General Forum
Discuss workforce management, performance management, retention, communication, motivation, contributing to business results and other topics.
(Please note that this forum is dedicated to workforce-management professionals only, and not for employees.)
Posted: 2008-08-14 13:27
After 25 years I fineally have to address the issue of Tattoo's and body piercings.
Do most of you have a separate policy or is it added in to the dress code policy? I am trying to figure out whether to write a separate policy or to revise the dress code policy.
Does anyone happen to have a sample policy I could look at to get some ideas?
I have an employee that has numerous tattoo's in my shipping department and he wants more and is asking about piercings. I have nothing in my handbook. I need to get something written before it becomes out of control.
I have some ladies with small ones on their ankles and shoulders. I would like to say in an inconspicuous area of the body and reduce piercings to the ears only.
I am not of this generation and I don't want to step on anyone's rights, but we are a small health food company and we are selling healthy wholesome products. Most of our customers are older and tattoos and piercings would be offensive to them.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Shirley
hrpob
Joined: Nov 01, 2006 Posts: 227
Posted: 2008-08-14 14:37
We are a bank (which is conservative by nature) and we address the whole tattoo issue in our dress code policy. We basically say that tattoos must not be visible.
mpotter
Joined: Feb 28, 2008 Posts: 60
Posted: 2008-08-15 10:51
Wildsporty, if they are in shipping, then do the employees actually interact with the public? If not, then I can't imagine why tattoos would matter. However, elaborate jewelry could be a safety concern, so anything that could catch on machinery etc. should be addressed in your safety policy. You could address tattoos and jewelry in a dress code for those who do interact with your customers.
Wildsporty
Joined: Nov 15, 2005 Posts: 12
Posted: 2008-08-15 11:07
The shipping department does interact with customers. They man a walk in office that customers can walk in and buy product. They also interact on customer tours, at company events, and with our vendors that deliver products and supplies.
I have answeres from all my forums. I have studies them and I thank everyone for their help, I have completed the addition to the personal appearance code , it has met with the management approval and I am printing it out to replace the appropriate pages in the employee handbooks.
Thanks for your answer, everyone's help is appreciated. I think I have it now.
Shirley
Richsap
Joined: May 26, 2005 Posts: 12
Posted: 2008-08-19 09:52
Be careful...you will have to "grandfather" those with tatoos / piercings before the policy change and document each on a case-by-case basis.
Wildsporty
Joined: Nov 15, 2005 Posts: 12
Posted: 2008-08-19 09:57
I have only one employee with tatoos and only ear piercings at this time. The one person with tattoos does not violate the new policy.
No grandfathering necessary which is why I wanted to issue it now.
Here is what I came up with:
• Body piercing jewelry will only be worn in the earlobes. Facial jewelry, such as eyebrow rings, nose rings, lip rings, tongue studs are not professionally appropriate and must not be worn during business hours. Torso body piercing with visible jewelry or jewelry that can be seen through or under clothing must not be worn during business hours or at company events. Earrings should be tasteful and appropriate for all business and professional attire.
• Body art in the form of tattoos and other skin pigment alterations is a personal choice; however, management reserves the right to ask an employee to remove or cover anything that is deemed to be inappropriate for viewing by management, customers and other employees. Tattoos and body art in conspicuous areas such as the face, neck, and hands are not professionally appropriate.
It is added to my Personal Appearance Policy in my handbook. I just added the two sections on to the end of the existing policy.
Thanks again for all your help.
Shirley
Shirley
leogiap
Joined: Aug 19, 2008 Posts: 1
Posted: 2008-08-19 10:16
Hi all,
I'm HR Manager in a MNC,based in Vietnam. I myself have a earing (I'm Mr.) and I do not feel it so inappropriate. I totally agree that as long as professionalism still can be met, earing or tattoo is still okie.
dpape
Joined: Aug 19, 2008 Posts: 1
Posted: 2008-08-19 10:22
as a HR professional with tattoos and piercings, I think your policy is very fair. I think most people know that tattoos and piercings are not considered body art by everyone and although it is one's own decision what we do with our body, when we work in a "people" environment we need to take that into consideration. As long as they are appropriate, or can be covered up I don't think there should be a problem.
carlyc72
Joined: Aug 19, 2008 Posts: 1
Posted: 2008-08-19 10:24
I believe that sometimes Corporate America is taking this whole tattoo/piercing thing too far. Individuals perform best when they can be themselves. And, just an question that I thought of when I saw your posting...how do you know tattoos/piercings would be offensive to your customers? Have you asked them? (I believe this is a general stereotype that we have to get over).
franco02
Joined: Aug 19, 2008 Posts: 1
Posted: 2008-08-19 10:26
This is what we set as standard around these issues at London Undergroind for 11,000 operational staff:
3.3 Appearance and personal presentation
3.3.1 This is a sensitive area but a smart and professional appearance is very influential on
customers' opinions, reflects on your own self-esteem and has an effect on your
colleagues. The following points represent the minimum London Underground
standard.
3.3.1.1 Personal hygiene must be to an acceptable level.
3.3.1.2 Hair, where visible, must be clean, neatly cut and combed. For safety reasons, long
hair should be securely tied up or back.
3.3.1.3 Hair colour should appear natural.
3.3.1.4 Beards, sideburns/boards and moustaches should be neatly trimmed and not of
extreme styles.
3.3.1.5 Make-up should be discreet and natural.
3.3.1.6 Hands should be kept clean.
3.3.1.7 Nails should be clipped to a reasonable, safe length and kept clean with a natural
look.
3.3.1.8 Tattoos must be inoffensive. Tattoos must remain covered by uniform.
Customer Service Delivery Standards
3.4 Appearance - jewellery and accessories
3.4.1 Tastes and customs differ, but the following standards will help London Underground
maintain a smart and professional image. The primary considerations are personal
safety, security and the desired image presented to our customers and your
colleagues. The following points constitute what is acceptable to London
Underground.
3.4.1.1 Jewellery must be discreet.
3.4.1.2 Rings must be kept to a minimum.
3.4.1.3 Ear-rings are permitted but must be studs or small hoops. Other visible body piercing
is not permitted.
3.4.1.4 Necklaces, bracelets and chains, if worn, should not be visible for safety reasons.
3.4.1.5 Badges or brooches, other than those approved by LU must not be worn.
3.4.1.6 Glasses should be of conventional design.
3.4.1.7 Hair accessories, such as slides or bands, should be neutral or dark in colour.
3.4.1.8 Gloves should be LU-issue or plain style, black or dark blue.
3.4.1.9 Bags carried on duty should be plain style and kept closed. Train operators should
carry the uniform issue bag.
3.4.1.10 Music headphones or any other non operational accessory must not be worn by staff
in uniform.
3.5 Appearance and general demeanour
3.5.1 Appearing professional in the eyes of customers and fellow colleagues includes your
general demeanour. Hands in pockets, slouching on gatelines are examples of
unprofessional appearance that conveys a negative image of LU to our customers.
Poor performance in this area will damage our image and reflects badly on you and
the company; the following represents LU’s minimum requirements.
3.5.1.1 Smoking is not permitted anywhere when on duty in uniform in any area you can be
viewed by customers. Employees who wish to smoke during breaks should smoke
away from exits and entrances of LU buildings/premises. Smoking is not permitted in
any staff rest rooms, including those previously designated as smoking areas.
3.5.1.2 Alcohol must not be purchased or consumed by staff in uniform.
3.5.1.3 Eating, drinking or chewing gum in view of customers is not permitted.
3.5.1.4 Reading of books, newspapers or other private reading material in view of customers
is not allowed.
3.5.1.5 A good posture should be adopted at all times in view of our customers. Staff must
project a proactive demeanour and be approachable to all our customers.
Wildsporty
Joined: Nov 15, 2005 Posts: 12
Posted: 2008-08-19 10:34
[quote]
On 2008-08-19 10:24, carlyc72 wrote:
I believe that sometimes Corporate America is taking this whole tattoo/piercing thing too far. Individuals perform best when they can be themselves. And, just an question that I thought of when I saw your posting...how do you know tattoos/piercings would be offensive to your customers? Have you asked them? (I believe this is a general stereotype that we have to get over).
[/quote]
I have asked other staff members and management and they are offensive to them. If they are offensive to them I am quite certain they would offend customers and I do not want to take that chance.
I think I was quite fair in not banning them entirely.
I do not have a stereotype of tattoos and piercings. I do not think they look professional and we need to look professional in our business thus we must present ourselves in a presentable manner.
Unless this piercing generation realizes this they are in for a hard time in the business world. Corporate American is not allowing it.
Shirley
mariah@pnl.gov
Joined: Aug 19, 2008 Posts: 1
Posted: 2008-08-19 10:46
Before completely banning all piercings and tattoos, realize that some are a result of cultural and religious practices. For example, a woman from India may have her nose pierced, which is quite common. If you require her to take it out, are you engaging in discriminatory behavior against her based on national origin or race? You would essentially be telling her that her cultural practice is "not professional" in your workplace, which is more offensive than the piece of jewelry and could cost you a load of $$$ in court.
In your policy it indicates that the company may ask someone to "remove" their tattoo. Is that really feasible, and will the company pay for it? Might be a better course to just say they must be covered. It can take a year of laser treatment at great cost to remove a tattoo. Do you fire the person in the meantime because they can't cover up an old tattoo fast enough?
It would be a real shame if someone you have working for you is a great performer with no issues, but is being targeted because of some ink. Your customers might be more progressive than you think - maybe ask them? I have found that most customers don't care about tattoos, they care about how good your product or service is.
Good luck with the policy. It's somewhat of a landmine subject.
ubermegan
Joined: Aug 19, 2008 Posts: 1
Posted: 2008-08-19 10:48
I'm also an HR professional of 8 years, with tattoos and body piercings. While you should certainly set the tone appropriate for your organization, I think folks generally misjudge others' reactions as stronger in opposition than they truly are in practice. In my experience, people who are given an opportunity will see the ability of the person rather than evaluate physical appearance. If the individual's interaction is less than completely professional, it is a performance standard they must meet that does not have anything to do with adornment.
That being said, my suggestion or addition would be to state that a facial piercing should be removed, covered (since it is a fairly common practice to bandage piercings), or to allow flesh colored retainers, which are less obvious. Body piercings should not be visible under clothing or endanger the wearer.
I hope everyone will consider that a whole generation of talented youth will be coming through the workforce, who should be valued for their contributions rather than judged on appearances.
reddnsassy
Joined: Apr 30, 2005 Posts: 32
Posted: 2008-08-19 10:48
The one thing I would say is that if you are going to use the word "tasteful" that is open to interpretation because my idea of tasteful and yours is always different. You also have those times when large loopy earrings become all the rage and sometimes those are not appropriate in some workplace settings. Avoid the headache and define tasteful.
hobber
Joined: Aug 19, 2008 Posts: 6
Posted: 2008-08-19 10:54
Shirley,
Just a thought,How about offering him or her a different position within the company where they are not exposed to the public.
Assign new duties based on a positive or motivational note such as Example: You have done well in this area of Shipping and I would like to move you to this department or area to help me with some weak areas.
Later follow up with some special project.
Because I don't believe you can do any thing to discriminate them.
Ask yourself how valuable is this person.
Are they good workers, attendence and how do they contribute to the companies objectives.
The Business of Management
Workforce Management editor John Hollon analyzes and comments on business, management and the art of leading a workforce.
Workforce Washington
Washington staff writer Mark Schoeff Jr. provides an insiders insights to the workings of our nations capital from the workforce management perspective.
Global Work Watch
Staff writer Ed Frauenheim blogs about how companies worldwide marshal and manage their workers.
= Member Only
Posted: 2008-08-14 13:27 
