Tattoos inappropriate for telephone worker...

[denny]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5079470.stm


Edit: interesting snippet I found in reading the unmoderated comments... someone who works for the same employer but on a different site:

"I work for Vertex in Cheltenham, am tattooed, have facial piercings and up until recently had bright pink hair. I have never been asked to cover up or remove my jewellery at work as it does not affect my work and I am not seen by customers. I think Hitchin should be ashamed of themselves."

Comments

[uberredfraggle.livejournal.com]

Grrrrrrrrrr. Companies can be so two faced about stuff liek that. Half the time it's just a power trip. When I worked for Borders I had to take my lip piercing out but managers were allowed forearm tattoos showing. THey even said it was an appearance thing not a safety thing. I never mind taking my piercings out for work but that was just frustrating.

[ulorin-vex.livejournal.com]

some of the comments are even more annoying (particularly the "i think she looks vulgar and would not sit next to her in the office" woman)

[dennyd.livejournal.com]

I know! How up herself is that one? Personally I wouldn't want to work with or sit next to anyone with such an astoundingly closed mind :)

I really am turning into "angry of Brixton"

[wechsler.livejournal.com]

There seems to be a bizarre belief, even an assumption, that people should be protected from any sign of nonconformity, in case (I presume) it should either strain their imaginations or cause them to become less conformant themselves. The only reason for the belief that tattoos "don't belong in business" seems to be that it's "generally accepted"; ie, no-one really knows why but won't let that spoil a perfectly good bit of bigotry. It's a circular logic that insults everyone who it's either supposed to protect or persecute.

I look forward to a time when ability counts for more than perception, and when "no-one shall be enslaved by [...] conformity".

Besides, those tattoos are fantastic.

[dennyd.livejournal.com]

My taste in tattoos is very different from hers, but the work she's got certainly looks to be of quite a high standard.

[lzz.livejournal.com]

I find it particularly annoying that so many of the comments refer to the 'public image' (or similar phrases) of the company, despite the fact that she states quite clearly that she isn't public-facing!

[dennyd.livejournal.com]

Yes, that was annoying me too... I considered a reply along the lines of "I'd rather work with someone with multi-colour skin than someone who can't manage basic reading comprehension!" :)

At least one of the comments implies it's an issue of presenting a professional image to your colleagues, which I thought was an odd concept... anyone who actually works with you will base their idea of how professional you are on how well you do your job, one would assume.

[lzz.livejournal.com]

Having just read Bait and Switch by Barbara Ehrenreich, I am now very cynical about what managers/employers look for (at least in the States): it seems to be entirely image, to the complete exclusion of actual competence.

[belaroo.livejournal.com]

yeah,I read this article at lunchtime. It's good that it's getting some attention. The fact that she's not customer facing says something, why on earth it should be a problem is beyond me. I've no objection to being served by someone with pink hair and peircings for that matter - what matters is that they are polite, helpful and friendly. Oh and if there's food involved, clean of course.
I sometimes think that we are more and more desensitised to the diverse amount of hair colours now normal and peircings etc. It seems there are still nutters out there who manage to take offence. I thought the comment about her regretting it when she's older most unfair too. I'm looking forward to being one of a generation of tattoed grannys personally!

[wildeabandon.livejournal.com]

The fact that she's not customer facing says something, why on earth it should be a problem is beyond me.
That's what boggled me as well. I mean, I make some concessions to the business norm, and make sure to wear a jacket whilst meeting customers, subcontractors and so on, but one of the things I like about working for Sepura is feeling comfortable wearing short sleeves in the office.

[belaroo.livejournal.com]

I think they are very good, agreed. Funny though, I wouldn't go short sleeved with my lumping great tatoo. I think that's more me than them though. I see other girls here with little tatoos but mine seems to attract alot of attention.
I don't think your scars are seen as offensive either - they are not. Tattoos are generally made to mean something - people always ask me what my tree 'means' . I like trees?
I prefer to keep it for my time and not bring my tree up at work. But you've overheard me talk about my strange medieval dressing up habits at work. I do like to represent the margin with pride and a wry smile wherever possible!

[moosipher.livejournal.com]

I'm pierced (duh) , have tattoos , and work in a non-customer facing environment . I always remove the nosering for work , unless it's a dress down day , as I work in a smart casual environment . I often wear short sleeves , that show off two of my tattoos , as it gets damn hot - even with the aircon . I really don't mind removing the nosering , as it is a little ostentatious , even when not at work . It's about appropriate . One of my co-workers removes his labret everyday - as he feels that this would hold him back in a company where 600 telephone call handlers are generally trying for the same promotions . I only remove the septum ring because it really fucking is too much for most people , and as we do have members from (insert name of obvious and huge american software monopoly here) turning up on a regular basis - we have to be aware that our appearance may affect our potential at work .

I'm going to work - I'm not out at the pubs with mates . I understand that people want to be able to express themselves whilst they *are* at work - I would be most annoyed if I was asked to cover up my forearms or remove my labrets whilst working - but I don't mind making a small sacrifice . They pay me to do a job , and I do it - hopefully well ..

Looking like this for the last few years has taught me that it doesn't matter what you look like - some people will always assume the worst and extrapolate your appearance into your intelligence , suitability for the job , grasp of the english language etc.

As I have had people crossing the street to get away from me about once a month for the last ten years or thereabouts - I am painfully aware that people do not wait to form an opinion .

I love my tattoos , and my piercings - but I try to dress appropriately for the situation . If I'm spinning fire - I waer a hoodie , because it saves my hair from going up in flames (again) . If I'm working - I remove the shnozzring - as it becomes far more difficult to convince someone that I am in fact capable to do my job . People will always reach opinions with no evidence to back it up . Fact of life .

Maybe I'm just old enough to know that if I do remove the piercings for good - I havent changed myself at all :)

And yes - I *do* understand that this thread was started about the tattoos - rather than something that can be removed , such as the piercings - just wanted to have a wee box to stand on for a moment :)

[libellum.livejournal.com]

The best bit about that article is the hipsterish photoshoot. Clearly just an opportunity to show off ;)

I can't disagree with her point, though. I thought we were past the age when what colour your skin it makes a difference at work.