Hiring policies not one-size-fits-all
22.05.12
Brian Smith wore a suit every day and was clean-shaven when he worked at a bank.
At Rebel Interactive, an Omaha agency that develops brands and Internet websites, Smith wears business-casual clothes and trims his lower-chin beard neatly. His earlobes have dime-sized holes held open by ear "stretchers."
"Why not have a little fun?" said Smith, who was one of about 160 people at a recent discussion on the ethics of hiring, sponsored by the Greater Omaha Business Ethics Alliance. Smith said his ear "gauges" fit his company's creative image and don't cause problems with customers.
At Jimmy John's restaurants, employees can't wear piercings or visible tattoos on duty because of corporate rules intended to create a workforce that appeals to as many customers as possible, said Dean Hodges, an Omaha Jimmy John's franchise holder.
From the discussion, at Gallup Inc.'s downtown campus, it was clear that hiring is not a simple process for the applicants or the decision makers. Hiring is such an important transition for both parties that the process raises questions about legal rights, freedom of expression, fairness, respect and moral values.
Source: Omaha World-Herald