Tattoos, Piercings and Jobs

Famous people like Brad Pitt and other actors and actresses recently was tattooed, as approximately 70% of the players of the US National Basketball League. Thus it is no surprise that more than 32% of young people between 25 and 29 years and 25% of people between 30 and 39 years have tattooed. A recent survey reports that 36% of people aged between 18 and 25 have tattoos, while 40% of people between 26 and 40% show their tattoos ostensibly.

Studies show that getting a tattoo or piercing is a way for people to express their individualism and their availability to people of the opposite sex. Tattoo artists from Brazil and Malaysia have experienced an increasing trend in their business over the past decade, especially regarding the generation born between 1982 and 2002 and among those who have reached an age that allows the expression of their individuality.

Many work environments, including military, hospitals, police, public bodies and private companies now have policies prohibiting livable tattoos and piercings at work. Many companies explain clearly its policy regarding tattoos and piercings to candidates during the recruitment process.

Many cases have reached the courts, due to labor suits filed by workers who claim their rights regarding the use of tattoos and piercings. In 2005 the Red Robin Gourmet Burgers paid US$ 125,000 in a labor dispute with one of his employees who challenged the antitatuagem policy, using religious arguments. The compensation was paid by the company, even before the final decision of the jury about the company's policy that would be violating worker rights.

Furthermore there is another important consideration to be observed by the companies. Results of a survey by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center indicate a highly positive correlation (over 20%) between tattooed people with those who tested positive for the examination of hepatitis C. In fact, according to Dr. Robert Haley "Tattoos can be a major contributor, nationwide, to the epidemic of this form of hepatitis."

To the extent that more businesses understand the risks, it is expected that companies discourage their employees to use tattoos and piercings and that they guide the younger workers to use means of expressing their individuality less dangerous forms.

Copyright 2006 by the The Herman Group.
Reproduction is permitted provided that the source is acknowledged with.
Articles Roger Herman and Joyce Gioya, Business Futurists and associated consultants TDC Professional Training.
To subscribe or unsubscribe Trend Alert Report, send email to tdc@tdccap.com.br, or visit our website www.tdccap.com.br.
This service is public and free. Send your suggestions and comments to tdc@tdccap.com.br

Published on 17/09/2008.