It is known that many professional employers and workplaces discourage tattoos. Many places require they are covered up, or even nonexistent for their employees. Along with tattoos, other forms of self-expression like piercings, hair, nail design and more are limited to keep a company’s image. This image is constructed by the work produced and the faculty behind it.

But if a company’s image is partly based on its employees, shouldn’t they support and encourage employees to be themselves?

It is understandable for rules to be in place, especially relating to vulgar, crude, oddly placed or other inappropriate tattoos. Some regulations make sense and should be determined by each company. But even so, what harm does an appropriate tattoo do to a company’s reputation or output?

Also, it seems like most companies nowadays are promoting a need and want for diversity in their staff. Indirectly, this includes embracing how those employees express themselves.

And it is more than tattoos. This topic spreads to other forms of expression: clothing, hair, makeup, etc. Expression is diversity. Sure, some limits may be necessary, but in the long run, shouldn’t companies be interested in the individuality of their workers?

In fact, allowing for personal expression leads to more productive and passionate workers. Those who are happy and comfortable in their environment will be more invested in the company, both in the short-term for completing projects but also long-term in regard to career length.

In a piece for Quartz, Anastasia Alt, founder and CEO of Pathspark, writes, “I connect more often and more authentically with everyone I meet, personally and professionally, and I’ve discovered a personal edge in greater confidence that comes from expressing my authentic self.” Alt is known around her work for artistic—and often festive—manicures. She adds that this expression allows her to be more creative and innovative, leading to better content produced at work.

Maybe it’s naiveté. I’m inexperienced. I am still a student and have only begun to step into the ocean of internships and longtime careers. I just might not understand the influence a tattoo or other form of expression can have on a company’s impression.

Or maybe it’s my Gen Z influence. Acceptance and expressing one’s identity and personality are a staple of today’s teenagers and young adults. It seems natural to me that we present ourselves in the truest way possible.

If we are the ones who will be making up the future workforce, that workforce should reflect its population. This includes tattoos, piercings and styled hair, as well as gender, religion, political inclinations and sexual orientation.

I understand businesses may want a “professional” look, but it is time to re-define that term and allow for young, passionate and energetic workers to shape their company.

Maddie Peters can be reached at pete9542@stthomas.edu.