Pierced and Employed

By Emily Gregoire

Sightings of blue hair and gages, along with a welcoming hello is the experience

customers receive at the local Chipotle branch. “It’s all individual expression”, said manger Jess

when asked about visible body modifications on employees.

The times have changed. Piercings, tattoos and cotton candy colored hair are now

equivalent to wearing a watch. Unless offensive, visible body modifications don’t play a role in

the hiring process. MaKenzie Brassard, manager at Chipotle, offered a personal opinion, “Don’t

judge a book by its cover, we are moving forward.”

The progressiveness of self-expression is also seen in other job descriptions. Although for

retail positions there is more of a grey area. This is the result of a corporate culture. Standards

and policies are put into place for corporate jobs to avoid discrimination in the work-place.

Adam Ruvola has management experience in retail and when asked about whether visible tattoos

play a role in the hiring process he said, “In this day and age its discrimination.” Ruvola

continued with saying that basic hygiene with an effort towards looking professional,

demonstrates the potential an individual can have in the work-place.

“Just don’t be stinky!” said retail manager Jamie. Having good customer service skills

and a pleasant smile are much more important than the tattoos on an employee’s body. Jamie

recalled a time when she wanted to hire a specific person from another store to join her customer

service team. She describe the employee has having a tall florescent Mohawk as well as tattoos

up and down both of his arms. His alternative appearance didn’t negatively reflect back onto

him. Jamie saw him has a hard worker with great communication skills. “If you come into an

interview looking professional with a neck tattoo and your ears pierced I’m gonna hire you”, said

Jamie.

As for the professional realm Rebecca Collins, MSW said “When working with clients

there are two important questions they asked themselves; Can I trust you? and Can you help me?

My physical appearance, piercings and tattoos, have no effect on my ability to help those in

need.”

It is clear in the year 2016 that having visible tattoos, ear plug or funky colored hair is not

the main concern of employers when they are looking to hire. Being polished and professional

are qualities that every employer is looking for. Personal expression through body modifications

is just another form of communication.