Tattoos in the workplace are a big topic for my generation. Everyone has their own opinion of whether tattoos should be visible in the workplace and if someone should be denied a job for having visible tattoos.

In the United States, tattoos are seen as a form of expression and are protected by criminal law by the constitution, but are not federally protected in the work place. In fact, 42 percent of American adults have tattoos. As well as 76 percent of employers feel that tattoos can affect your job interview, although 73 percent said they would still hire someone with the skills for the job regardless of tattoos.

Tattoos in the workplace are actually becoming less of an issue in recent years. Employers are seeing that a person’s skill set and talents are not based off what they decided to ink onto their bodies. Some still feel that facial, neck and head tattoos are too unprofessional, but are more accepting of other tattoo placements such as arms, legs and hands.

Thirty-seven percent of HR managers cite tattoos as the third most likely physical attribute that limits career potential. The highest percentage of tattooed staff is found in the military at 36 percent, second is in agriculture/ranching at 22 percent and the third is hospitality at 20 percent according to job monkeys survey. However, the percentage of people actually experiencing discrimination because of their tattoos is only 9 percent.

There have been multiple cases of injured people refusing treatment from doctors who have tattoos. Not taking into consideration the amount of schooling and knowledge that person may have. Not taking into consideration that the doctor is there to save their life and to help them. They only think about the fact that this doctor has tattoos so he/she must be incompetent and a bad person.

Personally I feel that visible tattoos should not be a deciding factor in whether or not you qualify for a job position. Your eligibility should be based off your skills, talents and experience in the field you are applying for. Tattoos do not lower your IQ, therefore having them will not affect your readiness to perform the duties the job requires of you. Companies not hiring someone due to the tattoos they have are practicing a form of discrimination and should not be allowed.