Grooming policy

While I can respect the opinions of everyone regarding this issue, there is really one underlying reason that must be kept in the back of your head and its probably the motivating reason why CP has a grooming policy in the first place. Whether they be stereotyped or not, FIRST IMPRESSIONS MEAN ALOT IN THIS WORLD!

Can you honestly say that you have never drawn conclusions about a person stictly based on initial appearance and before a single word was ever spoken? I would have a hard time believing you if you said you haven't done this at least once in your life regardless of how open minded you claim to be. This is something that most if not all people will do wether you think its right or not. And CP already knows this.

So when you encounter an employee at CP, chances are good that this will be the first time (and possibly only time) you will have crossed paths with this person. CP doesn't want their employee to be a bad reflection of the park.

So if you have a problem with the grooming policy, your choices are very simple: Don't accept the offer to work there or comply with the policy. I don't see what the point of the arguement is. Its just that simple. But I would also suggest that if you don't like the policy that you discuss the issue with the proper people at an appropriate time. But remember that ultimately the final decision rests with CP

These are the same kind of rules that as a society that we have to live with. You may not like them but again your options are very easy. Its the same reason why I can't show up to work in a professional office building dressed in shorts and a tank top. Its just that I choose to comply with the current dress code.
Jeff's avatar
The argument is "bigger picture" than Cedar Point. I think we all agree that CP does what it has to do.

Yes, we all make judgements on first impressions, but it doesn't make it right. I see it this way: You can accept the way things are and play along, or you can stand up and be a force for change.

In my office no one wears suits, and that's a step in the right direction. Does the clothing I wear have anything to do with my ability? No, and my company recognized that. I wore a tie to my interview, sure, but I also wore jeans and told them that was who I am.

So you can be apathetic toward society's rules, or you can question them. When I die I'll know that I didn't play the game by someone else's rules, and happier for it (and a big 401(K) to take care of things in the mean time).

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Jeff
Webmaster/Guide to The Point
"And he says 'I'm goin' crazy up there at the lake...'"
This debate can go on forever about appearence in the work place, but the topic on hand is the "Grooming policy" for Cedar Point.
Any Job you get is going to have a dress code. I think this topic can go on for ages. If anyone thinks there should be a change then voice your opinion to management because otherwise nothing is going to happen. I noticed from past years they wouldn't allow side burns. Obviously they do now above the earlobe.
Jake, you just made another point about sideburns. One time its not allowed and now its accepted. What happened, did the fashion police come in and drop this rule? The point I am making is that it amazes me that there are people that think something is completely unacceptable and then later on they say, ""Well , I guess thats not so bad"". Heck , when I was 14 I first got my ear pierced and people called me names I wont repeat. Those same people about 2 years later were wearing them. (I am also including adults!!). Bottom line, who decides whats normal, who decides what is appropriate? There is no concrete answer for this. Hey Jeff, glad you made the points that you did.
It's just human nature or something.
LuvRaptor's avatar

Good call MaxAirTime and Jeff!
First impressions unfortunitely do stick-and human nature is just like that. In other situations you find yourself looking beyond looks to meet the "person"-unfortunitely besides buckeling a seat belt-checking a harness-and checking your height a CP employee has little opportunity to let any patron "meet" the person.
It is NO surprise that with your employment agreement there is the grooming policy clear and in writing---for those of you who did a phone interview-it was definitely mentioned then about a STRICK grooming policy. I have nothing against tattoos either but do agree with Dan--
when you think about local small town carnivals and or fairs-what is the one thing you remember about the ride ops??? UGH!!!! Some NASTY people!

So as so many before me has wonderfully said
"If you cant abide by a grooming policy for the
short time you are a Cedar Point employee-
dont work there!"

ps- I personally think my tattoos are kinda cool
and definitely self expression!
(or CP obsession!!)





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Welcome back Raptor riders-how was your flight??
Jeff's avatar
You just can't read people. I would have never pegged Carrie for having a nose ring (though I think it's very cool)! :)

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Jeff
Webmaster/Guide to The Point
"And he says 'I'm goin' crazy up there at the lake...'"
Having to deal with a situation regarding the grooming policy in the very recent past, I can bring another twist to it. I am not opposed to anyone feeling the need to have a tattoo or a body piercing. Like we all agree, it is a form of personal expression and is appreciated and accepted these days. Then of course Grac touched the issue of food sanitation...which could be another issue all in itself. I won't even get into that one because it is just....well I just don't care to reiterate.

However, another issue that arises is that which stems from people not being made to follow the grooming guidelines. Everyone who comes into CP is told long before they arrive what guidelines they have to comform to...Every year I have gotten that grooming sheet as I am sure everyone else has. If we don't enforce the grooming that is required, then where does the leniency stop? If they can wear their earrings or not cover their tattoos, then they figure they can smoke behind their stand or ride in guest view, that they can be late to work and take extra long breaks, that they can just get away with whatever they please. This in turn makes you, the guests, upset that the service has gone down the toilet because the staff has become, well for lack of a better word...lazy!

I know you will say that this is not the issue...the issue is that the rules should be lenient (or "more with the times") to begin with. The bottom line is that it is hard enough to get a job done there in the first place, and some would be virtually impossible if everyone was trying to go off and do the same job in a different manner. It sounds silly that a little earring or a tattoo would have any bearing on this, but I can speak with a bit of experience. Working with around 200 people a year, I have learned that consistency is the key...we hire so many diverse people at CP...from minors to foreigners to college students. The diversity of the staff is something that sets us apart from any other type of employer. I have met many great people from all parts of the world. I have learned a lot about different cultures. I have gotten to know many people as individuals and I have been able to successfully work with a team and be able to see the fruits of my hard labor. I know many other people who have also been able to do this while their earring was on the dresser in their dorm or their tattoo was under a wrap.

I am not in any way trying to stereotype anyone...I know many people who have tongue rings and are extrememly hard workers. I am just saying that with such a large work force, consistency must be the norm, and I can say that I have had negative experiences with people who thought they were "holier than the grooming guidelines". It is a shame at this day in age that I have to make a statement like this, but some things are just better off unchanged...and this is one of those things.
A tad off topic but Disney recently lifted the ban on moustaches for male mployees. For more info on this go to the DIG ( http://members.aol.com/alweho/index.htm )
O.K. I started this topic and it just amazes me what was said on this post. To the people who said "If you dont like the policies than dont work at CP" All I am trying to say is I have no interest in working at CP but I will be visiting this year and If I see a person looking as some people would say as different I am not going to think otherwise about the park. Ignorance is a big picture and it has nothing to do with appearance.If you are clean and respectfull than that is what it is all about.
Again, its all about being "CLEAN AND HAVE RESPECT" I will say it again. "CLEAN AND HAVE RESPECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) Jeff, am I right?

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