Tattoos in the workplace...

It isn’t hard to tell that tattoos and piercings are becoming increasingly more commonplace. Whether you’re at the grocery store or at the bank, chances are someone within sight has a tattoo. According to a 2006 Pew Research Center survey, 36 percent of 18 to 25 year olds have at least one tattoo and 40 percent of adults aged 26 to 40 have at least one as well. Since tattoos and piercings have become more mainstream over the years, they are no longer looked upon as being quite as edgy or controversial. But that doesn’t mean they are universally accepted, particularly in the workplace.

Even large corporations have a mix of responses to individuals that sport unconventional tattoos and piercings. Walmart does not allow employees to wear facial piercings such as eyebrow and lip piercing. They also require “offensive” tattoos to be covered up. Whereas Ford Motor Company allows both tattoos and piercings as long as they don’t pose a danger to anyone’s safety in their factories. Some businesses, like Borders even consider tattoos to be favorable, as they want their business to come across as being modern, edgy and unique.

If you’re on the fence about getting a tattoo, think about the field you work in and how potential employers might view your tattoos. A survey from vault.com found that 60 percent of employers were less likely to hire a candidate with tattoos or piercings. The primary concern was typically how their customers would perceive tattoos and piercings on employees. Unless you are absolutely sure your interviewer will love your tattoos and piercings, you may want to conceal them if possible. Even tattoo establishments have been known to warn their customers about getting tattoos in locations that are difficult to hide such as your neck and forearms. Many people consider their tattoos a part of who they are, but keeping your tattoos and piercings discreet may still be necessary to get and keep your job.