Generations: The Real Differences Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents—and What They Mean for America's Future

by Jean M. Twenge

One example of individualism and younger workers’ power winning out is company policies around appearance. Until recently, employers such as Home Depot, UPS, and Disney required workers to cover up their tattoos and prohibited facial hair. But with tattoos and facial hair seen as a form of individual expression, especially among Millennials and Gen Z, those policies have been relaxed. UPS, for example, now allows beards and mustaches as long as they look “businesslike.” UPS executive Christopher Bartlett said the new policies “would create a more modern workplace for our employees that allows them to bring their authentic selves to work.” Disney had long outlawed tattoos among theme park workers (whom they call “cast members”). The company now allows tattoos to, as executive Josh D’Amaro wrote, “remain relevant in today’s workplace… [and] enable our cast members to better express their cultures and individuality at work.” Companies will increasingly find employees advocating to eliminate any policy that limits self-expression, especially self-expression through appearance.