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    Do Tattoos Affect How People View You In The Workplace? Let’s Find Out!

    Neville tatoos flexing

    I've always wondered if tattoos have an affect on how people view you....particularly in the workplace.

    Many companies have a "No Tattoo Showing Policy" in place, especially for very professional roles.

    So we did an experiment:

    Keep in mind the tattoos we are testing must be EXTREMELY VISIBLE, so we're not talking about 1 or 2 hidden tattoos. The tattoo's we're testing are going to be very very visible.


    Sam with No tattoos:sam-no-tattoos

    Sam with arm and neck tattoos:

    sam-with-tattoos

    Sam's Eye Tracking Charts:

    sam-parr-tattoo-visual-analysis-.png

    Sam's Total Ratings:sam-photo-ratings.png

    Sam's Tattoo Conclusion:

    Social: It seems Sam got (+50) Cool Points for rocking the tattoos!

    Dating: There was a significant drop (-66) for dating. Judging on the feedback, the prominent neck tattoo is what people disliked.

    Business: It seems Sam lost a few points (-14) with tattoos in the workplace.


     

    Noah without tattoos:

    Noah-no-tattoos.png

    Noah with arm and neck tattoos:

    Noah-with-tattoos.png

    Noah's Eye Tracking Charts:

    noah-tattoo-visual-analysis.png

    Noah's Total ratings:

    noah-photo-ratings.png

     

    Noah's Tattoo Conclusion:

    Social: It seems Noah got (+23) Cool Points for rocking the tattoos!

    Dating: There was a strong drop (-48) for dating. I'm guessing it's the neck tattoos causing this.

    Business: Noah lost a bunch of points (-65) with tattoos in the workplace. His "Business" picture without the tattoos was sky high, but it seems perception of the tattoos in a business setting was negative on this one.

     

     


     

     

    Jack without tattoos:

    Jack-no-tattoos.png

    Jack with full tattoo sleeve:

    Jack-with-tattoos.png

    Jack's Eye Tracking Charts:

    jack-tattoo-visual-analysis.png

    Jack's Total Ratings:

    jack-photo-ratings.png

     

    Jack's Tattoo Conclusion:

    Social: It seems Jack got (-2) points off his score for rocking the tattoos. I would say this is not enough to warrant as significant.

    Dating: There was a super small drop (-4) for dating. I think Jack didn't drop in ranking too much because there's no neck tattoo.

    Business: Jack dropped a decent amount (-33) with his tattoo sleeve in what's supposed to be a professional photo.

     


    Sara without tattoos:

    Sara-no-tattoos.png

    Sara with arm and neck tattoos:

    Sara-with-tattoos.png

    Sara's Eye Tracking Charts:

    sara-tattoo-visual-analysis.png

    Sara's Full Ratings:

    sara-photo-ratings.png

     

    Sara's Tattoo Conclusion:

    Social: It seems Sara got dinged (-6) points for rocking tattoos in a social context. That's not much, and I would say not significant enough to count.

    Dating: However on dating there was definitely an overall drop (-34).

    Business: It seems there was a (0) point drop with tattoos in the workplace for Sara's "Business" photo.

     

     


    Sara without tattoos:

    Sara-2-no-tattoos.png

    Sara with full body arm, legs, neck tattoos:

    Sara-2-with-tattoos.png

    Sara's Eye Tracking Charts:

    sara-2-tattoo-visual-analysis.png

    Sara's Total Ratings:

    sara-2-photo-ratings.png

    Sara's Tattoo Conclusion:

    Social: It seems Sara got a slight ding (-4) Cool Points for rocking the tattoos!

    Dating: There was a super significant drop (-147) for dating on this set. Judging on the feedback, the vast amount of tattoos prompted this.

    Business: Sara lost points (-25) with tattoos in the workplace. I'm actually surprised this number wasn't a bit higher because of the large amount of tattoos showing.

    There were two notes on Sara's "Business" photo regarding the tattoos:

    "Would prefer without sunglasses. For business, may want just your head. This would be an excellent social/dating photo, though, as you seem very happy and relaxed."

    "That many tattoos are an issue for me personally."

     


     

    Linda wearing dress without tattoos:

    Linda-no-tattoos.png

    Linda wearing dress with chest tattoos:

    Linda-with-tattoos.png

    Linda's Eye Tracking Charts:

    linda-1-tattoo-visual-analysis.png

    Linda's Total ratings:

    linda-photo-ratings-2.png

     

    Linda's Tattoo Conclusion:

    Social: Linda got robbed of social points with tattoos (-26).

    Dating: However Linda got bonus points (+20) for dating. Seems like some people preferred the tattoos in this case!

    Business: Looks like she also got MORE POINTS for having tattoos (+25) in this picture. Seems the tattoos were mellow enough, and the picture good enough to where people didn't deduct points for these tattoos.

     


    Linda wearing swimsuit without tattoos:

    Linda-2-no-tattoos.png

    Linda wearing swimsuit with full body tattoos:

    Linda-2-with-tattoos.png

    Linda's Eye Tracking Charts:

    linda-2-tattoo-visual-analysis.png

    Linda's Total Ratings:

    linda-photo-ratings-.png

     

    Linda's Tattoo Conclusion:

    Social: It seems "Yakuza Linda" got (-24) points off social for the large amount of tattoos.

    Dating: The full body tattoos didn't seem to bode well for dating with a (-44) point drop.

    Business: Points were lost on this photo (-28) with tattoos (not that this photo was terribly well suited for a "Business" photo in the first place)!

     


    Neville without tattoos:

    Nev-no-tattoos.png

    Neville with tattoos:

    Neville medhora with tattoos

    Neville's Eye Tracking Charts:

    nev-tattoo-visual-analysis.png

    Neville Total Ratings:

    nev-photo-ratings.png

     

    Neville's Tattoo Conclusion:

    Social: It seems I (Neville) got (-44) points taken off for this social photo.

    Dating: Seems tattoos added (+16) points for dating.

    Business: There were (+15) points for having tattoos in this "Business" photo which is a bit surprising. Guess if I'm gonna be more valuable at work I just need to get a full set of tattoos 🤣

     

     

    So....do tattoos affect people's perception in the workplace?

    We lined up all the Business ratings "Without Tattoos" and "With Tattoos" here:

    tattoo perception business ratings

    Of course this small experiment can't account for individual public perception of tattoos, but we hope you enjoyed it!

    If you're interested in more photo rating experiments, checkout our How To Choose The Right Image For Social Media post.

    Sincerely,

    Neville N. Medhora - Fake Tattoo'er

    Neville tatoos flexing

     

    P.S. Do you have any tattoos? Have you ever faced any good or bad effects from having them??


    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments



    Guest Neville Medhora

    Posted

    I just got it....SWEAT + SHIRT.

    ::pa-dum-pssshh::

    Link to comment
    Guest Neville Medhora

    Posted

    An Egyptian Eye, covered by a butterfly, flew through the sky, being very sly, and then started to cry.

    Credit: Neville Shakespear

    Link to comment
    Guest Neville Medhora

    Posted

    Thanks for owning up Cierra, appreciate it :)
    Link to comment
    Guest Neville Medhora

    Posted

    I get discriminated against all the time. People think I can fix their computer because I'm brown and Indian.

     

    .......and they are 100% right! I totally help them fix it every time :)

    Link to comment
    Guest Neville Medhora

    Posted

    Awesome Brett, go do this experiment the way you see fit and report back. I will happily publish your findings!
    Link to comment
    Guest Cierra

    Posted

    Thanks for commenting! I love talking about body mods!
    Link to comment
    Guest GothicGourdGirl

    Posted

    Or, to konfuse (yes, I did that on purpose) the situation further:

    Professional job that allows for creativity = “Your ink is cool, and if no one complains, you’re most likely fine, except at some staff meetings, but not others, and we’ll let you decide when you think it’s okay to be yourself and when you need to put on an ultra-conservative persona that must include no visible tattoos.”

    Ugh.

    Link to comment

    This is a great poll!! Although many of my peers, clients, and even leaders have tattoos, it hardly makes a difference in any my judgements about the person. I do have ONE almost literal line - the neck/chest tattoo - It's great to have them (male/female) but very inappropriate to show off in the work place - Guys shouldn't walk around all Rico-Suave with an open chest, and ladies shouldn't be flaunting their inked cleavage. It's not the same as a peeking ear/neck or wrist tattoo.

    It's relevant because i have ONE tattoo - completely invisible in every business setting I've ever been in. But if I'm wearing a low collar on the golf course, or get caught off guard in a t-shirt, I always hear "Oh WOW, I never knew you had a tattoos! How many more do you have?" Just ONE.

    I then ask if they thought I was too "good/smart/professional/experienced/old/homely" to have a tattoo by their estimations. I always get this back "It's just surprising" After 12 years, I still don't know how to interpret this! This definitely helps!

    Thanks!

    Link to comment
    Guest Hien Lam

    Posted

    I use the discrimination to my advantage sometimes like when I have to knock on a noisy neighbor's door to tell them to shut the eff up - the ink definitely add a level of intimidation that "Corporate Hien" doesn't. :P
    Link to comment
    Guest Neville Medhora

    Posted

    Oh yeah that's totally true!

    If you're in an altercation with someone, and they have tattoos, I'm sure that makes them look way more intimidating :-)

    Link to comment

    Hey Nev,

    I work for one of big 4 finance corporations and am heavily tattooed (sleeve etc.). It's easy to hide it in business casual to smart settings, but I've seen quite a few heavily tattooed people around. Some with neck tattoos too. Is it harder to do business this way? I'd presume so. Even if I'm tattooed myself, I'd def. look different (be cautious of certain things, e.g. reliability) when facing another tattooed person.

    Link to comment
    Guest Roland

    Posted

    Been discussing business views on tattoos with my brother for a while now. Seems like I was right, people do see you very different.

    But it would also be interesting to see something similar with less tattoos rathen than full body.

    Link to comment
    Guest Kayson

    Posted

    Talking about tattoo, reminds me of the advertisement lady on most of the AppSumo's videos. XD
    Link to comment
    I'm very late to the party. This is awesome. I'm assuming a Fiverr gig to get these pics done? Neville, can you pretty please link to the Fiverr provider that did these awesome pics?
    Link to comment
    Guest Neville Medhora

    Posted

    Bahahaha yeah she does have a lot of tattoos :)
    Link to comment
    Guest Darryl Johnston

    Posted

    It really portrays that people who don't have tattoos are more trustworthy. Well, let's just focused on ourselves and do best in us.
    Link to comment
    Guest Volker

    Posted

    I have full sleeves. As a person with Japanese background I do think my ink is a cultural vibe. I work in profession with soldiers and families (fully in dress clothes that do show some or all my sleeves). I've never had an issue and in fact many ask where I've gotten work done. My daughter has several tasteful ones that can be hidden or shown and most of the people in her office also have tattoos. I think they are becoming more acceptable, even in office situations. Only my grandmother kept asking if I was sure it was ok.
    Link to comment
    Guest Volker

    Posted

    And I wouldn't work somewhere that forbid them entirely.

    PS

    Dated easily with tatts and married a guy who paid for more of them as wedding gift. :)

    Link to comment
    Guest Leo's Friend

    Posted

    I think the [Neville] guy in the last photo would definitely receive the highest score in all three categories!  He looks great with and without tattoos.  I think I'll have to take another look (or three) to try to figure out which flexed arm is sexier:  the tatooed or untattooed biceps!  😜
    Link to comment
    Guest JEBSEO

    Posted

    Frankly, tattoos shouldn't matter, since it's all based on preference. Those who are good at what they do will always succeed regardless of tattoos, piercings, or any other kind of aesthetic/cosmetic differences.

    Me? I have no tattoos or piercings...

    Link to comment
    Guest 🗞 The S.T.U.P.I.D. Email (5-14-2021) :: Copywriting Course

    Posted

    […] even did a fun experiment to see if tattoos make a […]
    Link to comment
    Guest Headhunter_2022

    Posted

    Ensure there is a written policy that you require employees to read and sign. You should then try to enforce that policy consistently. That way, employees can’t claim discriminatory action. You should base the policies on the judgement that is in the best interest of the business. How employees look and dress at work every day can be important. While it may be in your best interests to allow tattoos or body piercings in your workplace, it is equally against them to have employees with hand or finger tattoos in the workplace.
    Link to comment



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