Tattoos in the workplace: hirers reveal what they really think of ink

Would you hire someone with a tattoo? Do you assume they are a criminal or a creative? We asked Aussie employers. See what they said.

The tattoo taboo is disappearing in the workplace, but new exclusive research reveals many employers still secretly discriminate.

A survey of more than 1000 Australians by global data research firm Dynata reveals one in 20 hirers will not employ someone with visible ink, full stop, while another 10 per cent will not employ them for a customer or client-facing role.

Most hirers say visible tattoos make a bad first impression in a job interview, but are not a deal-breaker (40 per cent) or that they do not notice or care (37 per cent) – but one in 12 (8 per cent) says it can actually work in a jobseeker’s favour.

A bit of ink could stand in the way of a customer-facing role. Picture: iStock

Careers expert and Outplacement Australia director Gillian Kelly says perceptions of tattoos, particularly on the body, definitely seem to have mellowed.

“Now many hirers are more willing to allow or even embrace body art, particularly in creative roles which welcome individual expression, or organisations with younger cultures, like tech start-ups,” she says.

“Younger-age hirers and hirers of non-customer-facing roles may also be more relaxed about body art.”

She says some organisations have strict policies on standards of appearance, though.

“The ADF, for example, has specific requirements,” she says.

“It’s essential to research and be mindful of the organisation’s policy and culture before applying and preparing for an interview.

“Checking out team photos on social media can often give jobseekers a feel for this, but if in doubt, it may be best to be conservative and cover up for the interview if possible.”

WHAT YOUR TATTOO SAYS ABOUT YOU

While most hirers surveyed by Dynata say they do not make any judgment about a person with a visible tattoo (31 per cent), one in 20 (5 per cent) assumes inked-up jobseekers are criminals.

Others believe a tattoo sends the message that the person makes poor life choices (23 per cent) or is from a low socio-economic background (16 per cent).

On the flip side, many other hirers associate tattoos with creativity (26 per cent), authenticity (15 per cent) or commitment (9 per cent).

Careers expert Gillian Kelly says some organisations have strict appearance policies. Picture: Supplied

Kelly says there may be times when it’s worth covering up a tattoo for the sake of a career opportunity, but on the whole, it is good for a person’s wellbeing to feel they are accepted for who they are.

“It can be hard to spend each day in an environment where you need to conform to an image that you feel doesn’t represent you,” she says.

“Ultimately, deciding if you want to work for an organisation that doesn’t align with your values or ‘natural’ self is a personal choice that comes down to how strongly you feel on the topic, how important the role is to you and your circumstances.”

NOT ALL TATTOOS ARE EQUAL

In general, having a visible tattoo may not be a deal-breaker in most workplaces, but some designs and placements are a riskier career move than others.

More than four in five hirers (84 per cent) say a face tattoo is viewed negatively in a work context.

Designs on necks (63 per cent) and hands (42 per cent) are also more likely to limit a person’s career than on legs (13 per cent) or arms (18 per cent).

The type of design makes a difference, too.

About two-thirds of hirers are put off by swear words (70 per cent), nudity (65 per cent) or references to gangs or violence (65 per cent) whereas cartoons and childhood references (10 per cent), words such as song lyrics or a partner’s name (9 per cent) and portraits (6 per cent) are less likely to offend.

EARN YOUR STRIPES BEFORE YOU INK THEM

About four in five Australians (79 per cent) believe tattoos have become more acceptable at work over the past five years.

Those in the rental, hiring and real estate services most likely to agree (93 per cent), followed by those in healthcare and social assistance (88 per cent).

Adam Flynn says his career has flourished despite his ink. Picture: Josie Hayden

Coronis Real Estate Group state director for Victoria Adam Flynn got his first tattoo at 18 but kept his body art hidden until he was in his 30s.

Now he believes he is the most tattooed real estate agent in Australia.

“I have them everywhere – both sides of my head, my neck, my feet, both legs, my torso, both arms, throat, and a small one on my face,” he says.

“I’m 41 now so have been in real estate for 23 years and as I got older, living a life of authenticity has become very important to me.

“It came to a point where if someone didn’t want to do business with me based on that, not all business is good business.

“It has had no effect on my career and, to a certain degree, I wouldn’t say it helped but people feel they can engage with me and it gives them an opportunity where their guard is down and can feel free to have a transparent relationship.”

Still, Flynn does not recommend young workers get inked up the moment they can.

“I had established myself as one of Victoria’s and Australia’s best agents (before getting visible tattoos),” he says.

“If you are going to go down that track, you have to bear in mind that without runs on the board and some street cred, you are going to find it harder.

“I don’t want (a young agent) to go ‘this guy’s a weapon, I’m going to get a neck tatt and write $2 million in fees’.

“If you are true to yourself and competent and decent and have a genuine intent to take care of people, it really shouldn’t matter, but I would recommend establishing yourself first.”

More than one in five Australians show their ink at work. Picture: iStock

IS IT WORTH THE WORRY?

23 per cent of Aussies have a tattoo that is visible while at work

38 per cent of these people have worried it will hurt their chances when applying for a job

36 per cent have worried it will affect the way they are perceived by colleagues or clients

51 per cent have covered their tattoo with extra clothing or make up for a job interview

SOURCE: Dynata