Tattoo and work place

[eletralambchop]

Hi!
I was wondering your opinions about not covering a tattoo when you're at work. I have a quite large one on my back and a small one on my wrist. I don't mind covering them as I work in a quite well known law firm and for some reason I don't find it appropriate. The wrist tattoo is small and if I wear 3/4 sleeves it shows and the back tattoo no one ever saw. But it's been so hot lately and my colegues are wearing lovely dresses and tops whilst I'm wearing high neck blouses :( I've got some tops that are suitable for work but it would show a bit of my back tatto (I've got short hair). Even though I work with lawyers I'm in a clerk role so I don't deal with clients. Do you think I'm being silly? I've been working there for nearly one month and I don't want to give the wrong impression :/

Far too soon, sorry - especially in law. Have you seen anyone else with tattoos? Maybe you could have a chat with them when you have been in the job for longer, but only one month in and in a conservative field I would not rock the boat, no.

I don't mind tattoos at all but in a professional environment they do give the wrong impression. Cover them up until you are absolutely sure you are indispensable.

I had visible tattoos when I was a conveyancer 10 years ago. No-one said anything. Wear what you want in your office and have a high neck jacket for client meetings?

What wrong impression?!

I've worked in law firms for the best part of 20 years. I don't think I have ever seen a hint of a tattoo on either a man or woman. I'd probably keep them covered for now.

In my office it's fine but I'm not in law, which can be rather behind the times about such things.

Is there someone you can ask? In a "Im happy to keep covering them up if needed" sort of way. You said you don't deal with clients but would they see you at all?

SunsOutPlumsOut

In some contexts they make you look maverick or rebellious. I am not saying this is fair or right. I am saying if the OP wants to be considered 'conformist' she should cover them up.

SunsOutPlumsOut
I understand that some people might find it unprofessional/rebel/not trustworthy regardless of how good you are. I like my tattoos but I am fully aware that tattoos and the way you dress is relevant specially in a professional environment. So I don't feel offended if the right thing to do is to cover them.

I made sure my tattoos were on display when I went for my job interview (or those that can be seen in decent public anyway). I work in an app company but I would say if you have any hassle it would be discrimination. Unless of course your tattoos are offensive in any way.

How wide a spread are these tattoos? Why would a back tattoo show with a dress? Shoulders or neck, for example?

Wrist tattoo - covered by a watch or bracelet or not?

If we understand this, we may be able to suggest appropriate clothing ideas.

They are not offensive - just massive flowers with a really big bird 😝

Check out the uniform policy at your workplace. Mostly visible tattoos are fine as long as they aren't offensive. Yours sound lovely! Xxx

Im a firm believer in tattoos not being an indicator of someones ability to do their job well. I would never consider a visible and inoffensive tattoo as unsightly etc.

however I dont think visible tattoos are smart. In the same way that flip flops arent. Or leggings.

So id say if you need to dress smart then visible tattoos contravene the dress code. However if your workplace is smart/casual or just casual then go for it.

Having said that I know that many people still do equate tattoos with lack of respect for authority. Hopefully your performance at work will have negated that concern though!!!

Tattoos aren't a big deal now- what's the worst that can happen by having them on display?

VivienneWestwoodsKnickers

A tiny bit of a leaf would show if a dress doesn't come up to the neck.
I can wear something like this intheircloset.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/victoria-beckham-asymmetric-stretch-crepe-dress-exposed-zipper-black.jpg

But not like this images.hybridfashion.com/images/products/zoom/1457096106-03303400.jpg

It doesn't really make a difference in terms of style. But I just really wonder how crucial it would be showing a bit of a tattoo

So I think the best option is to wait until I'm established there and maybe next summer I won't be concerned about that 😝

Can you not get some cover up make up to put over them?

eletralambchop
TBH if it's a small leaf, many people probably wouldn't notice it. Have you any dresses or tops to try? What about linen short sleeved tops?

Dermablend will cover them completely in the meantime while you assess the etiquette of the office.

Have a chat with your manager, just ask them. They are either going to say yes or not, but you will never know unless you ask

Partner in a law firm with wrist and feet tattooed, the wrist tattoo is on show in certain outfits and I have never once had a client (non corporate law) comment.

I work in the legal sector, tattoos generally aren't approved of, that's why I got mine in a place that would never be visible . Just because more people are getting larger, more visible tattoos nowadays doesn't mean the legal profession has or ever will catch up. It prides itself on being traditional (old fashioned). Whoever said that if you get any hassle it would be discrimination is completely incorrect. You are only protected against discrimination if you have a protected characteristic under the Equality Act (sex, race, disability, religion, sexual orientation, age...). Having tattoos is a choice and is not a protected characteristic, you have zero legal protection under discrimination law. If you were to be dismissed because of your tattoos after two years (because that's the minimum service requirement to be able to claim unfair dismissal) you have a slim to low chance of success. Probably best to lie low for now but as you make more friends higher up the food chain and become well liked and indispensable see what those opinions are informally and follow their advice. Some firms are relaxed about this kind of thing but if you haven't seen any other tattoos on display I suspect your firm isn't. Don't listen to the posters who say you should be loud and proud about your tattoos, I understand their sentiment and I'm sure your tattoos are beautiful and deeply meaningful to you, but the sector you have chosen to work in is unlikely to embrace them in the same way and it's not worth taking the risk. Get a bloody good deodorant if you are having to wear sleeves in this weather though, being sacked for being smelly isn't discrimination either!!

Sorry I don't think it's acceptable.

They might not say anything and certainly wouldn't fire you but its unprofessional especially as you've only been there a few weeks!

See they certainly could fire her, generally anyone can be fired in the first two years of employment unless it's due to a recognised form of discrimination or a few other limited reasons not applicable to tattoos. They might choose not to fire her on the spot about the tattoos but they may subsequently be quick to find other 'faults' and dismiss. Of course they could be fine about the tattoos but it's unlikely in the legal sector