Manufacturers hunting for workers are rewriting the rules on what “professional” looks like in today’s factories. A Manufacturing Management analysis points to growing acceptance of tattoos, piercings and personal style, while warning that safety and common sense still come first in industrial settings. Strict dress codes have nearly vanished in many workplaces as Gen Z and millennials bring new expectations to the shop floor. The article makes the case that flexible, clearly enforced policies can help manufacturing compete with retail, tech and logistics for talent without sacrificing discipline or performance. In Ohio’s tight labor market, workplace culture is becoming a recruiting tool for manufacturers competing for skilled labor. Employers that balance self-expression with safety and productivity may have an edge in attracting the next generation of skilled workers. 1/27/2026