Thanks for your comment, that’s a great question.

You are right, we didn’t mention tattoos. The acceptance of tattoos in the workplace has significantly increased in the last twenty years. Twenty five years ago, tattoos were common… but only on macho military men, inmates, and members of motorcycle gangs. Today, according to a report done by the Pew Research Center, 36% of Americans aged 18-25 have at least one tattoo. That amounts to about one-third of our workforce. And, here is the challenge for employees; California, for instance, is an at will employment state and employers still have the right to determine their dress code. The most descriptive and possibly restrictive dress code I have uncovered is Disney. It states:

The Disney Image – Body Alteration
Intentional body alteration or modification for the purpose of achieving a visible, physical effect that disfigures, deforms or similarly detracts from a professional image is prohibited. Examples include, but are not limited to: visible tattoos, brands, body piercing (other than traditional ear piercing for women), tongue piercing or splitting, tooth filing, earlobe expansion and disfiguring skin implants. Tattoos must be discreetly and completely covered at all times. Jewelry, spacers, retainers, or plugs are not permitted in any body piercing, including non-visible piercings, while working.

The good news is that employees have a choice when it comes to where they work, and employers have a choice of who they hire. If the employer consistently enforces a no visible tattoo policy, the easiest thing to do is cover it up. If enough employees quit or quality employees cannot be hired because they are not able or willing to cover up a tattoo, I am sure the policy will be changed to align with the times.