Tattoos
I am a former public school teacher who recently made the transition to higher education. In the public school system, the fact that I had some visible tattoos was a non-issue. I am certain that some administrators frowned upon my tattoos being visible, but it was never something that came up.
Here in the college setting, however, I've run up against the opposite. It is expressly forbidden to have visible tattoos. I understaood that when I accepted the position and I keep my tattoos covered because I know that this is what is expected of me, but I wonder how others feel about the issue.
None of my tattoos are visible. I have several pink ribbons on my upper back that are sometimes visible when I wear my hair up (I am a breast cancer survivor); I have a favorite line from a favorite novel on my left forearm; I have a Hebrew symbol on my right forearm; I have several dog paw prints on top of my right foot.
Thoughts, anyone? Should tattoos be more easily accepted in the workplace provided they are not offensive? Or, is there a gray area in what one person might deem offensive and another deem acceptable?
I have had my opinion go back and forth on this issue. I am a bit older than most of the instructors and come from a generation where tatoos are taboo. :) However, I also understand the generation that we are teaching for the most part feel that modest tatoos are not taboo at all. I believe that the strict policy of covering all tatoos to be a professional is a bit archaic. Now granted, not all tatoos are "modest" and should be covered and it is impossible to write a policy of which tatoo should be allowed or not allowed. Therefore they all become banned. And, I agree that to be professional, all policies should be followed. However, I would prefer to concentrate on behaviors that are considered professional rather than appearance.
Hi Ruby,
As educators, sometimes we have to be strict to get our point across.
Patricia Scales
Thanks Patricia, I was afraid I was being too harsh.
Hi Ruby,
You are certainly on point! Simple, tattoos are just unprofessional.
Patricia Scales
I agree with you, Patricia, and many others, I think tattoos are so unprofessional in the work place. I have seen some awesome body art and there is nothing wrong with admiring a work of art, but I want it to be on my wall, not my body. Having a tattoo doesn't really change who you are, it just looks out of place in a professional environment. Enjoy them on your off time.
I have tattoos as well, but I keep them covered at work, just to keep it professional.
I agree with that tattoos are unprofessional and they should be hidden in the workplace.
Hi Kim,
Our school focuses on medical career training, and all students are required to cover any visible tattoos because this will be required of them in the clinic. In fact, some sites inform our clinical coordinators not to even send them students who have tattoos that need to be covered. If we are to set a professional standard for our students, we must hold ourselves to the same standard, personal feelings aside.
I am not against tattoos, as I personally have a few. In the workplace however they should be covered up. We are serving the public and we are trying to create a welcoming and relaxed environment. Some people feel tattoos are a warning of bad things to come.
Wait until you are off work to flaunt them.
Yes... I myself have them, I have my childrens names & I agree it's my perogative, but I have them where they are NOT visable while I'm at work. Now a days it's just not a good idea to have visable tattoos, employers don't like them.
Hi Allyson,
I concur! Tattoos are very personal. They do not have to be shared in a professional setting. Let them SHOW when you are off the clock.
Patricia Scales
Before I became a sonographer and then followed that up with becoming an instructor in the field of sonography I was in the US Navy. During my service time, I got many tattoos as most service men and women tend to do. All of my tattoos are tasteful and I have no problem with showing them off while I'm not at work. I personally feel as though tattoos are not as taboo as they used to be, but in the workplace one must NOT make the mistake of assuming the person or company who you work for feel the same way. ALL tattoos should be covered while at work! I have actually worked for a physician in the past who never knew that I had a back piece until my last day at the practice!
I also feel any kind of visible tatoo in a professional environment is unprofessional. First impressions are still quite powerful. Appearance alone makes a statement.
Hi Jeff,
This is true! I feel in any professional environment tattoos should not be exposed. Some companies have very strict policies on tattoos. It really depends on the company.
Patricia Scales
I believe that tattoos have become more common and therefore more accepted in a profesional environment. In some industries, it's almost a right of passage. Not everyone works in a cubicle and wears a tie to work. On the other hand, some body art may be offensive and should be covered.
Kim, I think we will need to lead by example,and tattoos for any reason should not be allowed,there is no way to say which tattoos are ok and what not!to be safe, clearly the message should be no visible tattoos on any body part.
specially in the medical field,there should be no ifs and buts.
Different hair color,purple, green,orange!than tattoos which are exposed,send out a mixed feeling ,in my opinion,a proffessional environment should not allow these things.
that is just my opinion,sorry if it sounds rash.
Hi Katie,
I personally feel that tattoos are unprofessional in the workplace, and that they should be hidden in the workplace if a person has them.
Patricia Scales
Personally I feel tattoos are an individuals right to express themselves. Unfortunately in the educational arena, they can get out of hand very quickly. Example: would you want a nurse tattooed on her forehead caring for you or your loved one? Being restrictive with instructors helps in drawing the line for those students who always want to push the boundaries.
Hi Rita,
I agree 100%. Very unprofessional in the workplace, hide them, if you have them.
Patricia Scales
