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<channel><title><![CDATA[Business Management Daily — FREE reports on business, management, leadership, career, communication, human resources, employment law, technology, sales and small business tax - Comments for article: What should I say to an employee with body odor?]]></title><link>http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com</link><description /><language>en-us</language><copyright><![CDATA[http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com]]></copyright><generator>N/A</generator><webMaster>ehall@nibm.net</webMaster><lastBuildDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:44:47 EST</lastBuildDate><ttl>20</ttl><item><title><![CDATA[Comment #1]]></title><link>http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/articles/19305/1/What-should-I-say-to-an-employee-with-body-odor/Page1.html#Comment2051</link><description><![CDATA[Interesting<br/><br/>
(Comment posted by Marsha at 2:43 pm, Tue 16th Jun 2009)]]></description><author>no@spam.com (Marsha)</author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:43:52 EDT]]></pubDate><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/articles/19305/1/What-should-I-say-to-an-employee-with-body-odor/Page1.html#Comment2051</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comment #2]]></title><link>http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/articles/19305/1/What-should-I-say-to-an-employee-with-body-odor/Page1.html#Comment2054</link><description><![CDATA[This can be a hard issue to tackle. There has to be some decorum on everyones part. First - if it is not causing any real harm to the others or impacting their work progress - then you need to weigh the necessity to even bring up the issue.  

We have an employee here that has allergic reactions to deoderant / anti-persp... to the point that when it is used, they break out in a massive rash. This person is alreay very self conscious about this issue - and has tried everything in the book - but the only relief available to them is just some baby-powder or cornstarch.  

We cannot isolate this individual because of a problem they are unable to change - that could create a nightmare legal issue. We can make sure that this persons work space is properly cooled. As far as the other employees, we can move individuals around if they are severly affected by the odor... but be careful with that too... it can easily get out of hand.

Unfortunately, no easy answer for that one.<br/><br/>
(Comment posted by Kristie Lee at 3:08 pm, Tue 16th Jun 2009)]]></description><author>no@spam.com (Kristie Lee)</author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:08:28 EDT]]></pubDate><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/articles/19305/1/What-should-I-say-to-an-employee-with-body-odor/Page1.html#Comment2054</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comment #3]]></title><link>http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/articles/19305/1/What-should-I-say-to-an-employee-with-body-odor/Page1.html#Comment2055</link><description><![CDATA[Joe Employee as your direct supervisor, it is my job to help you be as productive and effective as possible.  Well there is an issue that we need to discuss and get the situation fixed so you can be successful in your current job situation.  There appears to be a body odor situation in your life right now.  Are there any explanations for this.  Washing machine broken down?  Change of eating habits?  Medical?  Stress?  What can I do to help you?<br/><br/>
(Comment posted by John Weaver at 3:18 pm, Tue 16th Jun 2009)]]></description><author>no@spam.com (John Weaver)</author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:18:35 EDT]]></pubDate><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/articles/19305/1/What-should-I-say-to-an-employee-with-body-odor/Page1.html#Comment2055</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comment #4 (Reply to Comment #3)]]></title><link>http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/articles/19305/1/What-should-I-say-to-an-employee-with-body-odor/Page1.html#Comment2060</link><description><![CDATA[I'd be careful...if you ask for a reason and there is a medical cause you could trigger an ADA lawsuit...I'd personally avoid asking for an explaination or reason.<br/><br/>
(Comment posted by Erika at 10:28 am, Wed 17th Jun 2009)]]></description><author>no@spam.com (Erika)</author><pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:28:33 EDT]]></pubDate><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/articles/19305/1/What-should-I-say-to-an-employee-with-body-odor/Page1.html#Comment2060</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comment #5]]></title><link>http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/articles/19305/1/What-should-I-say-to-an-employee-with-body-odor/Page1.html#Comment2058</link><description><![CDATA[Personally, I believe that THE most important consideration is "how" you handle the situation and, in particular, how you speak to them during the talk that you definitely should have with the person.
Most importantly, be certain that this chat is held in absolute privacy ... it could prove to be tremendously embarrassing to the person if others overheard the discussion. Refer to the situation as a "personal hygiene"  concern rather than body odor, which carries a definite negative connotation.
Surveys conducted overwhelmingly indicate that if a person has body odor or bad breath, that person wants to be told about it. They want to hear it from a friend rather than an acquaintance or a fellow office worker or a boss, if at all possible, so the key is for the friend to talk to the person privately, perhaps starting by saying if the roles were reversed he/she would hope the person would say something to them. Keep things positive, and remember that this will most likely come as a surprise to the individual—they will most likely be sensitive about the topic, though hopefully thankful that you've brought it to their attention. 
Keep in mind that there may be a medical condition, or a medication taken for a medical problem, that is causing the odor. Whatever the cause of the odor problem, you have to address it and be as straightforward, considerate and non-threatening as possible ... be sure to approach the talk with tact and discretion. Talk to this person the way you would want someone to speak to you if you were the one with the personal hygiene concern.<br/><br/>
(Comment posted by Lillian at 6:00 pm, Tue 16th Jun 2009)]]></description><author>no@spam.com (Lillian)</author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:00:49 EDT]]></pubDate><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/articles/19305/1/What-should-I-say-to-an-employee-with-body-odor/Page1.html#Comment2058</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comment #6]]></title><link>http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/articles/19305/1/What-should-I-say-to-an-employee-with-body-odor/Page1.html#Comment2114</link><description><![CDATA[Been there, done that. It's one of the most difficult things to do. Make them part of the solution. "We've had some complaints about an unpleasant ordor coming from your general work area. Could you help us out and find out what it is? Maybe you left something in your desk, or there's something on the bottom of your shoe. Could you check it out and get back to me?" If they still don't get it, try giving the a personal hygiene set.<br/><br/>
(Comment posted by Mary at 4:12 pm, Tue 23rd Jun 2009)]]></description><author>no@spam.com (Mary)</author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:12:20 EDT]]></pubDate><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/articles/19305/1/What-should-I-say-to-an-employee-with-body-odor/Page1.html#Comment2114</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comment #7]]></title><link>http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/articles/19305/1/What-should-I-say-to-an-employee-with-body-odor/Page1.html#Comment2116</link><description><![CDATA[We recently experienced this situation, not because of the warm weather, but due to an incontinence issue that was ignored and not handled properly.  Lillian is very right, the 'how' and addressing the issue as delicately as possible is just as important as addressing it so that other co-workers and productivity don't suffer.  Being direct and giving specific examples while respecting the person's dignity is the key to getting the issue recognized, acknowledged and corrected by the employee.  If the employee does not accept responsibility that a problem exists and/or does not offer a reason for the issue, repeat the example(s) and indicate that others have noticed the lack of hygiene/hygiene issue and the situation needs to be corrected immediately.  It is good to follow the conversation with an email that the employee can acknowledge receipt of.  If the situation does not correct itself, then it must proceed through your company's disciplinary process and having an acknowledgement of a conversation will help with initiating the process if necessary.  Again, I agree to refer to the situation as a hygiene concern and not body order.  Good luck.<br/><br/>
(Comment posted by Veronica at 4:17 pm, Tue 23rd Jun 2009)]]></description><author>no@spam.com (Veronica)</author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:17:22 EDT]]></pubDate><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/articles/19305/1/What-should-I-say-to-an-employee-with-body-odor/Page1.html#Comment2116</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comment #8]]></title><link>http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/articles/19305/1/What-should-I-say-to-an-employee-with-body-odor/Page1.html#Comment2120</link><description><![CDATA[Come on guys, all of you have got to be kidding.  Being from the south and also being a "lady", I try to treat all  of my employees with respect and honor.  99% of them are men and they sweat.  If I have one that is not taking care with his dedordorant and bathing habits and some complain then I call the culprit  to my office and hand him one of my care packs.  It is a plain bag & small and varies  in colors and shapes so no one ever knows what I am giving away.  (I give various little gifts and things from benefits providers and  conferences I attend all the time).   My care package includes anti-persp. - deordorant - soap - washcloth and a note.  The note tells them that some of their teammates are concerned with his body odor and wanted to know  if his health was okay or was anything wrong at home and if he needed help.  If so and if there was anything they could do to help, to please let H/R know so "his" other family could assist.  So far, this has worked like a putting lotion on a baby.<br/><br/>
(Comment posted by Betty at 11:13 am, Wed 24th Jun 2009)]]></description><author>no@spam.com (Betty)</author><pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:13:19 EDT]]></pubDate><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/articles/19305/1/What-should-I-say-to-an-employee-with-body-odor/Page1.html#Comment2120</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comment #9 (Reply to Comment #8)]]></title><link>http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/articles/19305/1/What-should-I-say-to-an-employee-with-body-odor/Page1.html#Comment2166</link><description><![CDATA[I've never heard of this approach, yet, I must say that I like it. Why? It delicately yet directly places ownership with the employee while letting him/her know that his office "family" cares and wants things "normal" again. And to your point, we are speaking of adults hygeine versus that of a mid- or high-schooler, which would likely take a more "help me understand" approach.<br/><br/>
(Comment posted by JWG at 10:40 am, Mon 29th Jun 2009)]]></description><author>no@spam.com (JWG)</author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:40:17 EDT]]></pubDate><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/articles/19305/1/What-should-I-say-to-an-employee-with-body-odor/Page1.html#Comment2166</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comment #10]]></title><link>http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/articles/19305/1/What-should-I-say-to-an-employee-with-body-odor/Page1.html#Comment2772</link><description><![CDATA[When I had an employee with this issue, I was directed by HR to tell him that people had complained of his body and mouth odor. I was to say no more. 

The result was a new (but unfortunately temporary) personal hygiene routine, which he demonstrated in the men’s room each day, brushing his teeth and applying cologne. This was great for the odor problems, but after 2 weeks, he slipped back into not doing anything and the odor problem returned. 

When I asked HR about it again, and asked if I could offer helpful tips/suggestions, they said I could not. I love Betty’s packages, it’s dignified and discreet.<br/><br/>
(Comment posted by Kay at 4:05 pm, Thu 3rd Sep 2009)]]></description><author>no@spam.com (Kay)</author><pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:05:03 EDT]]></pubDate><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/articles/19305/1/What-should-I-say-to-an-employee-with-body-odor/Page1.html#Comment2772</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comment #11]]></title><link>http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/articles/19305/1/What-should-I-say-to-an-employee-with-body-odor/Page1.html#Comment2914</link><description><![CDATA[Okay Guys, Well today is "the" day. I have an emplooyee that has a major body odor. You can smell him throughout the office. This has been going on since May, it's now September. This is not attributed to a medical condition. He is going through a divorce and does not take care of himself as he once did. This morning I had two employees come in a complain. So I must speak with him. Wish me luck!<br/><br/>
(Comment posted by Ronita at 9:19 am, Fri 18th Sep 2009)]]></description><author>no@spam.com (Ronita)</author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:19:31 EDT]]></pubDate><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/articles/19305/1/What-should-I-say-to-an-employee-with-body-odor/Page1.html#Comment2914</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comment #12 (Reply to Comment #11)]]></title><link>http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/articles/19305/1/What-should-I-say-to-an-employee-with-body-odor/Page1.html#Comment2915</link><description><![CDATA[Ouch! Good luck, and let us know how it turns out.<br/><br/>
(Comment posted by John at 10:33 am, Fri 18th Sep 2009)]]></description><author>no@spam.com (John)</author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:33:31 EDT]]></pubDate><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/articles/19305/1/What-should-I-say-to-an-employee-with-body-odor/Page1.html#Comment2915</guid></item></channel></rss>