A Study on Tattooed Employees in the Fast Food Service Industry

Abstract

Studies on the effect of tattoos in employment are yet to be conducted in the Philippines. To address this issue, the researcher studied the perceptions of employers on tattoos and the challenges experienced by tattooed employees in the fast food service industry. Three Jollibee and Mang Inasal stores were chosen to be the study locale. Twelve respondents comprising of one manager and one service crew per selected Jollibee and Mang Inasal branch were interviewed by the researcher. Based on the data collected, tattoo visibility has the most effect in the job application process, the workplace experience of the tattooed employees, and the managers’ perception of the tattooed service crews. It was found that fast food chains prohibit visible tattoos at work. Nonetheless, the service crews did not experience any problems in job applications because all their tattoos are located in areas of their bodies that are hidden under clothing. It was also found that negative stereotypes on tattooed people still persist in the industry. Drug addict, ex-convict, street person, criminal, and maangas (arrogant) were the words commonly used by the managers to describe people with tattoos. Accordingly, some tattooed informants stated that they were perceived negatively by their coworkers because of their tattoos. Because of the negative connotations, the tattooed employees are discouraged from showing their tattoos at work to protect the image of the restaurants. Moreover, the restaurants do not want to give their customers the impression that the foods that they prepare are contaminated since there is also a belief that tattooed people have hepatitis. Nonetheless, customers are assured by the managers that none of their employees including those with tattoos have any infections because they all have undergone medical screenings.