Tattoos, Piercing And Cross-Dressing, Oh My

Tattoos were always associated with sailors, marines, and bikers. Not today. Over the past few decades, there has been real progress towards accepting tattoos and other body art in the workplace. At the same time, highly visible piercings and tattoos still have a negative connotation.

The same is not true with those who have gender orientation or gender identity issues. The workplace is still confused and conflicted over what it appropriate, how to handle it and hot to deal with the real employee relations issues caused by the topic.

Tattooed professionals often manage their own business and “tattooed” selves separately in professional settings, especially in customer-facing jobs and upon first impressions. Some people choose to always cover their tattoos while others show their tattoos after they have established themselves. The same is often true of piercings.

The right to self-expression is more problematic with gender orientation and gender identity issues. For many employees, the conversation and, ultimately, the decision, to change the visible parts of an individuals’ gender is compounded by religious beliefs, personal experiences and the media.

• At what point does the employee’s right to self-expression interfere with the employer’s right to set boundaries
• What would be an acceptable and legal dress policy
• What are the latest issues with gender orientation and identity
• What are the legal obligations of employers when it comes to those with gender identity issues

• HR Managers and Directors
• Small Business Owners and Managers
• Other Senior HR Staff
• Senior staff in Finance, Information Management or Facilities

Dr. Chartier is the Principal of HRinfo4u, a human resource consulting firm, and a well-known educator and speaker. As a consultant, he works with organizations to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their human resource function. He has worked extensively in designing, developing, and implementing human resource program, procedures, and systems for smaller and mid-size firms up and down the Hudson Valley.

Greg is a thought-provoking professional speaker, and his wisdom and insights into management and leadership make him an electrifying speaker and seminar leader. His seminars are customized to reinforce company mission, vision, values, and culture, and the content is practical for team leaders, managers, supervisors, and executives alike. Dr. Chartier has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, an MBA in Finance, and a Ph.D. in Human Resources. He is a National Member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and is certified by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and a Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR), as well as a Senior Certified Professional (SCP) by SHRM.

Greg served on the board of the local SHRM Chapter, the Westchester Human Resources Management Association (WHRMA), as the Treasurer for nine years. Also, Greg served on the Board of the Business Council of Westchester in a variety of capacities and continues his service as the Chair of the Human Resources Council. He also serves on the Board of the Child Care Council of Westchester. He works with the Continuing and Professional Education Program at Pace University and is a member of the faculty of the New York Medical College, where he teaches in the Masters’ in Public Health Program. He is the author of What Law Did You Break Today? A guide to the federal laws and regulations that employers must comply with.