Jillian Brant – LRHS News
(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) – Tattoos and body piercings are as common among American teens as jeans and make-up.
Some young people may not realize, however, they could face discrimination in the workplace and in a future career.
Even though there are no labor laws stating an employer can fire someone for their appearance, policies for corporate, medical and educational careers do not allow employees to show tattoos or piercings.
LRHS senior Becky McGrath says body modifications aren’t a problem as far as she’s concerned.
“I personally have three tattoos and my nose pierced, my boss doesn’t care about them because I do my job just as good as any non-inked or pierced person would,” she said.
Many people without tattoos or piercings, however, believe they look unprofessional and fear it will be very difficult to land a job in the future.
LRHS 2003 graduate Brittany Bennett said her tattoos slowed down her career in the medical field.
“It was difficult to land a job because of the tattoos on my arm and the ones on my hands. I have to wear a bandaid to cover them.”
Tattoo policies vary from one company to another. It does matter, however, whether tattoos are offensive or can be covered. Such issues can mean success or failure in an interview.
According to Bank of America spokeswoman Ferris Morrison, “We have no formal policy about tattoos because we value our differences and recognize that diversity and inclusion are good for our business and make our company stronger.”
As society evolves and accepts more and more things that seemed “strange” to older generations, however, many companies do not discriminate against looks at all.
Consulting firm CEO John Challenger said, “Even in this tight job market, most companies aren’t going to view tattoos too harshly. Companies have a vested interest in hiring the most qualified candidate.”
Part time jobs for high school students with tattoos and piercings aren’t hard to find. Most employers understand the new “style” of the generation and can’t discriminate against it. Although piercings might need to be taken out, tattoos are usually acceptable in the part time work force. Executives say, however, students must remember that may not apply in a full-time career.