Tattoos In The Workplace.

[purplepolkadotsrules007]

Hello!

I put this topic in here because, I feel it is a Business issue and one that was brought up when I was in school.

How to other therapists, spa owners, massage services perceive a tattooed therapist? Would you have a problem hiring someone with visible tattoos?

I have eight.

Five of them CAN be visible if the shirt I am wearing has a sleeve that is a little shorter than normal lenght. And I have one on my wrist which is visible even if I wear a long sleeved shirt. This one goes well with the profession, a sun tatto with a ying yang in the middle and it is what I will use as my biz logo when I do solo work. I can also "block" some of it off by wearing a watch or a bracelet.

So, I am just curious as to what people think about tattoos and massage. I had a teacher tell me once that, though massage is a very 'open' practice, certain locales shun away us inked indivisuals.

I do understand that while it's more accepted, it still is a bit taboo and seen as 'unclean.' For this reason I did wear a watch during clinic (removing it only after the client got settled and replaced once I was done) and my scrubs did cover up the others.

One of my fellow massage therapists told me that if people din't like them, that was too bad. While I agree with that on a personal level, I do believe that you do need to look professional and that sometimes you do need to sacrifice a little bit of yourself if you want to get the job done.

Jackie

 

[Sloopie Mcguvna]

I have leg tatts and I often wear capris so the bottom of the tattoo is visible. Yet, most people would say I'm both conservative and professional. I NEVER wear scrubs, it's capris and plain t-shirt for me. :

Yeah, there will always be people who don't like tats or piercings, or even certain types of makeup application. Oh well.

Hiring someone? My personal opinion: If you had face tats, I would not hire you. Sorry, but I think most people aren't ready for that one, especially in a clinical setting. Hand or wrist? Probably not an issue if they are small and/or tasteful. Tats that can be covered, or upper arm or leg, absolutely a non-issue to me. I might hesitate a little if someone had sleeves. They would have to be very qualified, AND present themselves very professionally in other aspects.

On a personal level, I love tattoos, have always been fascinated by them... there's some beautiful artwork walking around out there. But it can be a little bit limiting in the workplace.

 

[Fallon123]

I'm an MT who doesn't have a receptionist or anything yet, so I'll speak from the viewpoint of our future situation, which is to operate our own multi-disciplined natural-health and wellness practice in which both of us are chiropractors, MTs, and licensed acupuncturists...

Personally, I think it depends on what they are, how big they are, and where they are.

I'm not an employer yet. However, I might be a little more reluctant to hire someone with visible tattoos who works our front desk or something, because of the fact that someone in that position conveys the image of the practice. Having someone up front with visible tattoos may also raise the eyebrows of people like more conservative parents of young children or the elderly population.

Not only that, but we know what the carbon-based ink does to the intricate tuned circuits (electrical, yes) in the body and if we're advising our younger clients against introducing the carbon-based ink into their bodies and our front desk person has visible tattoos, well...

Now as an MT, I've seen some very tasteful tattoos near the small of the back or on the wrists or ankles that have, say, Chinese characters or symbols such as yin-yangs or aums. Those look kinda cool.

You'd be able to better get away with tattoos if you're going for a job at a more "progressive" or liberal/free-thinking workplace that primarily caters to young people, or in an urban area, or whatever. In small towns or professional settings such as hospitals or spas, tattoos are probably an instant no-go.

Just my ramblings
~Jyoti

Edit: Breathe's post came in while I was typing mine and I'm on board with her.

 

[jboi4life83]

This is one link to help with pretty much the same questions

http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1640&start=0

here is another one:

http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1276&highlight=tattoos


By the way I have 3 tattoos but none can be seen while I am fully dressed. Personally as far as body art goes, it doesn't bother me. If they can massage me damn good, that is all that matters.

While I was in MT school there was a girl in another class that was peirced and tattooed and you could see most of them. She was the only one that I craved for her to massage me.Because to me she had that look that she would make you melt. Finally got her to massage me one day and OMG that was the best massage!
I don't judge a book by its cover (i am an avid reader by the way lol) cause you just never know. But that isn't to say others are the same.

 

[Ted]

I have a tattoo on the top of my foot and I work barefoot.
I have a wide range of clientelle from 8 to 80 and i have never had a negative comment.
If you have death heads, sexist images, or abusive language I think that would be another matter.

 

[nicksaysno]

I have tattoos - only cosmetic ones, and I AM a tattoo artist (cosmestic only, although I may someday do small artistic work). I am pretty conservative, but I think ink is beautiful if it is to the wearer. I would never shun a practitioner who had ink or piercings. The history of tattoos is rich & meaningful. Sure, there are people out there who just do it because its a whim, etc. They will be my future clients for tattoo removal/lightening. ha ha. My great uncle Eddie (bless his soul) had bluegreen (from age) tats all over his arms, torso & legs. His were from his life in the Navy. He wore them proudly til the day he died. My Grandpa (his brother) too, only not so many.

Here's my advice for the professional in the workplace or one seeking employment: If a company has a policy (although I will not go into whether or not I think that's even LEGAL) about "no visible tattoos or piercings", you are SOL, unless they are of a nature/in a place that you can cover them. Present yourself in deeds, words, spirit as a true professional, and I will hire you if your work is good. If that means wearing a tutup jacket (I don't know the American word for it -that word is Dutch & Indonesian) or scrublike aesthetics coat/jacket for intake & checkout, fine. Take it off & hang it on a hook & do the work in a tasteful teeshirt & put the jacket back on if need be. If that means tying your dredlocks back with a band or tie, etc to keep them out of your way, fine. Or not. All of your personal choices affect you in your life. You can choose to meet employers as far as you can on their level of "image", or not. It will greatly affect your marketability to some clients, but then again, most people I know who express themselves by wearing ink, piercings, etc, know that when they decide to get them. Permanent is permanent and takes a commitment. Not for the faint of heart.

Original poster: you say in your last paragraph that you understand the need to do what you need to do to get the job done. I think you have a fantastic handle on the big picture. Now if you shun showering & wearing deoderant, or cleaning your workclothes - I'll tell ya right out loud, that if it affects my or any client's sensibilities, you are probably not the right person to work with me. ha.

jill/sagetherapist

 

[Phil H]

Tattoos In The Workplace.

How to other therapists, spa owners, massage services perceive a tattooed therapist? Would you have a problem hiring someone with visible tattoos?

I don't have a problem with a tattood therapist. If you can give a good massage, that's all I need.

I would most likely not hire someone with visables, only because of the type of clientele I have. Many would be put off by it, and therefore, what I know as my bread and butter, could well trickle away. But, in the face of that, maybe I'd have all sorts of new people. However, I am not willing to try it.

 

[puredagnastyevil]

Slow reply to my own post = odd, busy, family members are driving you crazy, week. *sighs*

I love this forum, really, it's encouraging to see so many different views and suggestions!

I love my tats. Actually, I want more!!! Next one will probably be on my lower back.

I didn't have problems, thankfully, with the school which I thought I would have. (It being an Oriental Medicine/Acupuncture school, I had thoughts of them wanting a specfic looking person, stupid, I know, but it was my first time stepping out of my corporate/conservative job.) I mean, I always have an image in my head of how a therapist should look. And it was a very eye opening experience to see people from so many walks of life interested in this profession.

I figure, if I do experience any problems with possible employers, I'll just turn the tables on them and open up - Tattoos and Massage - Get a massage, before you get a tattoo. ;-) Surely some of the tattoo patrons need to relax! Heheh.

Thanks again guys!
Jackie