Question: “My co-worker obviously doesn’t shower before he comes to work. There are days that he doesn’t smell terrible, but not pleasant either. Others in the office have noticed, too, but no one will say anything. I like him, and I want to tell him, but I don’t know how. If I had body odor, I’d want to know. Any suggestions — Brenda
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{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I totally agree with all of you but still I think you should buy a basket with soap, shampoo, and other stuff with a Birthday Card or secret admirer card.
Place the basket on his desk when no one is around and calm nothing because you know nothing.
I wrote an article on my blog called Smell and Tell. http://secretaryhelpline.blogspot.com/2008/01/smell-and-tell.html
I have run into this problem a few times, but thankfully not that often.
My brother was told he had b.o. at one job he worked at. He was doing janitorial work and worked hard, but the women in the office were offended by his smell when he came into the office (understandably), and someone finally told him. He asked me what he should do about it and I was able to recommend some good deodorant and hygiene tips. One thing to note, he did not notice that he smelled bad. So you should give the person the benefit of the doubt that they would do something about it if they knew, so always best to tell them in a kind and gentle way.
We don’t really have an HR Dept. There are only 16 of us that work here. I don’t belive it is a medical problem he’s just one of those people who showers in the evenings not in the mornings so he has that just crawled out of bed smell. Probably a combination of sweat and unclean sheets or something. Not horrible just not good either. He is my friend and I don’t want people talking about him. I may just say something when I feel the moment is right in private.
Please DO NOT leave the bag of goodies on the desk. That is like sending a complaint letter without signing it, it should not be considered at all and is cowardly. It would not be a thoughtful thing to do. Go through HR for sure!
Many things could cause body odor from medical to poor hygiene. Has this person always had an odor problem or is this something recent? Don’t assume anything. Go to your supervisor or HR and explain the problem. When you do speak to your supervisor or HR make sure you let them know if this is something recent or its always been this way but now worse, etc.
Absolutely agreed that this needs to go through HR! Extreme comparison, but would you tell a co-worker “You know Sue, I understand that there is probably a medical reason for wearing it, but everyone is saying that your bright pink leg brace really clashes with the green walls in the office.”
I’d recommend you let your supervisor know, take it up with HR or if you feel that compelled and your close to him do it privately, gently and let him know. You could also leave a note on his desk with a bag of deo, lotion, sample cologne and mouthwash, toothpaste and he may get the hint.
Fellow Admin Asst is absolutely correct. Do not say anything to this person. Bring it to your immediate supervisor to handle. It needs to be addressed but not by you! Let HR do what HR is responsible to do.
This is a very sensitive matter and the last person is right, it could be a medical issue. Usually when you have an odor, you normally know. It may be wise to check with your HR and legal department first. Here is a URL to get tips on this type of situation.
http://www.legalworkplace.com/employees-poor-hygiene-elt.aspx
Good luck with this!
You don’t have the authority to approach this and could get in trouble. Believe it or not it is an HR issue. All of you that have noticed need to speak to HR and they need to approach him privately. It all falls under the dress code and things are usually mentioned about hygeine too.
There are also medical problems that could cause body odor so you may want to approach him on that angle. Take him aside and say something like “John, you might be aware but you might not but body odor could be a sign of a deeper medical problem and lately you have a really offensive odor that you may want to get checked out so as not to have everyone talk about you” Then you could go on to say that until they figure it out he may want to keep it under control by using extra deordorant etc.