Even if tattoos are now socially acceptable, problems can sometimes arise in job interviews or at work.
But what is actually allowed?
Tattoos have become an integral part of society: According to a survey, almost half of all 20 to 29 year olds in Germany have tattoos.
In some industries, however, this is more difficult to reconcile with the job than in others.
Officials and employees in the public sector in particular should be careful where and what motif they get tattooed.
Tattoos at work: What can the boss forbid?
Tattoos are not only part of the right to personal development, they are also a matter of taste.
It may well be that the superiors are not fans of visible body jewelry.
Only: Is there also a law that gives you the right to ban tattoos or piercings?
Everyone has the right to free development of their personality.
Article 2, Basic Law
The Basic Law says no.
First of all, tattoos are a private matter.
This also means that an employer cannot prohibit you from getting a tattoo or take any legal action, such as dismissal.
But: There are a few exceptions in certain industries.
Stricter rules in certain industries
For civil servants or people who work in the public sector, it's a bit more difficult.
In these areas, body jewelry is usually seen very critically - especially if it cannot be removed or covered at work.
Police officers and soldiers in the Bundeswehr, for example, are required to wear uniforms and are supposed to represent the state.
In a neutral way.
People in these jobs should subordinate their individuality to their profession.
A tattoo disturbs there and in the worst case even the trust in the competence is reduced.
With this body language, the job interview goes wrong
With this body language, the job interview goes wrong
This is backed by the law.
A judgment of the Federal Administrative Court says that it is legitimate to require that officers in uniform have no tattoos on the “visible part of the body” (BVerwG 2 C 13.19).
This means the head, neck, hands and forearms.
Important criteria are also the motifs themselves – visible or not.
You are usually not allowed to...
... be anti-constitutional.
… be extremist.
… be misogynist/degrading/discriminatory/glorify violence.
Piercing and tattoo in job interview
Wearing or showing body jewelry cannot be forbidden at this point in time.
After all, the applicant is not yet employed by the company.
However, you may be asked about it in the interview.
You can never know in advance whether the other person is a supporter or opponent of tattoos.
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The applicant should therefore answer a few questions in advance:
Could I forego the piercings/cover up the tattoos during working hours?
How important are tattoos/piercings to me, would I turn down the job for them?
How much am I willing to limit myself for this job?
Because even if the interview is only intended to ask about the applicant's qualifications and compatibility with the company: Visible tattoos could reduce the chances of being accepted.
Tattoos through the ages
Just 20 years ago, clearly visible tattoos would have been classified as a violation of the employment contract.
Today, in most cases, assessments have changed: tattoos have become something commonplace.
But even today there are still certain industries where tattoos are still seen very conservatively.
Especially in finance and banking or in law firms, the opinion is sometimes still expressed that customers could draw negative conclusions from visible tattoos.
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In most jobs, such as hairdressing, tattoos or piercings are no longer a problem.
© Cavan Images/Imago
In creative or artistic professions, however, body jewelry is not frowned upon.
Hairdressers, media designers, (graphic) designers and Co. are usually completely free when it comes to expressing themselves.
Tattoos at work: What can my boss tell me?
If there is a suspicion of a hygiene risk or damage to business, employers can demand that body jewelry be covered up or removed.
This also applies if the symbols are clearly misogynist or, for example, racist.
If the manager's instructions are ignored, the result can be a warning, warning or dismissal.
Anyone who also deliberately violates the company's guidelines and, for example, has a clearly visible tattoo done, must expect termination without notice.
Rubric list image: © Cavan Images/Imago