It may finally be time to put the tube of cover-up on the shelf instead of globing it on before heading to the office. Tattoos may no longer be taboo, and are seemingly more acceptable in the workplace.
Studies from the Pew Research Center suggest that 14 percent, or 45 million Americans have at least one tattoo. With a big portion of working America having a tattoo, it’s no wonder ink is becoming more acceptable. This is not to say that you girls should get a “sleeve” done before your next business meeting, but the culture on tattoos has definitely changed.
Consulting firm CEO John Challenger explained that most employers today would agree that a person’s appearance is nowhere near as important as her professional skills. Bank of America spokeswoman Ferris Morrison even says her company has no written rules or restrictions when it comes to inked corporate employees. This may not apply everywhere, but it def means changes are working in favor of us self-expressing girls.
While most employers may not want you covered head-to-toe in tattoos, subtle tattoos don’t seem to be much of a big deal. For example, tattoos on the arms or wrists are much more tolerated.
Another thing to keep in mind is what field of work you’re interested in. A tattoo on someone working in art as opposed to ink on someone working in a white-collar setting can have two totally different degrees of acceptance. Also consider your uniform—are you wearing a tank or a full-coverage pantsuit? Having a tattoo and having a visible tattoo are two different things. Moral of the story: use your judgment before drowning yourself in ink.
Regardless, tattoos are no longer reserved for sailors and inmates, but also for us who have been touched by a story, symbol or person—or even for those of us who just love creativity and making personal statements.
Thankfully, our world is changing for the better and allowing us to speak more freely with our bodies– though we haven’t won the battle just yet. Some argue that tattoos are a form of art and expression, making it wrong for employers to have a say. After all, they can’t say anything when we color our hair, right?
What do you think? Should tattoos still be covered, or should employers be more open to this common fad?