Employers & Body Art

We've previously discussed the growing number of employees (mostly under the age of 30) who have body art. What can you as an employer do about it?

Recently, a Texas hospital wanted to develop dress code and grooming policy for all employees. The proposed policy required all tattoos to be covered, and piercings to be limited to earlobes and a nose stud only.

The proposed changes sparked vigorous debates among employees and even press coverage. It's a sensitive subject!

Even employers that permit piercings or tattoos should set limits. A detailed dress code and grooming policy should clearly spell out what is permitted.

If you permit tattoos, for example, you should prohibit the display of sexually graphic, violent, or otherwise offensive tattoos, or require employees limit the number of visible tattoos.

Traditional dress code and appearance standards are being challenged today more than ever. Employers still retain wide latitude, but the increase in body art is mandating more careful consideration of requests.

Seek employee input before making major changes to employee appearance standards.