Tattoo Acceptance in the Modern Workplace

Susan Campbell

Not too long ago, having a visible tattoo at work was frowned upon in certain professions such as law, healthcare and finance. American societal norms are rapidly changing, almost by the day. Many influential figures in the public eye have helped in the evolution of tattoo culture. This has inspired many who used to view tattoos as rebellious or tacky now see it as normal behavior in 2020.

Celebrities like Rhianna, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Lady Gaga, Adam Levine and Post Malone are all body art enthusiasts. It is no surprise that other influential people have inked themselves in the name of creativity and individualism. The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau even sports a tattoo on his arm.

In order to understand how this new way of thinking has occurred and has become common over the last four decades in The United States one must consider history and understand the act of getting a tattoo has actually been around for thousands of years.

The history of tattoos stems back to multiple cultures for various reasons and purposes behind the work. Sadly, these are not always due to personal choices or for reasons of happiness. It is important to resolve that during the Second World War; thousands of people were painted with the ID numbers of German concentration camps. It must be understood that this still brings painful memories to survivors and their ancestors. This had an impact on how some Americans and others across the world viewed body art and modifications.

Less than thirty years ago tattoos and non-traditional piercings were considered inappropriate unless you were a mechanic, record store associate or bartender. It’s a fair assumption to say that during this time, many people associated tattoos with drug addicts, bikers, and others who were considered criminal in some way.

Modern society has adapted to a culture that accepts and embraces those with tattoos, both men and women, with the same frequency. People with body-artwork work in a variety of industries and hold entry-level jobs as well as top senior executive positions.

For instance, the national sales manager of a distribution company can now be covered in tattoos from head to toe. Most would never be aware unless this person was spotted out in public on the weekend wearing a t-shirt and shorts on a summer day. Gone are the days that being heavily tattooed will prevent one from having gainful employment or earning a six-figure yearly salary.

Many professionals across the region have tattoos in a variety of places on their bodies and are employed in varied positions including but not limited to registered nurse, police communications operator, paramedic, active military (Air Force), public school teacher and finance project manager.

These specific professionals come from T Rowe Price, Baltimore County Public Schools, Comcast, Maryland Police, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore City Fire Department, Traveler Insurance, and Northrop and Grumman.

A few of these employers do ask that an employee cover their visible tattoos, but others do not have such policies. Former Baltimore City School Teacher, Phillip Johnson explains, “I’m not 100% sure but I normally go into interviews with long sleeves so they can’t see my tattoos. I don’t think I’ve been discriminated against with my gauges.” (Earrings that widen the earlobe)

Johnson recalled a conversation with a supervisor when he was a teacher. “When I was interviewed as a teacher, I took my gauges out and asked about the dress code. The principal responded if I was referring to my earplugs. So, to my surprise she was already ok with me having stretched ears. However, I also was working as the Graphic Arts Teacher so that setting was acceptable with the look I suppose.” Johnson currently utilizes his bachelor’s degree in digital art ad-graphics as a freelance digital artist.

Some companies may require you to remove specific piercings due to safety reasons. If an employer adopts a new dress or appearance code, employees will have to follow it unless there are specific religious or cultural grounds not to. This is something that should be discussed with a human resources representative.

Justin McCoog, an active member of the US Air Force, explained his experience and views on tattooing in the armed forces.

“I personally see both sides of this coin. As someone with tattoos I believe they shouldn’t limit one’s employment possibilities.” As a manager at a video game store, McCoog had a medium-sized tattoo on his biceps. “However, many companies want to present a professional appearance and as private companies they can do that. With that said, I’ve come to agree most with the military’s policy on these items. When it comes to tattoos anything that isn’t vulgar, racist, etc. is allowed anywhere but from the collar line up and from the wrist to your fingers.” McCoog recently completed his bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics.

A first tattoo can be an incredibly exciting experience as well as nerve-wracking when considering possible consequences. Local tattoo artist, Justin Duvall had a few thoughts on this topic. He made some suggestions on the placement and design of tattoos.

“Well for a first tattoo, it’s always important to get it where you want it. Just make sure you get it where you can cover it up, if you haven’t found your career path yet. Unfortunately, many professional jobs are still biased to tattoos and, you don’t want to possibly ruin your future over a mistake you made as a young adult.”

Duvall continued his expert advice with some words of encouragement. “Other than that, if you want a tattoo and your future is set get it wherever you want! Also, it’s always better to go bigger, especially with more intricate tattoos.Whether you have a tattoo the size of a quarter or your arm is fully sleeved, you still have a tattoo. So, go big or go home!” Justin Duvall currently works out of Flesh Tattoo Company in Fallston, Maryland.

It’s important to note that many people have various reasons for getting their tattoos. It could be a memorial tattoo for a lost family member as one interviewee Jay Parish mentioned having a green lighthouse tattoo to honor their grandmother who passed away.

High-end wine and beer shop manager and nightclub disc jockey, Neska Lapicki mentioned how music has helped her through many of the challenges in her life. “The vast majority of my tattoos are band logos. Music has absolutely been my best friend and life-saver since early childhood.”

Lapicki added that her passion for music has transformed into a sustained force that inspires and comforts her. “My first tattoo was on my right forearm; the logo of a band that helped me to understand I was not alone in how I felt.”

In 2020 it appears society has become more accepting rather than making snap judgments about someone because of their body art. People in the workplace seem to be able to pause and embrace their colleagues’ individuality.

Modern-day human resource managers can now educate themselves about the cultures from which body art originates. This helps society as a whole understand the cultural significance of tattoos and can better spread an appreciation and acceptance of others who look different from what is deemed traditionally appropriate.

If being drawn to a Maori tattoo on a new colleague from New Zealand sparks one to learn more about their culture, this is an opportunity to embrace diversity amongst others in the modern workplace.