Company encourages employee to show off her tattoos in official headshot and the internet's applauding

As younger employees are entering the workforce and redifining things like work-life balance among other norms, employers are either struggling to adapt or embracing change. Dress codes are pretty common at corporate workplaces and firms expect their employees to comply. However, some norms are outdated and don't really serve any purpose. An incident shared by Jessica Hanzie Leonard showed how her company is changing with time by accepting her tattoos in a professional photo. She mentioned that it has helped her feel a little more comfortable in her own skin, even in settings where tattoos are frowned upo. In a LinkedIn post, Leonard mentioned how it has helped her feel a little more comfortable in her own skin, even in settings where tattoos are frowned upon.

"I saw your new photo on LinkedIn showing your tattoos…I was a bit surprised. You're not going to use that as your bio photo in proposals, though, right?" a person once asked the managing director, according to her post. "Oh, wow! I mean, I don't have any tattoos. Given my role within the Firm, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to have any…to stand in front of our people with tattoos (laughs)…no one would take me seriously," another person pointed out. "These are just two examples of actual comments I've received, amongst others, in reaction to me being a business professional with ink," Leonard explained. "Ironically, most of the negative feedback I've received has been from female leaders, who I looked to as mentors."

Some time ago, Leonard was taking an updated professional photo for her new role as a partner at Evolution Capital Partners for the website. "I was cautious but asked our Managing Partner if he was comfortable with me getting a photo taken sans jacket for my personal use on LinkedIn, but that we'd use one with the jacket for our website," she recounted. "His response - 'Let's roll with the tattoos in both! Loud and proud!'"

The woman who had grown used to wearing long-sleeved clothes in summer and checking and fixing her sleeves at all times, was shocked at the partner's statement. "Very often, I simply felt that I needed to be careful about when I was being too freely me," she expressed. "But then sometimes, you come across those leaders who not only allow you to show up every day as you are, but they also expect it," Leonard further added. She pointed out how these people recognized that she would still be herself, professional and "a female leader who will most certainly be taken seriously." She concluded, "So a big thank you to those leaders - it's because of you that everyone can now find me on the Evolution website and out in the world, being more comfortable in my own skin." People in the comments applauded her firm for being accommodating.

Michael McCarthy wrote, "HR will probably have a problem with me stating this…but having tattoos probably gives you an advantage in my book if you are interviewing with me. If the work is done well - non-verbally, it says to me: you can handle pain, you are creative, you are proud of yourself, you are expressive and you are confident. I'm old - I'm covered. I started at 18 and lost count of the number of pieces I have on my body. I love sharing my stories through tattoos. I still get one every year on my sobriety anniversary and am looking forward to that 31st-anniversary tattoo very soon. As some have said previously, they might be the least interesting thing about me…but they are part of me…a chosen part of me - which I am always proud to display. Now, if it is a poorly executed piece or displays hate or ignorance…well, that's another story…"

Carson Tang shared, "Bravo for your decision! I recall a company that required a photo of its applicants as part of the process. That in itself speaks loud and clear that they were concerned not about your skill sets, dedication, or results but that that candidate fitted into what they 'believe' is their culture or look whether it was a 'Stepford wife' or a marching hammer from a scene from Pink Floyd's record 'The Wall' animation."