Tattoos in the Workplace

I looked at the article Tattoos No Longer a Kiss of Death in the Workplace. This article discuss that tattoos are becoming more acceptable in medical, educational and corporate fields although, the tattoo policies still differ for various businesses(Hennessey, 2013). According to CEO John Challenger “most employers today would agree that a person’s appearance is nowhere near as important as his or her professional skills”(Hennessey, 2013).  An example of a major corporation that does not have a formal policy on tattoos is Bank of America(Hennessey, 2013). Moreover, in the medical field tattoos should be covered up but having a tattoo does not hinder your chances of getting a job(Hennessey, 2013). Most hospitals require you to cover up your tattoos during work hours because you should appear professional in front of patients(Hennessey, 2013). This article goes on to discuss having tattoos in the educational field and about people who have tattoos that work with children.  For example, the director at L.A.’s Tumbleweed Day Camp decided he would look at tattoos on “case by case basis” because having a no tattoo policy would mean they could lose out on talented and qualified individuals(Hennessey, 2013).

 Check out Article here: http://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelhennessey/2013/02/27/having-a-tattoo-and-a-job/

My Thoughts:

         I personally enjoyed reading this article because it shows that some companies are becoming more inclusive of people with tattoos. However, at the end of the day it seems you’re better off not having a tattoo since the article also included a 2011 survey by career builder which states that “31 per cent of employers ranked having a visible tattoo as the top personal attribute that would dissuade them from promoting an employee”(Hennessey, 2013). Moreover, I find it odd that doctors are asked to cover up their tattoos unless their offensive; because at the end of the day having a tattoo or not having one doesn't change his or her skills or how he or she can help a patient.  I find that tattoos are becoming a normal part of our society since a growing number of people are getting inked and eventually this topic will not be a huge concern among employers.  However, a tattoo that is visibly offensive should not be shown in any workplace. I think that Tattoo policies in the workplace are a bad idea, the only rule they should have regarding tattoos is not to have visibly offensive tattoos. You should be solely  evaluated on your skills

References:

   Hennessey, R. (2013, February 27). Tattoos no longer a kiss of death in the workplace. Forbes Magazine, Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelhennessey/2013/02/27/having-a-tattoo-and-a-job/

Image: http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2009/07/tattoos_in_the_workplace_no_lo.html

Questions:

If you have a tattoo, have you ever been asked to cover it up?

Would you be bothered by a co-workers tattoos?

Does your place of work have a tattoo policy?

Would it bother you or would you find it uncomfortable that your doctor has tattoos?

Bankers at Barclays Don't Like New Dress Code

I looked at the article New dress code horrifies investment bankers. Here is a summary of the article and the link can be found below. Barclays the bank has started a new dress code policy to make the work environment for its employee’s more fun(Carney, 2013). This new dress code means that “employees can wear very casual clothing such as jeans, t-shirts and sneakers on Fridays”(Carney, 2013). However, many of the employees at Barclays are not on board with this new casual Friday option(Carney, 2013). Some of the employees have stated their dislike for this new policy stating “It's ridiculous,please make them stop”(Carney, 2013).  Another upset  employee saying "I didn't become an investment banker to dress like a perpetual teenager"(Carney, 2013). The new dress code is just one of the new policies introduced by Barclays to create a more enjoyable workplace(Carney, 2013).                                                    

 Article Link:   http://www.cnbc.com/id/101081451        

                                         My Opinion                                                              

 I find it interesting that employees at Barclays are not excited about the opportunity to dress more casually on Fridays considering that the dress codes at financial institutions is usually very formal.  I believe that Barclays is their realizing that you can be a successful business and still have a casual dress code because companies like CHG Healthcare Services have no formal dress code and is ranked “number three by Fortune magazine in its 2013 survey of the 100 best companies to work for in America”(Lee, 2013).  People are seen wearing wear jeans, t-shirts and baseball hats at work(Lee, 2013). Additionally, companies like Adobe and Google which are extremely successful business also have a casual dress policy(Lee, 2013). Further, Research has indicated that when employees are dressed in casual attire and feel relaxed they end up doing more work instead of feeling uncomfortable because of the clothes they are wearing(Parus, 2000). In Barclay’s case, I guess they like the formal code out of habit and if the new policy makes their employees unhappy then maybe they should stick to their original policy. 

Here is a look at a survey that was done about having a casual dress code in the workplace:

Survey respondents cited the following benefits of allowing casual dress at work:

• A casual dress policy improves employee morale -- 85 percent;
• Employees perceive a casual dress code as an added benefit -- 82 percent;
• Informal attire saves employees time and money -- 72 percent; 
• A casual dress policy could be used as an attraction and retention tool -- 66 percent; and, 
• Wearing casual clothes at work improves productivity -- 45 percent

This survey shows the many benefits of having a casual work dress code (Parus, 2000).

Link to survey: http://accounting.smartpros.com/x26280.xml

References:

       Carney, J. (2013, October 2). New dress code horrifies investment bankers. Retrieved from http://www.cnbc.com/id/101081451

        Lee, J. (2013, May 28). Workplace revolution: What does dressed for success mean in 2013?. Desert News. Retrieved from http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865580733/What-does-dressed-for-success-mean-in-2013.html?pg=all

        Parus, B. (2000, November 6). Employee morale improves with casual dress code. Retrieved from http://accounting.smartpros.com/x26280.xml

Questions:

What are your thoughts on Barclays changing its dress code on Friday’s considering it’s a financial institution?

Do you believe dress code does affect productivity?

Do you think because Google and Adobe which are extremely successful corporations that more people will maybe try and loosen up their dress codes? 

Religious Symbols not allowed in the Workplace

The article Quebec Seeks Ban on Religious Symbols in Public Places, is an interesting read and I have provided the link below. Here is a brief summary of the article: "The separatist Parti-Quebecois would like to make the provincial government religion neutral” (Shingler, 2013).  It plans to accomplish this by not allowing people to wear religious symbols such as “Jewish skull caps, Sikh turbans, Muslim head scarves and large crucifixes” in the workplace (Shingler, 2013). There is backing for this proposal but mostly from French speaking individuals (Shingler, 2013). This proposal if passed would affect people who work in “public institutions, including day care workers, doctors, nurses, teachers and police officers” (Shingler,2013). According to Minister Bernard Drainville, these rules will help achieve "gender equality, bring society together and maintain a secular state” (Shingler, 2013). This new proposal has many people concerned because they feel they will have to choose between their faith and their jobs (Shingler, 2013). Other political parties in Canada have stated there for such a proposal and Muslim mayor Nenshi went far as welcoming religious minorities to Calgary saying "we don't care how you worship” (Shingler, 2013).

Article Link:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/09/quebec-religious-symbols-_n_4072327.html

My Thoughts:

It is really sad to see a Canadian province trying to enact such a proposal because a lot of people come to Canada so they can practice their religion openly. I don’t understand how such rules will promote togetherness as minister Drainville suggests since. Forcing people to choose between their faith and their job is not fair and will create a stressful and tense environment throughout the province. Additionally, belonging to a religious group and or wearing religious symbols has never been a problem in the past.  One of the things that I thought separated Canadians from other countries is that we can all live together and respect one another’s faith as long as we are not hurting anyone. We have always been a tolerable society and this proposal seems to want to point out our differences in a negative light.  Why should the government be allowed to tell me when I can or cannot wear a hijab/turban/skull cap? I am beginning to wonder if there will be more regulations regarding how people practice their religions ? This is a really bad idea and I hope this proposal does not pass because nobody should have to pick between their faith and careers. However, this might be a great opportunity for other provinces who maybe short on staff for certain positions such as doctors. I believe as long as your dressed appropriately, meaning nothing offensive or too revealing it should not matter what you wear. 

The following religious attire would not be allowed in the workplace.

 References:

       Shingler, B. (2013, October 9). Quebec seeks ban on religious symbols in public work places. Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/09/quebec-religious-symbols-_n_4072327.html

Image Retrieved from

     http://www.rcinet.ca/en/2013/09/10/charter-of-values-would-ban-kippas-turbans-hijabs-for-public-servants-in-quebec/

Questions:

1.       Do you think the government is crossing the line by creating a proposal that would limit how people practice their religion?

2.        How do you think this will impact the province overall in terms of immigration and workplace recruitment?

Casual Wear Not Allowed at Newsweek

  The article No Jeans and Sneakers in the Office? Newsweek's New Reported Dress Code Will Suspend Employees For Looking Too Casual.  This is an interesting article looking at what employees can no longer wear at Newsweek. The link to the article is located below and I have provided a summary. Newsweek magazine was bought by International Business Time and provided their new employees with a dress manual which is part of the International Business Time handbook (Sidell, 2013). Some of the things employees are no longer allowed to wear include “denim jeans, sweat suits, low-rise pants, sneakers, sandals, flip-flops, halter tops, camisoles, baseball caps, t-shirts, tank tops, micro mini-skirts, shorts” (Sidell, 2013). Among other things the dress manual discusses hair color which must be “natural” and it hairstyle must be business (Sidell, 2013). If an employee appears at work inappropriately dressed he or she will be sent home to change into more appropriate clothes (Sidell, 2013). Additionally, if an employee continues to violate the policy he or she may be suspended without pay or let go (Sidell, 2013).

Article Link:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2431011/Newsweeks-new-reported-dress-code-suspend-employees-looking-casual.html

        In my opinion, this dress code is too extreme these people are not working in a bank or any corporate environment. It’s a newsroom where jeans and sneakers should be okay however, I do agree that certain items such as no micro minis and sweat suits are not appropriate. Furthermore, requiring hair color to be natural is ridiculous because I don’t know many people who still have natural hair color since most women color or highlight their hair. If people are not happy at work then I don’t know how productive they will be to the company. Dress codes, I believe are more effective in a corporate workplace and I don’t think such an extreme dress code is necessary in a newsroom floor. These people work for a newspaper, they are most likely creative people and if you’re putting them in suits, you are not only making them uncomfortable but probably less inspired and creative to write a good article.

References:

          Sidell, M. W. (2013, September 24). No jeans and sneakers in the office? newsweek’s new reported dress code will suspend employees for looking too casual. Mail Online. Retrieved from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2431011/Newsweeks-new-reported-dress-code-suspend-employees-looking-casual.html

Questions:

What are your thoughts on the dress code considering that it’s a news room?

Do you think this dress code is excessive?

New Tattoo Policy in the United States Army

I looked at the article Soldiers Told New Rules Governing Tattoos, Grooming Standards on the Way. The link to the article is below and here is a brief summary.  The U.S. Army’s new policy will ban tattoos that are visible below the elbow, knee and above the neckline (Smith,2013) . Therefore, new recruits will not be able to enlist if they have tattoos in those places. Currently, soldiers with tattoos already in those places will be allowed to keep them (Smith, 2013). All soldiers will be required to talk to their unit leaders and show each of their tattoos (Smith, 2013). Still not permitted are tattoos that are offensive for example, tattoos that are racist, sexist or extremist (Smith, 2013). If a solider does have offensive tattoos he or she will have to pay themselves to remove it (Smith, 2013). According to Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond Chandler, these changes are being made to have a standard appearance throughout the army and because they want soldiers to be recognized for their “achievements and not because of the way they look” (Smith, 2013).

Article Link: http://www.stripes.com/news/army/soldiers-told-new-rules-governing-tattoos-grooming-standards-on-the-way-1.24282

Tattoo Policy for Other Branches of Service:                                                                                    The tattoo policy for other branches of service is as follows for example, the Air Force revised its policy on tattoos in 2011 which states that tattoos cannot be “excessive, therefore they cannot cover more than 25 percent of an exposed body part (like forearm) when wearing any uniform” (Rawlings, 2013). The Marines updated their tattoo policy in 2010 which states that enlisted Marines “can’t have tattoos on their hands, fingers, wrists or inside their mouths, and any tattoo visible from a physical training uniform can’t be larger than a fist” (Rawlings, 2013). In 2006, the Navy updated its policy to allow tattoos “when wearing a uniform shirt as long as they are smaller than an extended hand”(Rawlings, 2013). Therefore," they can have as many tattoos as they want on their chest/abdominal region but it should not be seen through their uniform" (Rawlings, 2013).  Thus, in my opinion the Army has the toughest tattoo policy compared to the other branches of service that are less strict.

My Opinion

I personally think it should not matter if your tattoos show because if a soldier is risking his or her life to protect mine then having tattoos on their body that are visible is the least of my concerns. The only thing I agree with Sgt. Major Chandler is that the tattoos should not be offensive to any group or people. Additionally, the most important aspect of this job should be your skills and talent. I think they will lose out on many potential candidates because of this tattoo policy since a growing number of people have tattoos.  

A tattoo like this would not be allowed.

 Questions

What are your thoughts/ comments about the Army banning tattoos below the knees, elbows and above the neckline?

Do you think it is a good idea to have such a strict tattoo policy in a workplace such as the army?

Do you think this will hurt recruitment in the Army?

References: 

         Smith, J. (2013, September 23). Soldiers told new rules governing tattoos, grooming standards on the way.Stars & Stripes. Retrieved from http://www.stripes.com/news/army/soldiers-told-new-rules-governing-tattoos-grooming-standards-on-the-way-1.242828

        Rawlings, N. (2013, September 26). Tat-us quo: Despite strict new army rules, other branches keep tattoo policies intact. Time. Retrieved from http://nation.time.com/2013/09/26/tat-us-quo-despite-strict-new-army-rules-other-branches-keep-tattoo-policies-intact/

Tattoo Image:

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hRVxOabqsUDuAo6agYZeeFyYzQUWcAD5Y1heI01pITjJRhIUNNiPgxX-G1P6fDyzQPIJTAY_gOnvigkQIDl0mDVQMGmdR04H9QOvYGXeV1YSyY0mBG4MIQh7ZoD0L9NpzRWzpAzSzl0/s1600/2011-08-31+034.JPG