A recent survey by Robert Half company, Accountemps, found managers are more open to accepting tattoos and non-traditional hair colors in the office. One-third of managers said non-traditional piercings and the use of emojis in work communication are more acceptable.
M & M Advisory CEO Mark P. Mitchell said Baby Boomers and Gen Xers should be more patient and understanding and try to get to know the person who is expressing themselves openly.
He says the work force is absolutely changing.
"As the labor market gets tighter, three and four percent unemployment, employers are definitely looking further into the labor force to find the right skills and talents and that manifests itself in many different ways," said Mitchell.
He advised employees to know the work environment you're entering into and try to match what the work entails day to day.
"Be smart, know your audience. Dress to impress and just make sure that you know the impression that you're making and people will make judgments if you are a bit more expressive than the norm," said Mitchell.
He said employers should never judge a book by its cover, although everyone has implicit bias. What's more important is what an employee brings to the table, like experience and knowledge.
However, more than half or about half of those polled said using foul language, bringing pets to work or political decor at your desk still remain unacceptable.