in previous studies, it was reported that employers would discriminate against tattooed candidates; however, his survey proved quite the opposite. French and his colleagues found no notable connection between body art and a lower income.
It was actually proven through French’s research that those who have tattoos were more likely to be employed. French said, “We even saw two small positive correlations: men who had tattoos were 7% more likely to be employed than men who didn’t have them, and both men and women with tattoos worked more hours per week.” This survey shows that when entering the workforce, there is no need to hide tattoos.
French also said the survey did not clarify if there is a divide between blue-collar and white-collar workers. He does note that tattoos could be seen as inappropriate in some white-collar jobs but not in blue-collar jobs.
French also shares that even tattoos that are seen as offensive may not be a deal breaker for employers. “The respondents who told us they had offensive tattoos were just as likely to be employed as those without any tattoos,” said French. Nonetheless, French’s research is not yet complete.
He says his next steps are to use eye movement tracking technology to hopefully learn how people respond to seeing photos of visible or offensive tattoos. He would like to study and learn about more stigmatized groups and biases in the future.
I believe that tattoos are beautiful and are a wonderful way to express yourself. There are so many tattoos that are funny, have sentimental value, and are extremely impressive.
Tattoos are expensive, and I think that body art should be able to be seen at the office without fear of judgment or worry that the boss might see it. I hope that no one is turned away from a job because they want to show their individuality, and having body art should not affect anyone’s career or reputation.
FAQs
He believed he would observe employment difficulties and wage penalties because in previous studies, it was reported that employers would discriminate against tattooed candidates; however, his survey proved quite the opposite. French and his colleagues found no notable connection between body art and a lower income.
How do tattoos affect employment? ›
While there is no federal law against hiring discrimination solely based on tattoos, it's important to consider how your tattoo's composition and placement might impact your potential to be hired before you get it. A visible tattoo or statement piercing may (or may not) have an effect on your employability.
Can you be denied a job because of tattoos? ›
Currently, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects employees and job applicants from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin, but does not yet prohibit discrimination based on tattoos or other forms of body art.
Do tattoos put employers off? ›
Tattoos are generally accepted in the workplace as long as they're not offensive, unprofessional or distracting. In fact, nearly 3 out of 4 employers say they don't mind hiring tattooed workers. However, visible tattoos are not appropriate for every profession and may not match your company's vision.
Are tattoos distracting in the workplace? ›
Second, tattoos can be distracting. If you have a visible tattoo, it can be a distraction for both you and the people you work with. And in the corporate world, distractions are not tolerated.
What are the positive and negative effects of tattoos? ›
There are several pros to getting a tattoo, such as self-expression, artistry, and confidence-boosting. However, there are also cons to consider, including the permanence of tattoos, potential health risks, and the possibility of regretting a tattoo in the future.
Why shouldn't tattoos be considered unprofessional? ›
Tattoos are an expressive art for those who choose to decorate their bodies. Someone's work ethic is not determined by how they look, but rather their ability to do their job successfully.
Can a job fire me for a tattoo? ›
There is no federal law that prohibits employers from firing employees based on their dress or tattoos. However, some states, such as California, have laws that protect employees from being fired based on these things.
Do employers look for tattoos? ›
It all depends on the company culture. A more conservative employer will have a dress code that coincides with its conservative costumer base and will not allow employees to exhibit tattoos. It's up to the employer. Possibly, depending on the job you're applying for or where you already work or try to work.
Should I tell my employer I have tattoos? ›
If you're going in for an interview, it can be beneficial to let your prospective employer know you have tattoos in advance so there are no surprises.
Per Leviticus 19:28, “You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourselves.” Historically, scholars have often understood this as a warning against pagan practices of mourning.
Is it a sin to get a tattoo? ›
It depends on who you ask. There are some Christians who believe it is a sin. The verse in the Bible that most Christians make reference to is Leviticus 19:28, which says,"You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord." So, why is this verse in the Bible?
Do employers look down on tattoos? ›
One showed that tattooed people were perceived to be less honest, motivated, and intelligent; in another, 80% of HR managers and recruiters expressed negative feelings about visible ink on prospective employees.
Are tattoos unhealthy? ›
The process of getting a tattoo breaks the skin. That means skin infections and other health problems can develop afterward. The risks include: Allergic reactions.
Can you be a doctor with tattoos? ›
You are free to get tattoos or have anything on your body. Being a physician would not prevent you from doing so. However, it is wise to cover up a tattoo while you are around patients or co-workers. People judge so looking professional at the hospital would be ideal.
What are job stopper tattoos? ›
People with face, neck and hand tattoos will run into difficulty with some other prospective employers. In the tattoo trade, ink designs in these areas are referred to as “jobstoppers”.
Is it hard to get a job with hand tattoos? ›
Depending on the company you are seeking to have a career at and how conservative their policies are, hand and finger tattoos are not immediately written off as a reason for someone not to hire you. However, that is not to say that they are accepted everywhere.
Are tattoos still taboo in the workplace? ›
While there's no such a thing as a law prohibiting tattoos in the workplace in any sector, it's true that companies can choose to have specific codes of conduct in place forbidding the display of body art. Things are changing though, even in industries in which traditionally tattoos have always been prohibited.
Can I work for the CIA if I have tattoos? ›
There is a misconception that those who want to join the CIA cannot have tattoos. However, unlike tattoos in the military, tattoos on CIA agents or recruits are not regulated.
