what do you think of body piercings ?

Question

I was wondering what people of all ages, young and old, think of bodypiercings when it comes to the workplace? In my opinion I think they are ok providing there not everywhere. But where does one " draw the line " so to speak ? . Do you think they are inapropriate ? I think it should be up to the employer's discreation to decide what's approprite and what is'nt. I also think that employers are way to tough on personel presentation. Our society has changed and it stil is changing and we should all stop worrying about how people look and be more conserned about how well we do our job !

I think society should be able t express themselves as they wish when it comes to personel looks. Why should we have to worry about "OFFENDING" customers etc. If I wanted services or buisness from a company I surely would'nt judge my decision on how there employee's looked !

to "flowerchild" I feel sorry for your partner(?), that he isnt allowed facial hair ! I have heard before that some companys like u 2 b clean shaven but SERIOUSLY ! who do they think they are in saying that he cant have facial hair ! something that the body does so naturally and he has to shave ! what is this world coming to ? lol

Answer 1

personally I don't like over the top piercings.
In the workplace it's very important that they are not at risk for a accident. It would suck to get something ripped off because it got caught on your piercing. (like if a person wears big hoops or hooks.)
also depending if you work were there is a lot of people, it may discourage people from coming to the store or asking for help if a worker is covered in metal rings.

Answer 2

Generally I dislike piercings although I will admit my wife and daughter have pierced ears. They do not fit with my view of aesthetically pleasing and quit being a mark of individuality some time ago. I'll merely remark on the possibilities of serious health issues.

Employers do have a great deal of discretion on employees appearance because that appearance has a great affect on business. In addition there are liability concerns. If an employee is hurt on the job because of their piercings an employer will probably have workers comp costs even if it doesn't become a court case.

We must all evaluate (judge) people on a continuous basis if we are to function in a society. The means I have to judge my family are greater than those I have for judging my coworkers which are greater than those I have for judging a salesperson which are greater than those I have for judging a passerby and so forth.

In many instances the only way I have to judge a person in their appearance. Therefore I and everybody else will use what I have available to make an evaluation and based on that I will make a decision. Many people and businesses cannot afford to have that evaluation go against them and thus they worry about their appearances as well as their employees.

Answer 3

Personal expression is something you are allowed to do in your "personal" life therefore the word Personal, not in the workplace. I find piercings anywhere but the ears to be disgusting to look at. I do not return to businesses where they allow their employees to sport lip, nose, tongue, eyebrow etc piercings. Personal presentation as you call it is your first impression of the business. Sloppy or revealing dress, multiple piercings, exposed numerous tattoos.....my impression would be not a professional company, need to look somewhere else. I don't care how well you are doing the job. If you can't see fit to dress and look appropriately I don't perceive you care about your job either.

Answer 4

I think it depends greatly on what kind of business you're working in, and what position you want. For example, a boss is more likely to give a heavily pierced person a job in the back and not a salesperson, etc... but for the larger companies, and chances for advancement, I think you are hurting your possibilities. Unless of course they are hidden from view at all times. For example, my sister is heavily pierced and tattooed, and she works at Spencer's. My boyfriend has two hidden tattoos, and he works in the fire department. He isn't allowed facial hair or piercings of that nature. It isn't professional. However, I FULLY agree with you that we would all be better off if we got off of appearances altogether!

Answer 5

I think that when people go to extremes to pierce and tattoo themselves in obvious and visible places, multiple times, they have made a choice that they do not wish to participate in the conservative business world.
No business should have to accommodate an employee that would scare the clients, or project an image contrary to the company philosophy. Regardless of how good they are at their job or how nice they are.

Do what you want, but don't be surprised at the consequences. Altering your image permanently has consequences.

Answer 6

Well, I can understand why they are tough... If they might feel offended or might offend someone higher than them, they might take the employee as representing them. I agree it should be up to the employer to decide. And only piercings that would distraction should be inapropriate for the work place.

Answer 7

I don't think anything normally visible is offensive or rude. We had a cashier at the local grocery store who had a whole row of piercings in her eyebrows and she was one of the best there, very courteous and quick. It didn't affect her work in any way, she doesn't use her eyebrows in ringing up the groceries does she? And saw a guy a few times at a train station who had dozens in his face, but he seemed quite courteous too, always pleasantly mannered.

The only 'offensive' piercings I can think of are nipples and penises and it's not like I'm going to see those. I really don't care if someone is covered in tattoo's and piercings on every visible part of their body!

Answer 8

Body piercings are a tricky issue. I believe everyone has a right to personal expression but...

I, personally get kind of grossed out by them - especially facial piercings. I don't mind pierced ears.

But a business has a right to insist that its employees portray the image they want to the world. So at work, you need to follow their guidelines and leave the bling at home for later.

Answer 9

I have my ear pierced so I can't condemn.I think as long as they are in good taste that they are cool.I am a father of 4 and grandfather of 6,so just make sure to keep your openings clean so you don't get an infection.

Answer 10

It's a tough call as "looking professional" is still a norm in many businesses. I'd say for a management career track, the less visible one you have the better.