When it comes to choosing to grow out and maintain a beard you'd assume this would be your choice, and your choice alone. But sadly beards are still often frowned upon when it comes to the workplace. More career paths have become much more accepting of our choices to sport a furry face, whereas others are still very much against them, and request we remain 'clean shaven' within our roles. It seems the world as a whole have rather warmed to our hairy face forests, but that doesn't mean the workplace has to abide to them either. Although a recent study I discovered highlights that it isn't only beards that get a bad wrap for themselves within the workplace, in fact there's some other hot contenders in the mixer...
Piercings ranked the highest discouraged choice within the work, with a whopping 81% of those asked voicing their disapproval of them. Visible tattoos also got a mention, as did unnatural hair dye colouring and certain hair styles too. It seems anything outside of ''the norm'' raises concerns with many employers, with some even admitting they wouldn't employ somebody based on such grounds.
So, what is it that puts people off so? Is it the unknown? Or is it personal preferences? Whatever it may be self expression is important to each and every one of us, and should be supported not shunned in my honest opinion. Yes, I understand why beards may be frowned upon in certain career paths, but not for all. For example, an earlier blog post of ours discussed in detail how courier giants, UPS refused a temporary Christmas position to a gentleman solely based on the fact he refused to shave his beard off for employment. To me this screams discrimination at it's ugliest. Hand selecting your workforce based on if he or she chooses to fit into a preconceived image feels morally wrong to me, and I have a funny feeling I might no be alone in my thoughts when saying so.
Whatever I think, I would love to have your thoughts on the matter. Do you agree that a certain image should be respectfully upheld within work? Or do you feel freedom of expression should be respected in all elements of life, including your place of work? Let us know how you feel in the comments section you'll find provided below.
And until next time, Beard on Brothers, Beard on...
