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Tattoo taboo; Can a little ink really ruin your reputation at work?

By Christopher Nelson, Source: Tribune Media Services

The topic of tattoos in the workplace has been touched on, talked about and beaten to death. Everyone knows that there is a downside to tattoos at the office. But why hasn’t anyone asked about their upside?

Tattoos are extremely personal and meaningful to those who sport them. They’re definitely more significant than a haircut or pair of slacks. Still, tattoos are much more taboo than talking about someone’s new style. The reality is that tattoo acceptance can open up a whole new dimension of office life and relationships.

“A tattoo doesn’t change who you are,” says Sherri Elliott-Yeary, author of “Ties to Tattoos: Turning Generational Differences into a Competitive Advantage” (Brown Books Publishing, $16.95). “What tattoos can change are people’s perceptions, which doesn’t always have to be a bad thing.”

Tattoos open the eyes of an older generation to the interests of a younger, budding generation. Elliott-Yeary says that as the group grows, young men and women are promoting their thoughts on the freedom of expression by wearing their messages on their skin.

These messages, resting in the dermis layer of skin, are long-term investments and can show that a tattooed employee believes in commitment. They made a choice to devote a part of their body to convey a lifelong message. Employers can embrace that dedication and bring it into their offices instead of forcing employees to cover up this form of expression.

Elliott-Yeary says body art can also convey that someone is a creative individual. Their open-mindedness can help round out an office that operates under a rigid way of thinking.

In reality, these are broad generalizations. Some people get inked during benders on spring breaks in college. So while tattoos can say a lot about an employee, they shouldn’t hog the mic.

“Though tattoos speak of a person and their life, they should not speak for them,” says Rich Marafioti, graduate of Rhode Island School of Design and tattoo artist at Family Tattoo in Chicago. Elliott-Yeary agrees, saying that tattoos can lead to thoughtful and considerate conversations between peers in the workplace. Swapping stories about ink can create a more personal atmosphere without taking away from professionalism. But in the end, the argument about tattoos in the workplace always boils down to the same place.

“Business will always be business, certain textbook rules always apply and first impressions are important,” says Marafioti.

What people think about tattoos and how they reflect on the person wearing them is personal opinion.

“We all have our own personal biases,” says Elliott-Yeary.

It’s a mindset the author calls “Stinkin’ Thinkin’.” She makes the distinction that most employers let their personal beliefs cloud their business sense when it comes to tattoos and the employees who get pleasure from them.

The question of tattoos in the workplace will be answered, sooner or later, as ways of thinking continue to change in an evolving job market. Collars and khakis can’t cover up the cultural significance and personal importance of tattoos forever.

© 2011, Tribune Media Services