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Tattoos VS the workplace. Would you hire someone with body art? ‘’Tattoos’’

Tattoos has migrated from a twelve hundred BC era. The Rich History can vary  from a place to another . but the most common historical Ink was based on Culture to Culture representation. Modern Ink is another expression of artists, Tattooist and Cultural Heritage by most. 

Acceptance of body art is rare In most countries, due to cultural differences and in some cases unopened minded societies. this can cause judgment and uncomfortable confortation, discrimination and isolation from the host culture. 

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Question added by Deleted user
Date Posted: 2016/10/21
Juhi Dubey
by Juhi Dubey , Freelance Photographer , Freelance

As we can never be biased about hiring anyone based on their caste, gender or religion. In a similar way we can never judge a person based on his/her personal choice. Tattoos is their personal choice and a person should be judged based on their talent, knowledge and skills rather how they carry themselves. Till the time they prove their skills, nothing else matters.

Deleted user
by Deleted user

Lets make something very clear here. The debate about inked professionals in the workplace is an issue that is rarely addressed by HR managers. However, Each professional has his or her own managerial style, leadership style, open-minded or not, accepting of diversity, gender and appearances. As we all might agree on personal appearances does not reflect on the person's capability or skills. A man wearing a suit doesn’t mean he is clever then the man wearing a t-shirt. Common sense compels us to accept people of who they are regardless. But unfortunately we all judge each other based on our backgrounds, level of communication and most importantly race. The important message of this question is to point out different answers across different cultural and professional background.

Here is what actually matters:

 

1-     There is not a single law that requires employees to cover their tattoos. And if you impose your personal beliefs on others you are breaking the law and its immoral and unethically

2-     In the Middle East Tattoos are still considered a sin and its HARAM (forbidden) socially semi acceptable, professional ( no no no ).

3-     The west still conceders tattoos as part of a gang member or a convicted felon

4-     Culturally tattoos are significantly important to identify belonging, cultural ranking, tribalism and respect

 

Professionally:

 

Most of you have already mentioned that it doesn’t matter anyway Good point. But it does in most cases. Some of you also mentioned personal choices. Well if someone choses to have tattoos that’s great. I don’t see how tattoos can be disrespectful to some?! Unless it’s pornographic! Besides that I don’t think any one has the right to judge people based on their tattoos or put any job requirements, which isolates tattooed people from getting a fare chance of a good job. Hiring manager should focus on competency, skills, charisma and vision instead of how they look.

If costumers are offended by anyone’s look then its their problem not the individual. This is called discrimination. And someone already gave a clear answer about hiding tattooed people from costumers and placing them in accounting or the back rooms! I am chocked but I understand the reasons behind it. Still it doesn’t make it right.

This topic remains a mystery for some. But others have a clear sense of freedom, personal choice, and the right to do whatever you see fit with your life.

 

A word of wisdom:

 

For the first time 5 generations are going to be working together. The Boomer mystified by Facebook; the Millenial who wears flip-flops in the office; the Traditionalist (born prior to 1946) who seemingly won’t ever retire; the cynical Gen Xer who’s only out for himself; and the Gen 2020er — born after 1997 — who appears surgically attached to the smartphone.

 

This is a time where we actually start asking important questions and work towards finding the right processes, legislations, communication, and most importantly collaboration across our differences in order to prepare for what’s to come.

Duncan Robertson
by Duncan Robertson , Strategy Consultant , Duncan Robertson Consultancy

Yes of course.  Why on earth not?  How does having or not having a tattoo influence your ability as an accountant or plumber?

(Tattoos which are legal but potentially offensive is a rare special case.)

Ahmed Mohamed Ayesh Sarkhi
by Ahmed Mohamed Ayesh Sarkhi , Shared Services Supervisor , Saudi Musheera Co. Ltd.

i'm agree with all expert answers

 

Subhranshu Ganguly
by Subhranshu Ganguly , Quality Analyst. , WIPRO

It is fine if the tattoo does not have a religious or racially offensive message or a message that is not politically correct. But if I were a candidate and if I had a tattoo I would most probably hide it in my clothing. 

Deleted user
by Deleted user

It is like hiring based on religion or sex. It is all the same kind of discrimination.

Omar Saad Ibrahem Alhamadani
by Omar Saad Ibrahem Alhamadani , Snr. HR & Finance Officer , Sarri Zawetta Company

Well...

In my opinion, it depends on level of work , kind of Tattoo and position itself , so i would hire person with tattoo in archive, admin, finance, call center , but not in customer service , sales or promoter or any position dealing with external environment directly .

Why..... there is no racism reason in this situation , but i prefer to let all people whom touching my company and their employees daily find them on perfect shape which will reflect on deal and create a client.

Some sociology scientist said ; a person who has a Tattoo mostly has social problems, based on that some military institutes refusing a candidates with Tattoo's , i am not totally with this opinion but i prefer an employee who does not explaining his-her feelings or happiness-sadness by Tattoo but by achievements and action.

Regards 

ghazi Almahadeen
by ghazi Almahadeen , Project Facilitator , Jordan River Foundation

Thanks for the invite ............................ agreed with the answer, Mr. Duncan Robertson 

sameer abdul wahab alfaddagh
by sameer abdul wahab alfaddagh , عضو هيئة تدريس , جامعة دلمون

Thanks for the invite, but I have no idea about this topic

Mohamed Azmy
by Mohamed Azmy , Finance Manager , Napata

I believe the most important factor in hiring someone is compatibility to the position not his appearance 

Taha Mustahsan
by Taha Mustahsan , Project Engineer (Distribution) , Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Ltd

as long as it is not offensive, what is the harm

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