Contrary to what many believe, research has found that tattoos may actually help people get jobs.
According to an article by Allure, a new study titled ‘Are Tattoos Associated With Employment and Wage Discrimination? Analyzing the Relationships Between Body Art and Labor Market Outcomes,’ gathered data from more than 2,000 participants from each state in the U.S. to analyse the subject of tattoos in the workplace.
The results found that annual earnings and wages of tattooed employees were no different than those of employees without tattoos. In fact, the research also revealed employees with tattoos are sometimes more likely to get the job.
University of Miami Business School professor of health economics, Michael T. French, who co-authored the study, said in a press release that the long-held stigmas associated with having tattoos may be eroding, especially among younger people who use body art as a form of personal expression.
"Given the increasing prevalence of tattoos in society – around 40 per cent for young adults – hiring managers and supervisors who discriminate against tattooed workers will likely find themselves at a competitive disadvantage for the most-qualified employees."
The study contrasts with various opinions, such as one that was recently published in a small town Florida Newspaper, Vero Beachside News. The publication said that "If you want to look like a freak, get a tattoo. Or more than one... Plus, you'll probably get lots of job rejections if your tattoos show."
French told Allure, however, that there has been a shift in perception when it comes to tattoos in the workplace, with many relaxing their tattoo policies for employees to reflect current societal perceptions of body art.
