Body art no longer has any stigma in the labor market, new research suggests. Michael T.
“Tattoos, in general, have no impact on a hiring decision. Some specific concerns though would be offensive images or words, or face tattoos of any kind.”
Tattoos are starting to become more acceptable in the workplace, except for jobs in the military, politics, administrative industries, and aviation. You should research company's industry and understand their company culture before showing off your tattoos at work.
Are tattoos in the workplace acceptable? These days, tattoos are much more acceptable than ten years ago. Managers report that as social norms have relaxed in general, the workplaces followed. Office culture is now much more tolerant of casual attire, piercings, and tattoos.
Are tattoos and piercings acceptable in the workplace? Depends on the job! Most industries are accepting tattoos in the workplace but industries such as the military and airlines have limitations on visible tattoos (hands, neck, & face).
Tattoos have a controversial reputation and are seen as inappropriate in the workplace largely because they have been associated with criminal activity. However, as more tattooed people enter the workforce, many employers don't think tattoos are as important.
In fact, they found that tattooed job seekers were not only just as likely to get a job as non-tattooed candidates but, in some instances, were even more likely to be hired. However, the finding related to the higher level of employability for tattooed people only applies to men.
It's not unusual for a person to change their mind after getting a tattoo. In fact, one survey says 75 percent of their 600 respondents admitted to regretting at least one of their tattoos. But the good news is there are things you can do before and after getting a tattoo to lower your chances of regret.
Tattoos are becoming more popular and mainstream than ever in recent years, with over 50% of Americans under the age of 40 sporting tattoos. People's reasons for getting inked vary vastly — for some they serve as mementos and for others as masterpieces.
These include age, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, sexual preference, marital status etc. Unfortunately, having a tattoo doesn't fall into this list, so being fired would not amount to discrimination.
It is usually not unlawful for Australian employers to discriminate against employees with tattoos. This means some employers will continue to have in place dress or appearance codes which, for any number of reasons, reject what seems to be a growing movement to allow visible tattoos in the workplace.
Still itching to get inked? Keep in mind: Of the people we talked to (the majority being teenagers to twentysomethings), a whopping 78 percent regret at least one of their tattoos. And 19 percent of participants with two tattoos regret both.
Tribal Style Designs
Tribal style tats ranked as the most regrettable content choice overall, according to a survey of 600 people by Advanced Dermatology.
This again depends on the tattoo. Generally speaking, a well-cared for tattoo that has more fine lines will fade in fifteen years. Bigger, bolder lines can maintain their look for thirty to forty years plus if you got them when you were young and cared for them well.
Surprisingly (or not), about 40% of physicians surveyed in the British Medical Journal do not approve of tattoos on their colleagues… basically feeling it is the equivalent of professional appearance malpractice. Of the 60% that say it's okay, many of them say the ink should be covered while on the job.
Within the law, there is no legal requirement for visible tattoos to be allowed. The Equality Act 2010 does not prohibit an organisation from asking staff to cover up their tattoos, or even to impose a blanket ban on them, unless it is proven the tattoos are for religious purposes.
If you can conceal the ink, do so. “Job interviews are already uncomfortable, so don't exacerbate things by having to worry about your tattoos being visible,” says Foltz. Consider wearing a full suit. Accessories like rings and watches can hide certain tattoos, but make sure they don't shake when you move, Foltz warns.
1 in 5 Australians has a tattoo
Our latest research surveying 1,013 ordinary Australians reveals that 1 in 5 (20%) individuals have one or more tattoos.
The safest bet is to wait until you're 18 to start getting inked, but if you just can't wait, there are many ways to still get one with parental consent. Regulations are for your safety and well-being, as well as that of the tattoo artist and the shop.
General perceptions
Whether tattooed or not, 3 in 4 all Australians (76%) would discourage or strongly discourage their adult children from getting a tattoo.
In Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and Queensland, it's a criminal offence for a tattooist to do tattoos for someone under 18 years. In the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales, teenagers under 18 years need to get their parents' permission for tattoos.
Tattoos and branding: if you're under 16, you cannot get a tattoo or be branded. If you're between the ages of 16 and 18, you can get a tattoo or be branded if you have written permission from a parent. Ear piercings: if you're 16 or older, you can get your ears pierced without your parent's permission.
Reasons for getting a tattoo
Tattooing is most popular among Australians in the 20 to 39 year age group. According to McCrindle Research, by 2009, one in four Australians of the Gen Y group— those born between 1982 and 2001—considered having “body art” as an ideal way to celebrate their coming of age.