War and pierce: setting policies on facial jewelry and body art.


Not long ago, the only body part people pierced was the ear lobe. Obviously, times have changed. Today, an increasing number of people are piercing their noses, eyebrows, lips and even tongues. Along the same lines, more and more people are getting tattoos - and on prominent places on their bodies.
Like it or not, adornment is making way into the mainstreams. How far can you go as an employer in setting policies on this type of accessorizing?

"A company does not have the right to tell a person they can't pierce their body," says Sherry Smith, president of Workforce Compliance Service, a human resources consulting firm in Midwest City, Oklahoma. "A company does have the right, however, to establish a dress code for workers on the job."

Dress codes may be based on image requirements or safety issues. For safety reasons, a manufacturing facility may restrict the type of jewelry that can be worn on the production floor. A financial services firm may prefer that employees project a conservative, professional image to clients. And as long as your dress code is not discriminatory, you have the right to establish the policies you prefer... You can read more.