Human Resource Blog

Piercings, Tattoos, Jewelry

The general manager wants to add to the “personal appearance” policy:

No visible tattoos
No visible body piercing (other than ears)
No excessive jewelry

There are current employees who would be in violation of this “policy.”

I know legally we can set our own dress codes, but I am concerned that this may cause a problem because these employees were hired irrespective of visible tattoos and visible piercings.

What do you think?

No, this is really not an issue. As an employer, you have the right to change policies — including the dress code or personal appearance policy — at any time. There is no law that the employer must object to the employees appearance during the interview, or keep silent forever afterward. The employer can decide at any point that tattoos or excessive piercings are a problem, and take action at that time. As long as this policy is enforced uniformly against all employees, it is not discrimination and is not problematic.

Put very simply, any companys policies are subject to change, and the employees must adapt to the changes.

You should issue the new policy in writing, preferably giving employees advance notice of a week or two. You should also counsel existing employees with visible tattoos on covering them while at work. For example, an employee with a tattoo on her neck might be advised to wear a turtleneck under her uniform top. An employee with a tattoo on his hand might be encouraged to wear gloves, if practical. Small tatoos can be covered with a band-aid while at work. Although tattoos are becoming more accepted, individuals with visible tattoos should already be aware that those adornments limit their employment opportunities.

Employees with pierced body parts have the option of not wearing the jewelry at work. For example,  an employee with a pierced tounge or nose could simply leave out the stud while at work. If an employee has a pierced navel, wearing clothing that covers the stomach should conceal it. As an employer, it is really not your concern what ink or hardware the employee is hiding under his or her clothes — what is visible, is your concern.