Employer permission for tattoos: 5 important facts

Do you need your employer's permission for a tattoo?

Getting a tattoo is a personal decision, but can it affect your job? Many people wonder if they need permission from their employer before getting a tattoo. In this blog post, we delve deeper into this topic and answer frequently asked questions.

Employers and tattoos: the rules

In the Netherlands, there are no specific laws that require an employer to give permission for getting a tattoo. However, employers do have the right to set certain dress codes and grooming standards, as long as these are reasonable and relevant to the job. This can mean that visible tattoos are not allowed in some professions.

It is advisable to check your employer’s policy regarding tattoos before getting one. This can usually be found in the company regulations or the employee handbook. If there is no clear policy, it is wise to discuss this with your supervisor or HR department.

Professions where tattoos can be sensitive

In certain professions, having visible tattoos can be more sensitive than in others. Think, for example, of roles with a lot of customer contact, such as in sales, hospitality, or healthcare. Also, in professions where a professional appearance is important, such as at a bank or a law firm, tattoos may be seen as less appropriate.

This does not mean you cannot have a tattoo in these professions, but it is wise to think in advance about the placement and visibility of it. A tattoo that can easily be covered with clothing is often a safer choice.

Practical examples and consequences

An example of how employers can handle tattoos is the story of Tom. He worked as a salesperson in a clothing store and got a noticeable tattoo on his forearm. His employer felt this did not fit the company’s image and asked Tom to cover the tattoo during working hours with a long-sleeved shirt.

In another case, Laura got a tattoo on her neck without consulting her employer. Her boss was not pleased and gave Laura an official warning. From then on, she had to wear her hair so that the tattoo was not visible during work.

Tips for getting a tattoo while working

• Check your employer’s policy regarding tattoos before getting one
• If in doubt, discuss it with your supervisor or HR department
• Think carefully about the placement and visibility of your tattoo
• Choose a spot that can easily be covered with clothing if needed for your job
• Be aware that visible tattoos can affect your career opportunities in certain industries

If you are unsure whether a permanent tattoo is a good idea considering your job, you might first consider experimenting with a temporary tattoo. This way, you can see how your environment reacts and decide if a real tattoo in that spot is wise. Websites like tattforaweek offer a wide selection of temporary tattoos for every style.

Conclusion: communication is key

Whether you need your employer’s permission to get a tattoo depends on your specific work situation and your company’s policy. Although there are no laws in the Netherlands regulating this, employers can set requirements regarding the appearance of their staff.

The key to avoiding problems is good communication. Discuss your tattoo wishes with your employer if you have doubts, and think carefully about the placement and impact of your tattoo on your work. With mutual understanding and respect, more is often possible than you think.

Do you want a tattoo but are unsure if your employer allows it? Then first order a temporary tattoo from tattforaweek and discover how you and your environment react, without immediately making a permanent choice.