Commentary: Learning to accept tattoos and piercings in the

Generally when I get an e-mail from my buddy John A. Challenger at Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc., I find myself unconsciously nodding in agreement with his insight and advice about whatever the topic happens to be.

So, when I read the subject line of a recent e-mail, "Tattoos and piercings in the workplace? What to do!" I was sure that John and I would be on the same page about why it's not a good idea to show up for work displaying evidence of being an illustrated man/woman or a human pin cushion.

But John has apparently accepted the reality of the 21st century, while I still have my head buried in the sand of some long- forgotten, prim and proper, probably-never-really-existed ideal professional workplace.

As the e-mail succinctly stated: "With skilled labor shortages worsening as baby boomers leave the work force, employers will be left with no choice: they will have to welcome the growing number of tattooed candidates with open arms."

C'mon John, no choice? Surely the labor market can't be that bad, despite some employers having trouble finding skilled workers?

Of course, the one thing I've learned about J.C. is that he normally has an answer to just about any question.

"Why let some body art get in the way of hiring the best qualified candidate?" he asked.

Uh, I don't know. Maybe because that's not the image the company wants to project?

Of course, he was ready with another response.

"A growing number of employers recognize the benefits of diversity in all its forms and are embracing the unique attributes that make people stand out from the crowd," he said.

Diversity is one thing John, but surely there has to be some semblance of professionalism?

"There are definitely certain industries where more conservative standards of appearance persist," he said. "We may never see tattoos on bankers, lawyers, accountants and the clergy may be resistant to body art."

Sweet, I'm making progress. But it's short-lived.

"However, areas such as advertising, marketing, sales and technology are more inclined to be ahead of the curve and more accepting of new fashion and lifestyle trends," he said.

John, please tell me you're not saying that an entire corporate culture should change just because of some kid who hates his parents and society in general, and has stuff stuck all over his face and dragons and flames and whatnot covering every square inch of his skin.

Tell me it's still up to the job candidate to make a good first impression.

"As a job seeker, you have to judge whether the employer you are interviewing with is going to be accepting of your body art," John said. "If that is not the case, and that is where you really want to work, then you will have to make an effort to conceal your tattoos and take out your piercings."

Of course my protestations might simply be tilting at windmills.

John's e-mail cited a 2006 Pew Research Center survey which showed that 36 percent of 18- to 25-year-olds have at least one tattoo, and 40 percent of people between 26 and 40 have at least one.

There wasn't any information listed for the 40-plus crowd.

And I suppose, in the interest of full disclosure, I need to admit that I'm guilty of sporting a bit of body art. I did, however, listen to the advice of Bob Higby (my college economics professor), and chose a location for the tattoo which would still allow me to wear a polo shirt at a company function without displaying my fraternity crest.

Mike Boyd is editor of the Colorado Springs Business Journal. He can be reached at Mike.Boyd@csbj.com or 329-5206.

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