“The Tattoo? His Grandmother’s Numbers”: New Boss’s Policy Gets Their Best Machinist Fired
Interview With Author
Relatively not so long ago, body art was associated with rebellion and trouble. Fortunately, today, its acceptance seems to be broadening. As a result, people with tattoos don’t have to worry as much about getting a job just because they have a few scribbles on their body. That said, there are still professional environments that have tighter restrictions when it comes to visible ink.
Redditor Sjbluebirds recently shared his experience when a new owner enforced a “no tattoo” policy where he works. The change was so extreme that they missed out on competent professionals and even had to dismiss an employee with over 40 years of experience. Livid about this, the worker turned to the anti-work community to vent his frustrations.
Scroll down to find the full story and a conversation with its author, who kindly agreed to tell us more about it. We also reached out to Kyle Smith, HR and leadership advisor and the host of the HRKyle podcast, who answered some of our questions about tattoos in professional settings.
Even though body art has become more and more acceptable in professional settings, some companies still have restrictions
Image credits: Ralph Rabago / pexels (not the actual photo)
This employee became livid after a new “no tattoo” policy was enforced in his workplace, resulting in the loss of an experienced colleague
Image credits: cottonbro studio / pexels (not the actual photo)
Image credits: Thới Nam Cao / pexels (not the actual photo)
Image credits: sjbluebirds
“I was angry that the owners would let a very experienced employee go for such a silly reason”
The author of the story and the IT specialist for the company told Bored Panda that what encouraged him to share this online was the frustration he felt about the whole situation. “I was angry that the owners would let a very experienced employee go for such a silly reason. I wasn’t looking for answers, I was looking to vent my frustration. Again, I didn’t know the details of the situation and was frustrated that other employees weren’t too concerned.”
He also wanted to clear some things up by saying, “When the policy was announced last year, anyone with a tattoo could stay at work — just as long as employees disclosed they had one prior to the policy implementation. Our foreman did not disclose his tattoo at the time. No ‘new’ tattoos would be permitted in the workplace.”
He further tells us that the foreman was in his sixties and had been actively thinking about retiring. The whole commotion at work made him decide to retire six months earlier, which also granted him 8 months of severance pay. “He says he holds no animosity towards the owners. We are having a party for him on-site tomorrow (Friday), even though he has asked us not to make a “big deal” out of the situation,” he shares.
According to the author, the machinist wasn’t too concerned about being dismissed after spending four decades at the company. “The rumors at work suggest he wanted the severance package, which he would not have qualified for, had he simply retired. I am not privy to the actual details of his departure.”
He also mentions that younger employees tried complaining when the new owner enforced such a policy. However, the older workers (who also had tattoos) believed that they interfered with professionalism and evoked regret.
After witnessing such an incident, the author still thinks that similar guidelines aren’t necessarily bad. “I think any privately-owned business should implement the best policies they can for their employees, subject to the best information they have available,” he says.
“If “no new tattoos” is their policy, the owners have the right to implement it, and accepting the policy is part of the employment agreement. If “don’t use a competitor’s product” is the policy, then the owners have the right to enforce that policy as well, even though it infringes on the employees’ right to freely engage in commerce.”
Instead of abolishing policies discriminating against body art, he urges that we need to work on communication regarding expectations and needs between management and labor. “Policies are implemented to protect labor and management from each other and litigation; communication builds bridges between them and is much more important,” he concludes.
Image credits: Kateryna Babaieva / pexels (not the actual photo)
About 40% of the US workforce has tattoos, with workers in agriculture being the most heavily inked
About 40% of the US workforce has tattoos, with workers in agriculture being the most heavily inked and government employees being the least. However, a similar number of employees believe that body art isn’t appropriate in the workplace. Therefore, only 12% of individuals showcase them at work.
A whopping 76% of employees feel that tattoos and piercings hurt their job interview chances, indicating that there’s still plenty of stigma surrounding ink on the skin in the workplace. 6% even say that they wouldn’t hire someone with visible ink.
HR and leadership advisor Kyle Smith tells us that this comes from associating body art with trouble or problems in the company. “We’re only a generation or two removed from when tattoos were a statement of rebellion, where now they are viewed as more of a fashion statement. There are still employers who come from the mindset that tattoos are an indicator of an employee who is an instigator or troublemaker. Which, of course, we know is not true.”
As a result, Smith says that these policies limit recruitment because a significant part of the working population has ink on their bodies. These guidelines might also feel like an infringement on personal choices, which can negatively affect worker morale. “A key component of retention is the feeling that you belong. Where policies contradict that, retention will also suffer,” he adds.
Image credits: Pixabay / pexels (not the actual photo)
“Employers are much more forgiving of tattoos than even 5-6 years ago”
The good news is that 73% of people say that they would hire staff with visible body art, and only 4% say they’ve actually faced discrimination in their jobs because of it. Smith adds to this by saying, “Employers are much more forgiving of tattoos than even 5-6 years ago. Especially if they are not visible or very limited in visibility. The other factor is if there are only 1-2 tattoos or very limited coverage on the body. For blue-collar jobs, it is a non-issue regardless; again, with a few limitations – tattoos on the neck or face are still widely unacceptable in a lot of job situations.”
In order to attract and retain more workers, the policies concerning the visible display of tattoos are changing. Companies including Disney, UPS, and Virgin Atlantic have relaxed their dress codes so employees can show their body art while working. This is primarily due to the scarcity of workers, which became even worse during the pandemic.
“Tattoos matter to people, and while there was a time where people may have gotten a tattoo on a whim, more frequently now a tattoo really matters to someone; it’s part of who they are,” Christopher Bartlett, UPS vice president of people and culture, said. However, any ink on the face, head, or neck is still not permitted.
Enrica Ruggs, an associate professor at the University of Houston, says that recent research has found that tattoos now reflect a sense of belonging, particularly the ones that honor a loved one or call out their culture or profession. She ran an experiment that revealed that tattooed employees had just as many sales as those without body art. In fact, inked workers in white-collar or creative jobs were perceived more favorably and competently than their non-tattooed counterparts by customers.
“As employers, we realize that it is a fashion statement and a statement of expression, and it does not pose a threat to our operation nor does it signify anything negative about the person or the company,” Smith says. To promote acceptance of workers with tattoos in professional settings, he says we should treat body art as any other accessory, like watches or earrings, where the only concern is the wearer’s safety rather than their perceptions.
“The other important factor is not condoning behavior that treats the employee with tattoos as different, bad, or trouble. If the tattoo is not affecting the employee’s work performance, it should be a non-subject in the workplace,” he concludes.
Image credits: Sebastian Coman Photography / pexels (not the actual photo)
The author provided some additional information in the comments
The bigger part of the people seemed to be against the “no tattoo” policy
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A 'Nazi tattoo'??? Is this new owner a moron? Is he perhaps a sandwich short of a picnic? As thick as a plank? Somewhat deficient in the brain department? This is beyond scandalous. Seriously, I would have taken it up with the Holocaust Survivors Foundation.
Our last chief constable instituted a no visible tattoo rule. Which you might think reasonable. (Also she banned non hair colour hair in the back office so she wasn't popular with yours truly!) But a sleeved officer was talking to people in their home, he moved his arm and the tattoo showed, suddenly the atmosphere changed, they became more open because they weren't seeing the officer as "one of them". And he was better able to do his job.
*sniffs curiously at the head-fur*
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I am an 83 year old great-grandmother and I have a small tattoo on my left shoulder, which I got 65 years ago. I worked as an office manager or bookkeeper my entire working live and I NEVER had an employer object to my tattoo.
He could have just gone with "no nazi,political or gang signs" who cares how you look if you do a good job? I work with bankers and similar and our boss laughed when a colleague asked if it was ok to have a nose ring. We have colleagues with very visible arm tattoos and nobody cares.
I could understand that one. You don't want people with the "I murdered people teardrops" or similar (and heck even then they could have done their time and be rehabbed). But standard art? That seems like a discrimination law suit waiting to happen.
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I don't like tattoos... never have, never will. So, guess what? I'm not getting any! Why tf would my opinion be someone else's responsibility. They work in a machine shop... people lose fingers or hands in those places and this guy wants to worry about if they have ink!? I would probably look for another job just based off that kind of assholery.
Ignorant yanks displaying their ignorance again. "unions a socialist plot" They swallow rightwing propaganda deeper than a cop worshipper fellates the boot.
As someone who struggles recruiting and hiring machinists to keep our business running, this policy is insane. Experienced machinists are worth their weight in gold.
I worked at a plce where you had to cover up "offensive" ones (like that naked lady on your leg), but other ones were okay. We didn't deal with too many members of the general public. Seems like the machinist could have been 'grandfathered in" so to speak.
Unless it's a customer-facing position, I see no point in any "no tattoo" policies. I'm pretty sure that the machines they operate don't care one way or the other.
Nazi tattoo…………. I don‘t know if I should laugh because of the ridiculousness or to cry because of the meaning of the tattoo. That guy is an idiot!
Personally I don't like tattoos, however, unless there is some very strong reason, people should be able to have what they want on their own bodies
I'd be out - got 2 tats - one between my boobs and one one my side where they marked up for radiotherapy......
I've never understood the desire to have a tattoo. Historically, I judged those with them harshly. However, I am now 65 years old and I love many,many people with tats. I still don't understand the desire, but I don't care any more that anyone has them. I even ask people I don't know to tell me about the stories of their tattoos sometimes and sometimes those stories are beautiful (and sometimes THEY seem SHOCKED that I'm interested). With that said, I've often wondered what would cause me to get one. Until reading this passage, I have had ONE reason and if that medical event ever happens to me, I will certainly consider getting a one. The story about the above gentleman having his grandmother's number tattoo on his arm is simply beautiful and deeply respectful. WHO could not respect that? The owner of that shop should be ashamed of himself especially with what is going on in our world TODAY.
That's pretty much how I feel about tattoos, but you explained it beautifully Lori
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Pathetic. Grow up. Someone is going to sue your business, and you will lose.
Sounds like the new owner may actually be the Nazi in this instance. Foreman is better off being free instead of working for a Holocaust Denier. Make no mistake, you can cut it any way you like, but that's what this actually is.
I’m totally comfortable with you not wanting me to have tattoos, I don’t wish to work for a narrow minded manager anyway. My skills will be appreciated at another company and they’ll have policies that are based in 2024. It’s my body and you have no say in how I pierce it, tattoo it, or add anything I see fit, it’s my body 24/7 and you don’t own any part of it. I do understand that my tattoos may stop me from getting certain jobs and that’s fine, I’m an adult and I can take the consequences of my actions.
I could see being asked to remove piercings as a safety issue perhaps but other than that they only own our time while we’re there. Nothing else
Load More Replies...
Years ago I wasn't fond of tattoos, especially on females. But then my daughter got one on her back. Not only that she got together with her now fiance. They have been together now for twenty some years. He is almost completely tattooed, his back, chest his legs and arms. He once worked in a high end restaurant and when he had a long sleeved shirt on, you would never know. He has his son's name on one leg and his late daughter's name on the other. He has my daughter's name on his arm now and I told him, "now you're stuck with her". He told me "no one I'd rather be stuck with". My daughter has her whole shoulder done as a memorial to her stepdaughter. Yeah, I've had to get used to tattoos. They don't bother me anymore and I sometimes ask people about them. Most of them are happy to talk about them.
I worked for BJ's Wholesale Club in the '80s and '90s, when you'd think there was more resistance to tattoos in the workplace, and they didn't mind; one guy had at least a dozen prison tats on display. In 2005, I interviewed at Costco, BJ's direct competitor, and was told m'y one tat would have to be covered when the club was open. Today I still have one tat; my sisters each have several, and they're secretaries at a major art college and a law office. In a machine shop, this policy is basically a billboard saying "We Don't Care About Skill." I wouldn't bring my jobs to a shop with this policy because I would know most of the best machinists wouldn't even apply there
I have tattoos on my wrists. I'm a physical therapist. Interviews I've always worn long sleeves. Get the job, wore short sleeves, but I don't really think they cared because nothing was ever said.
1. No tattoos in an industrial worksite? Uh.... You are going to lose out on a HUGE number of skilled workers for a reason irrelevant to their abilities. Might as well start mailing cheques to your competition. 2. That is the exact OPPOSITE of a Nazi tattoo. The boss saying it is one is the height of offensive stupidity.
Where was this, South Korea? Japan? Because they can be just as ridiculous about tattoos, assuming that even foreigners are somehow "involved with gangs". I got thrown out of a pool in Japan because about 1 cm of my (then only) tattoo was exposed. Foreigners in both who have arm tattoos are required to wear long sleeves, even in summer. It makes me glad I live in Taiwan, where you'll see 60 year old women with full sleeve tattoos, and nobody bats an eye.
You'd be hard pressed to find many employees at all with zero tattoos. I barely know anyone without one
I don't think you can do this in the US. It is a form of expression and is covered by the constiturtion.
I really don't think it is, assuming you're talking about the 1st Amendment, which only protects free speech.
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I have tattoos and I'm about to get another in a week. I wouldn't put myself through laser tattoo removal for a job.
I assume this was in the USA ? Here in Oz, it's absolutely illegal to fire someone because of their appearance, whether it's tattoos ( which I personally hate ), long hair, body piercings ( yuk ) etc. These are all irrelevant to a person's ability to do their job. The employer would end up in court over this and cop a heavy fine.
As a middle-aged woman with 19 tattoos (soon to be 20, as I am getting a new one in about 3 weeks), AND who is married to a Jewish man, this infuriates me on SEVERAL levels. I DEFINITELY would've gone public with it!!
I can understand not wanting visible tattooes on an employee who deals with the public, but in the machne shop? C'mon. I have several tattoes, but they are all in places that can be easily covered. I will admit I was disturbed by the huge F*****K tattoo the guy who handed me my order at Jack in the Box had on his neck. I was honestly surprised that the owner didn't make him cover it up.
I am a Senior EA - I support 5 C-suite executives and guess what? I have 9 tattoos...most all of which are visible. Has it hurt my career at all? nope. Has it affected my ability to do my job and to do it well? Nope. I also work directly with out Board Members & investors...all of whom have nothing but nice things to say about me. These type of bosses are so blinded by their own weird prejudices, they're missing out on fantastic employees. Side note: when i first got my tattoos; my very conservative asian parents were LIVID. My dad had been convinced that tattoos were only for gangsters. My having tattoos has enlightened them to the fact that its just body art.
A 'Nazi tattoo'??? Is this new owner a moron? Is he perhaps a sandwich short of a picnic? As thick as a plank? Somewhat deficient in the brain department? This is beyond scandalous. Seriously, I would have taken it up with the Holocaust Survivors Foundation.
Our last chief constable instituted a no visible tattoo rule. Which you might think reasonable. (Also she banned non hair colour hair in the back office so she wasn't popular with yours truly!) But a sleeved officer was talking to people in their home, he moved his arm and the tattoo showed, suddenly the atmosphere changed, they became more open because they weren't seeing the officer as "one of them". And he was better able to do his job.
*sniffs curiously at the head-fur*
Load More Replies... I am an 83 year old great-grandmother and I have a small tattoo on my left shoulder, which I got 65 years ago. I worked as an office manager or bookkeeper my entire working live and I NEVER had an employer object to my tattoo.
He could have just gone with "no nazi,political or gang signs" who cares how you look if you do a good job? I work with bankers and similar and our boss laughed when a colleague asked if it was ok to have a nose ring. We have colleagues with very visible arm tattoos and nobody cares.
I could understand that one. You don't want people with the "I murdered people teardrops" or similar (and heck even then they could have done their time and be rehabbed). But standard art? That seems like a discrimination law suit waiting to happen.
Load More Replies... I don't like tattoos... never have, never will. So, guess what? I'm not getting any! Why tf would my opinion be someone else's responsibility. They work in a machine shop... people lose fingers or hands in those places and this guy wants to worry about if they have ink!? I would probably look for another job just based off that kind of assholery.
Ignorant yanks displaying their ignorance again. "unions a socialist plot" They swallow rightwing propaganda deeper than a cop worshipper fellates the boot.
As someone who struggles recruiting and hiring machinists to keep our business running, this policy is insane. Experienced machinists are worth their weight in gold.
I worked at a plce where you had to cover up "offensive" ones (like that naked lady on your leg), but other ones were okay. We didn't deal with too many members of the general public. Seems like the machinist could have been 'grandfathered in" so to speak.
Unless it's a customer-facing position, I see no point in any "no tattoo" policies. I'm pretty sure that the machines they operate don't care one way or the other.
Nazi tattoo…………. I don‘t know if I should laugh because of the ridiculousness or to cry because of the meaning of the tattoo. That guy is an idiot!
Personally I don't like tattoos, however, unless there is some very strong reason, people should be able to have what they want on their own bodies
I'd be out - got 2 tats - one between my boobs and one one my side where they marked up for radiotherapy......
I've never understood the desire to have a tattoo. Historically, I judged those with them harshly. However, I am now 65 years old and I love many,many people with tats. I still don't understand the desire, but I don't care any more that anyone has them. I even ask people I don't know to tell me about the stories of their tattoos sometimes and sometimes those stories are beautiful (and sometimes THEY seem SHOCKED that I'm interested). With that said, I've often wondered what would cause me to get one. Until reading this passage, I have had ONE reason and if that medical event ever happens to me, I will certainly consider getting a one. The story about the above gentleman having his grandmother's number tattoo on his arm is simply beautiful and deeply respectful. WHO could not respect that? The owner of that shop should be ashamed of himself especially with what is going on in our world TODAY.
That's pretty much how I feel about tattoos, but you explained it beautifully Lori
Load More Replies... Pathetic. Grow up. Someone is going to sue your business, and you will lose.
Sounds like the new owner may actually be the Nazi in this instance. Foreman is better off being free instead of working for a Holocaust Denier. Make no mistake, you can cut it any way you like, but that's what this actually is.
I’m totally comfortable with you not wanting me to have tattoos, I don’t wish to work for a narrow minded manager anyway. My skills will be appreciated at another company and they’ll have policies that are based in 2024. It’s my body and you have no say in how I pierce it, tattoo it, or add anything I see fit, it’s my body 24/7 and you don’t own any part of it. I do understand that my tattoos may stop me from getting certain jobs and that’s fine, I’m an adult and I can take the consequences of my actions.
I could see being asked to remove piercings as a safety issue perhaps but other than that they only own our time while we’re there. Nothing else
Load More Replies... Years ago I wasn't fond of tattoos, especially on females. But then my daughter got one on her back. Not only that she got together with her now fiance. They have been together now for twenty some years. He is almost completely tattooed, his back, chest his legs and arms. He once worked in a high end restaurant and when he had a long sleeved shirt on, you would never know. He has his son's name on one leg and his late daughter's name on the other. He has my daughter's name on his arm now and I told him, "now you're stuck with her". He told me "no one I'd rather be stuck with". My daughter has her whole shoulder done as a memorial to her stepdaughter. Yeah, I've had to get used to tattoos. They don't bother me anymore and I sometimes ask people about them. Most of them are happy to talk about them.
I worked for BJ's Wholesale Club in the '80s and '90s, when you'd think there was more resistance to tattoos in the workplace, and they didn't mind; one guy had at least a dozen prison tats on display. In 2005, I interviewed at Costco, BJ's direct competitor, and was told m'y one tat would have to be covered when the club was open. Today I still have one tat; my sisters each have several, and they're secretaries at a major art college and a law office. In a machine shop, this policy is basically a billboard saying "We Don't Care About Skill." I wouldn't bring my jobs to a shop with this policy because I would know most of the best machinists wouldn't even apply there
I have tattoos on my wrists. I'm a physical therapist. Interviews I've always worn long sleeves. Get the job, wore short sleeves, but I don't really think they cared because nothing was ever said.
1. No tattoos in an industrial worksite? Uh.... You are going to lose out on a HUGE number of skilled workers for a reason irrelevant to their abilities. Might as well start mailing cheques to your competition. 2. That is the exact OPPOSITE of a Nazi tattoo. The boss saying it is one is the height of offensive stupidity.
Where was this, South Korea? Japan? Because they can be just as ridiculous about tattoos, assuming that even foreigners are somehow "involved with gangs". I got thrown out of a pool in Japan because about 1 cm of my (then only) tattoo was exposed. Foreigners in both who have arm tattoos are required to wear long sleeves, even in summer. It makes me glad I live in Taiwan, where you'll see 60 year old women with full sleeve tattoos, and nobody bats an eye.
You'd be hard pressed to find many employees at all with zero tattoos. I barely know anyone without one
I don't think you can do this in the US. It is a form of expression and is covered by the constiturtion.
I really don't think it is, assuming you're talking about the 1st Amendment, which only protects free speech.
Load More Replies... I have tattoos and I'm about to get another in a week. I wouldn't put myself through laser tattoo removal for a job.
I assume this was in the USA ? Here in Oz, it's absolutely illegal to fire someone because of their appearance, whether it's tattoos ( which I personally hate ), long hair, body piercings ( yuk ) etc. These are all irrelevant to a person's ability to do their job. The employer would end up in court over this and cop a heavy fine.
As a middle-aged woman with 19 tattoos (soon to be 20, as I am getting a new one in about 3 weeks), AND who is married to a Jewish man, this infuriates me on SEVERAL levels. I DEFINITELY would've gone public with it!!
I can understand not wanting visible tattooes on an employee who deals with the public, but in the machne shop? C'mon. I have several tattoes, but they are all in places that can be easily covered. I will admit I was disturbed by the huge F*****K tattoo the guy who handed me my order at Jack in the Box had on his neck. I was honestly surprised that the owner didn't make him cover it up.
I am a Senior EA - I support 5 C-suite executives and guess what? I have 9 tattoos...most all of which are visible. Has it hurt my career at all? nope. Has it affected my ability to do my job and to do it well? Nope. I also work directly with out Board Members & investors...all of whom have nothing but nice things to say about me. These type of bosses are so blinded by their own weird prejudices, they're missing out on fantastic employees. Side note: when i first got my tattoos; my very conservative asian parents were LIVID. My dad had been convinced that tattoos were only for gangsters. My having tattoos has enlightened them to the fact that its just body art.
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