Piercings and tattoos are becoming much more acceptable in today’s society, yet they can still cause major conflict in the work place.
Even though they are often justified as a form of self-expression, they can hinder a person’s career and even prevent them from being hired in the first place.
According to Careerbuilder.com, piercings are regarded as the top physical attribute that could limit a person’s career potential. A survey created by Vault.com reveals that 60 percent of employers will not even hire a person with a visible tattoo or piercing.
Many companies have developed specific policies for the amount of piercings allowed on each ear and regulate which facial piercings are acceptable. The most popular rule allows employees to have two pieces of jewelry worn on each ear. Companies have the ability to change that policy at any given time as long as it is universal among their employees.
As the nation becomes more accepting of liberal actions, companies have adjusted their policies to accept a broader spectrum of employees. Starbucks recently made it into the spotlight after making a few changes to their employee policies that were previously considered conservative.
The main problem with allowing more self-expression is how the reflection of the company is reflected onto the consumer. Conservative policies are typically in place to prevent taking the consumer’s focus away from the products the company is offering, and towards the employee’s appearance. These policies enforce the idea that employees uphold a universal look that the employers are attempting to portray.
Since most of us are lacking the fortune-telling gene, it’s impossible for us to predict where we might work and what they will allow. So before you make the decision to pierce a new part of your body, check around at a few local businesses to see what they will allow.