Tattoos and Their Impact on Workplace Perceptions

Abstract

One in four people between 18 and 50 have at least one tattoo (Laumann & Derrick, 2006). This means that approximately one in four interviewees will be tattooed. Human Resource professionals have expressed a reluctance to hire those with visible tattoos (Dean, 2010; Swanger, 2006). The purpose of this study was to examine workplace perceptions of tattoos. The researcher sought to determine if individuals perceived bias toward tattooed individuals obtaining and continuing employment and if individuals sought and applied to organizations based on diversity organizational climate. Via Study Response, participants (N=158) were asked to disclose their tattoo status, perceptions of employability based on this status, willingness to conceal these tattoos, positive diversity climate experiences, and general demographic information. Confirming Dean’s (2010) results, findings indicate participants rated occupations in the healthcare and financial industries as least accepting of tattoo ownership. Tattooed individuals were more likely to seek high diversity employers, but no more likely to apply than their nontattooed counterparts. Individuals having witnessed a coworker experience discrimination due to tattoo ownership were more likely to cover tattoos for interviewing purposes.