Tattoos Losing Stigma in Mexican Labor Market: OCC

Refusing to hire a person based on physical appearance, including tattoos, constitutes an act of discrimination under Article 133 of Mexico’s Federal Labor Law. Despite this legal protection, perceptions around tattoos in the workplace continue to vary across job categories and organizational hierarchies, reports the OCC.

According to the 261st edition of OCC’s Termómetro Laboral (Labor Thermometer) survey, 68% of 3,838 respondents say that having tattoos does not influence job opportunities, 12% say that their impact depends on the type of position, and 11% believe that tattoos could affect a person’s professional image. A further 9% stated they had no opinion on the matter.

When analyzed by job level, the responses revealed important differences in perception. Among analysts and assistants, 72% said they see no connection between tattoos and job performance. In contrast, 13% of managerial-level respondents believed that tattoos could negatively influence how a professional is perceived. Operational staff showed the highest level of inclusivity, with 34% saying they have never encountered issues related to their tattoos. Still, some forms of subtle bias remain, as 8% of analysts and assistants reported having experienced uncomfortable looks or inappropriate comments in the workplace due to their tattoos.

The survey also explores whether workers had faced direct discrimination at work because of their tattoos. While 58% of participants say they did not have tattoos and therefore did not express an opinion, 30% of respondents with tattoos report having no problems related to their appearance, 7% say they had received uncomfortable stares or remarks, and 5% say they had experienced some form of labor discrimination. Of those, 4% chose not to take any action, while 1% filed a formal complaint.

These results suggest a gradual cultural shift within Mexican workplaces. While some biases persist, especially in managerial roles and depending on the nature of the position, the majority of workers now believe tattoos do not affect employment opportunities. This points to a slow but steady movement toward evaluating candidates based on skills and professional capabilities rather than appearance, contributing to more inclusive and diverse organizational environments.