The Politics of Personal Appearance in the Workplace
http://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2010-03-01/politics-personal-appearance-workplace
Social norms of "acceptability" often dictate the outfits we wear, or the haircuts we sport, at the office. But the underlying causes for these norms are complex -- cutting across cultures and generations. Workplace coach Howard Ross joins us to explore the the complicated politics of personal appearance at the workplace, and investigate why a simple decision to get a tattoo can shape your reputation within your office.
Guests
Howard Ross
Diversity consultant; Principal, Cook Ross
Comments
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Not every employer will have concerns about body art & piercings. I work in a creative environment where tats and piercings are commonplace.
Body art and piercings depend on which side of the coin you are on. If you have influence, fame and/or money, you can pretty much do anything you like and you will get the respect all out. However, if you are on the other side of the coin, be prepared to take any pre-judgements and sometimes offences that come along with it. It is just the nature of today's environment and we just have to live with it. I must admit that I am sometimes quick to throw judgement from just about anything that deviates from societal norm, until I see past through what I am judging in the first instance. It takes a lot of open mindedness to deal with this topic.
I have actually had this debate with others who work in my field -- I am the provider in a health care field, and my office is located in a medical office park. I personally have a tattoo that is not generally visible at work. Most of my patients never see it, and only a few know it exists. But I don't think the visibility of my tattoo is what makes me competent or not at my job. I am the same provider whether I have visible ink or no. I also don't think anyone, medical professional or otherwise, should be judged on their appearance -- especially on the visibility of tattoos. I think it should be more important for the public to determine whether they have a good working relationship with their doctors by deciding whether the person is knowledgeable and whether those involved have a good rapport. In other words, choose your doctors by their expertise, not their art.