Ink in the Inc.

Workplaces face growing popularity of tattoos

Leila Navidi

No pain, no gain: Bill Duffey of Boston receives a tattoo from Eric “Big E” Pele at Huntington Ink inside the Palms on July 10. Tattoos average $200 at the shop, which opened in May.

By Nicole Lucht (contact), In Business reporter

Fri, Jul 17, 2009 (3 a.m.)

Farley-Saavedra Interview

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The growing acceptance of body art does not mean more businesses accept their workers "inked up." What is a company to do with tattoos? In Business talks with HR Business Partners President Patricia Farley-Saavedra.

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Leila Navidi

Get the point: Eric "Big E" Pele, of Huntington Ink at the Palms, gives Bill Duffey of Boston a tattoo on July 10. Despite the increasing popularity of tattoos, most companies have policies that prohibit visible body art and piercings.

Toodeloo, tattoo taboo.

It’s those crazy kids, don’t ya know, with their crayon-inspired hair, metal-pierced faces and tattoos, well, everywhere, that can give employers nightmares. Not so much the chance of having an employee with an affinity for body art — they probably do — but how to enforce a dress code appropriate for the business.

But it’s not only the kids adorning themselves with body art that would have elicited stares just a couple of years ago.

It’s everyone.

“The whole stigma of tattooing has changed,” said John Huntington, owner of Huntington Ink, a tattoo parlor inside the Palms. “It’s so mainstream, it’s unbelievable. Tattoos are no longer the sailor (and) prison thing. It’s kind of like an extension of jewelry.”

A 2008 Harris Interactive Poll found 32 percent of people in their late 20s have tattoos — the age group with the most tattoos. One-fourth of people in their 30s reported having tattoos, and 12 percent of people in their 40s have at least one.

Those 18 to 24 were similar to those 65 and older, with 9 percent having tattoos. Those 50 to 64 had the fewest, with just 8 percent reporting tattoos.

One-fifth of people living in the West reported having tattoos, the region with the highest rate.

Because displaying body art in the workplace isn’t constitutionally protected, most companies have policies that prohibit visible tattoos and body piercings, said Arte Nathan, president of Strategic Development Worldwide, a San Diego-based management consulting firm.

“Tattooing in society is changing,” he said. “People you never thought would be a candidate have a tattoo.”

In the past, many companies forbade visible tattoos because of the stigma attached, such as bikers’ love of ink.

Employers should avoid policies that allow “tasteful” tattoos, not only because taste is subjective, but if an employee is singled out and told he must cover his tattoo, it becomes a freedom of speech issue.

“It’s all or nothing,” Nathan said. “It’s far easier to ban than to regulate.”

That way, if an employee or job candidate accuses the boss of discrimination, it is easier to defend.

Typically in the United States, people don’t wear body art for cultural reasons with a few exceptions, such as some American Indians.

“It’s more of a fad for young people,” he said.

When interviewing a job candidate who has tattoos on the lower arms or facial piercings, Nathan said to give the candidate the company’s body art policy and offer him the option to wear long sleeves or remove the piercings while on the job.

“Are you willing to wear long sleeves?” he suggests asking potential hires.

But these days, customers are less threatened or discomforted by body art and more concerned about the service they receive.

But as tattoos migrate from the lower arm to the hands and knuckles, or from the shoulder to the neck, face or shaved head, regulation becomes more complicated.

People with body art not easily covered who are entering the corporate world may want to consider the latest trend among tattoo shop owners — removal of the most conspicuous tattoos.

“They can’t hope for anything,” Nathan said. “An employer doesn’t have to hire anyone. He can choose not to hire. It’s not a discriminatory act.”

Huntington picked up on the demand for tattoo removal and is opening a shop catering to those customers, he said. Huntington Ink opened May 1 and is planning a tattoo removal business.

But people still want tattoos.

“It’s leaps and bounds over what it was even five years ago,” he said. “It’s gaining more and more power.”

Huntington credited TV reality shows such as “Inked,” a show that featured Hart & Huntington, a parlor he ran with former business partner Carey Hart at the Palms.

Huntington said he talked Palms owner George Maloof into allowing the casino’s bellboys and valets to display tattoos on the job.

“That’s how mainstream it is now,” he said. “The gamut is no longer the rock ’n’ roller, the rockabilly, the thug. It is my mom and dad, it is anybody. There is no longer a demographic for tattoos. I see everybody coming into my shop.”

Tattoos average $200 at his shop, the minimum about $100, he said. On a typical Friday or Saturday, his artists will tattoo about 45 people.

Huntington’s business is doing so well he is rolling out new locations over the next year: San Diego; Dallas; Austin, Texas; New York; Miami; and Bangkok.

How does a businessperson end up with a tattoo?

Huntington said the scenario he sees is the businessperson is out with friends, having a crazy-fun night, and what comes to mind? A tattoo, of course.

When Nathan was a human resources boss for Mirage Resorts and Wynn Resorts, he said the policy was across-the-board strict.

“No visible tattoos or body piercings, period. It’s a simple statement and easily enforced.”

Twenty-nine percent of employers are strongly influenced by a prospective employee’s obvious tattoos, according to a 2006 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

A larger portion — 46 percent — said it would only slightly influence their hiring decision, and the rest — 25 percent — said visible tattoos wouldn’t influence their decision at all.

Employers were more strongly influenced by a candidate’s grooming (73 percent) and whether they wore nontraditional interviewing attire (49 percent).

Bill Duffey has two tattoos, the most recent one acquired during a Las Vegas visit. He said both are in places not visible when wearing work attire.

“I would never have a tattoo that is visible,” he said, adding he is “judgmental” of people who have visible tattoos.

Duffey recently took over the family’s commercial printing business near Boston, an area he describes as “preppy and highbrow.”

“What’s their history, what’s their past?” he wonders when interviewing someone with visible tattoos, he said. “I wouldn’t hire them if I could see (the tattoos).”

That could be the sentiment some tattoo seekers have as they pick a flash (a tattoo shop’s pre-made art) from a shop’s portfolio.

Tattoo artist Eric “Big E” Pele said he’s seen a change in the demographics sitting in his tattoo chair — more conservative people as well as senior citizens.

“They want to express themselves, but they want to keep it hidden,” he said.

Discussion: 9 comments so far…

By bdover

7/17/09 at 4:12 a.m.

Suggest removal

I was at the DMV yesterday, and I was amazed at the number of people in the long lines displaying all kinds of tattoos. My only concern is that the very massively tattooed may find that they might be somewhat limited in their employment options in the future. Sure, you can be a truck driver or a drive through bunny, but a real job will become a challenge. Sadly, tattoos, despite their popularity, remain in the world of the lower paid little people. Think about it, kids...
By I_Love_Las_Vegas

7/17/09 at 6:48 a.m.

Suggest removal

I am not a "lower paid little people" nor a "kid". Iam 62, and worked for 25 years making over $60K a year as a professional.

Both of my arms are heavily covered with tattoos, but nothing I cannot cover with long sleeves.

The question I am most asked is: "Were you in the Navy?" My answer: "No, I was in a tattoo parlor."
By vc

7/17/09 at 9:42 a.m.

Suggest removal

Go to any professional office where people earn good money and you will see very few people displaying tatoos. Its just not acceptable in the work place. It would be like wearing a dress shirt with an iron on decal on the back.
By Narcissa

7/17/09 at 3:43 p.m.

Suggest removal

Hahaha, good luck to someone showing up at a job interview for a lawyer position or some other high-paying professional position with tats all over their face and neck. I'm sure they'll get hired right away.

But, hey, people can do WHATEVER THEY WANT, civil liberties, "it's my body(!!), and all that, remember? So, go ahead, tat up!! It only makes more opportunity for me to continue with my own hard-earned success, haha.

Plus, in addition to the wonderful job opportunities that await those covered in tats, it is especially amusing to wach the ladeez show off the tramp stamp that they got 30 years ago. After all, buttetfly tattoos on a canckle or saggy arm with excess 55 year old flab are always very beguiling for any
discerning, well- to-do gentleman, don't you think?! Bwaah!
By getalife

7/17/09 at 5:51 p.m.

Suggest removal

Nothing says "hire me" more than a walking art show and so many piercings that when the wind blows you whistle.

But it is a free country and the trailer parks still have vacancies.

Now for the reality, who cares, it is a personal choice. Just be careful where you put them.

One more bit of advice.......... artwork is completely different than prison tats.
By Bakersfield

7/19/09 at 2:30 a.m.

Suggest removal

It never ceases to amaze me how many otherwise beautiful young females deface their bodis with tattoos. A young person with exposed tattoos is limiting their carreer choices. In the 1970's we all wore hideous bright colored clothes, bell bottoms, etc. That was looked upon by the older crowd (parents) as not desirable. But in 5 minutes one could change clothes for a job interview. One with long hair could get it cut. But tattoos are way more permanent. Something to think about. I have friends with tattoos, some military emblems, etc. which I understand. The young folks should consider expressing their individuality with their clothes, cars, etc. before tatting up.
By James_P_Reza

7/19/09 at 12:14 p.m.

Suggest removal

Wow, you folks must really be limited in your exposure to the real world. There are plenty of professionals in various industries sporting tattoos.

Besides, there are various definitions of what makes a "professional" and what constitutes a "well-paid job." Why does everyone pull out the "lawyer" card? I know attorneys billing $500 an hour that have a tattoo. A sleeve? Nah. But a tattoo? Sure.

Further, lawyers aren't the only well-paid professionals out there. Anyone working in the film industry, the music industry, creative advertising, architecture ... pretty much anyone working in a professional creative industry can not only get away with it, but those of us without any tattoos (like myself) are in the minority in some of these industries.

Open your mind and make your own way, people.
By mhurston

7/20/09 at 12:39 p.m.

Suggest removal

I work as a Marketing & Design Manager for a Commercial Real Estate Brokerage here in the valley and I'm definitely in the upper middle class category as far as income in Vegas goes. I have my calfs covered and my shoulders. Guess what? No one sees them when I'm wearing a suit in a meeting.

The only time anyone see one is when I'm in shorts and a short sleeve work outside the office on the weekends, and then it becomes a show and tell among the other "suits" in the office who have the same areas covered.

The only thing I do have visible is my 2 Gauge piercings, which because of the type of studs I wear, no one seems to really notice, or they don't care.
By tattooed

7/21/09 at 7:06 a.m.

Suggest removal

thank god we live in different times than some of the older generation. i am an IT manager and make a very good living. back in the day, it was expected to wear a suit and tie to the office. now, we are fortunate enough to be judged by how competent we are, not by whether i am wearing a blue blazer or not. i have had a full sleeve for some time now. i rarely wear long sleeves. i routinely meet with government officials, vendors, and customers with my tattoos exposed. i am accepted for what i know, not what i look like.

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