Tongue piercing in corporate profession?

Question

I have a coworker who has a tongue piercing in a professional workplace. It's a disguising color but you'll still know that it's there.

Would his piercing be a hinderance if he plans on going up the ladder?

Answer 1

Of course it would, without a doubt.
How do think executives from other companies will view an individual, and the company that hired him, who has chosen to deform his body in such a way as tongue piercing or any kind of visible piercing for that matter?
First of all, as you've already mentioned, it's uncomfortable to look at as well as being a distraction during normal conversation. Secondly, anyone who has one can not speak or be heard clearly anymore with such an unnatural obstacle as that in their mouth.
Some of these piercings are fairly large and they can crack, chip or fracture teeth adding further to his presentation as a professional.

I would venture to say however that there would be ONE exception. That is if this particular person was in a position within a company that manufactures and markets the tongue studs themselves.

Answer 2

It depends upon the kind of corporate workplace. In most, it would. Although no one would tell him so, or why, it would be likely that he would be overlooked for promotions. He would not be told why for fear of lawsuits, as whether or not someone having a tongue piercing is not a BFOQ (Bona Fide Occupational Qualification) for the majority of jobs. It could possibly be in positions where someone needs to be able to speak very clearly and be understood well through their speach. In very few industries, primarily that focus on the arts and are very open minded with body piercings, tatoos, facial hair, etc. it would not be an issue. However, these are the far minority of workplaces.

Answer 3

Absolutely! There are several reasons why. For one, society has not come to accept facial piercings... or visible piercings much at all. It's not quite like tattoos. Tattoos are starting to be slightly accepted but a guy in full sleeves (tattoos up and down the arms) isn't the CEO of Bank of America. 2, people think they know that a tongue piercing means affiliation with oral sex. Thinking about it that way, do you really want to see people's "oral sex toy" when they are talking to you? And 3, since it's the younger generations that are getting piercings, older generations view them as childish... especially in corporate America.
I have had my tongue pierced for almost 10 years and I take it out for everything professional that I do. I want to be taken seriously and I don't want people to think I use it for the above. I It is part of who I am, but I can be me without it.

Answer 4

I think it depends on the company's personality. In most common business, I think it will. It is best to let it heal, then take it out when it threatens to be a misadvantage. A tongue ring is too obvious of an unappealing distraction to upper management and it is surely something that I think most would not accept.

But if he worked for a small company where ethics and behavior are more relaxed, I think it is something they will overlook - like a game software developing company where you can have 10 different colors in your hair, curse like a sailor in company meetings, and tatoo your face...they wouldnt care, as long as you stay committed to developing the software.

Answer 5

tongue pierce is a fad fashion...for some companies they do not allow this kind of expression....but it really depends on what kind of profession he has...if it is realted to artistry or modeling and fashion..it might help but if not...surely, it will not....

Answer 6

i would think so for the same reason you have to dress for the part you going as it also applies for piercings and tattoos

Answer 7

It would in my company. I'd like to be confident that my employees can speak clearly and confidently when representing my company.

Answer 8

Yes...I think so. But they do make plugs for those sort of things.

Answer 9

it probably will be, but it shouldnt. as long as the person preforms well, then looks, gender, and/or race shouldnt matter at all.

Answer 10

It can, yes.