So this isn't the first time I've worked at Starbucks but my SM is about the most anal manager I've ever had the pleasure of working with! I've had so many customers tell me they would rather or want to see my tattoos bc they are colorful and part of me and they are my own art work than see the bandaids I have to wear or the long sleeves and long slacks I have to wear in 100 degree weather! Has anybody ever gotten an answer to why when even the most highly regarded jobs can have employees with tattoos but Starbucks wants people to cover and hide them?!? I'm just curious if there was enough signatures or complaints do u think it would change or we could change the policy bc it would be worth it for me to wear my art proud and not dread to have to go to work bc I know I'm gonna have to go thru the ritual of covering and dressing like it cold out during the summer! Let me know peeps and if I did create this and left my address how many people would actually send me signatures from their stores to petition the showing of tattoos. I think the partners need to ban together on this one and fight that policy!!
Just a Lil on tattoos!!
(15 posts) (12 voices)-
Posted 11 months ago #
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Tattoos can be tacky. They may even offend customers. Corporate doesn't want to see its employees decked out in tattoos. A seedy coffee shop is the last place you want to get a latte with your family.
This is coming from a guy who wants tattoos of his own.
Posted 11 months ago # -
I don't get it either!? I remember years and years ago going into Starbucks and partners would have tatts peircings and colored Mohawks?!!! Now there are many policies! We all have to be the same! Like robots!!! Lol I'm for not having to cover inoffensive tattoos! I get the whole professional business thing, but we're just making coffee!!! Lol
Posted 11 months ago # -
It has already been reviewed and denied in 2009. Check out this page. Every other post on MyStarbucksIdea after that one is pretty much redirected to it. If you do not agree with it, I recommend finding another cafe that works for you.
Repost:
"Company leadership recognizes that cultural norms vary, and that unique forms of personal expression will continue to be a part of the fabric of our global company. We will continue to listen to partners and learn from our experience. At this point in time, however, we are not changing the dress code to include tattoos, piercings or hair color. All visible tattoos and piercings will continue to be covered during shifts.
This is not an easy decision, but we are going to continue to enforce a global policy to promote consistency, rather than create a new case-by-case approach at the store level. We will periodically review this decision and we’ll continue to listen and fine-tune our policies as the environment warrants.
Thank you for your support.
Kind regards,
Cliff Burrows, president Starbucks Coffee U.S.
Colin Moore, president Starbucks Coffee Canada"Posted 11 months ago # -
It's a liability thing. I have them on my arms so I feel you on the long sleeves (i just bring a sweatshirt since its always freezing in my store) but say you have a beautiful piece of art on your leg or something and you flaunt it to the world but the guy your working with has "your moms a hoe" on his arm after a drunkin night in Vegas got the better of him. Your SM tells him he has to cover it but doesn't tell you to cover your carefully thought out and designed piece of magic. He could sue Starbucks. And it's generally that way with every company who forbids tattoos. The law protects companies who want to set a dress code so fighting it is pretty much a lost cause :/
Posted 11 months ago # -
The tattoos I have right now can be covered by a t-shirt. The only thing keeping me from getting more tattoos is this job, because I have a sinking feeling I'll be sticking around for a while. Grrrr.
Posted 11 months ago # -
I've been to other starbucks fairly recently and saw tattoos on the barista. Some of my own coworkers have them but they're barely noticeable. I'm sure there are some more lenient managers out there.
Posted 11 months ago # -
Yeah, my SM is pretty chill. My store doesn't so much have tattoos that are visible, but TWO baristas have ear gauges, and my sm is cool with that.
Posted 11 months ago # -
OrangeBlossom I thought you were quitting?
Posted 11 months ago # -
My managers each have a bunch of tattoos between them so they don't care so much even though they're constantly reminding me to take my nose ring out. My tattoos are on my forearms and wrist so unless you're looking for tattoos or im handing cash to you with my palms up you can't see them which is why I think I'm getting away with having them visible when I have my sweater off.
Posted 11 months ago # -
The only part of 'no tattoos' that I don't agree with [as a partner with two full sleeves, one leg, and her feet done] is the fact that they don't offer a long sleeved shirt on the Starbucks coffeegear website. There is a cardigan I will be picking up in a few days off the site, but no long sleeved shirt. I suppose I'll be wearing my refresher shirt over a cardigan next week.
Posted 11 months ago # -
@Orangeblossom, my manager gives me HELL over my gauges. I was hired a few months ago, they were there upon hire, and now she's flipping out daily telling me I need 'less visible earrings'.
Umm. Okay. Because that's possible. She also said I can't go any bigger while working with the company. That I understand.
Posted 11 months ago # -
@coffeemate you don't have any long sleeved black or white shirts? or dress shirts?
Posted 11 months ago # -
I have a lowercase phi on the inside of my wrist. Most people don't notice it and the ones that do are just curious as to what it is and why I have it. I'm not entirely sure my SM has even noticed that it's there. Either way, I've never gotten crap about it.
Posted 11 months ago # -
My only "public" tattoos are on my wrists and they are both about 2 inches wide. So either wristbands, large bandaids or adhesive tape did the trick. Bandaids were the best for me b/c they'd stay on and not get soaking wet when washing dishes -- but it always sparked a conversation. Somehow customers thought it was okay to ask me if I slit/cut my wrists -- a little personal don't you think?!
Posted 11 months ago #
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