I have a new co-worker who is very shy and nice. the prob is that she has very poor hygiene?

Question

she smells very bad. How do i let her know she smells without her knowing its me or embarassing her into quiting. she is a terriffic worker and a very nice person

Answer 1

Find some body wash that smells really great (but not overpowering) -- something like Te Tao. Use it before going in to work. When you're around your co-worker, make a big deal of sniffing your arm (NOT armpit) and saying "Mmmm, I love this stuff." Offer her a sniff. Be enthusiastic and tell her how wonderful the stuff is, the perfect shower companion, and how you can get it at Floopnagel's Drug Store for only $4 a bottle. That way you aren't telling her she needs it, which would be rude, but rather how much you like it, which gets the message across without endangering her feelings.

Answer 2

Royal Blush is absolutely correct: This is definitely an issue for the HR Dept. If you do not feel comfortable making your comments to HR personally, an anonymous note (preferably typed) would be an excellent alternative.

Having said that; please be aware that there are some illnesses and even medications that could cause an odour problem for a person. It may not be a hygiene problem at all.

Answer 3

This is a very touchy subject, you might want to let you HR department handle it, that's what they are supposed to do in situations like this. If that dept. isn't aware of the problem I would make an anonymous report so that she doesn't directly blame you. They are better able to handle the situation with discretion and professionalism. I'd hate to be in your shoes, I hope it all works out for the best.

Answer 4

I don't think that you can do this without embarrassing her to some extent. However, I believe that a quiet, caring conversation will help.

I read about a website once where you could send care packages to coworkers that would help them with their hygiene in a tasteful way. Maybe a nice gift basket?

Answer 5

Definately let your supervisor know. Most companies have a hygiene policy. neat and trimmed fingernails, nice hairstyle, clean clothes, etc... so if your co-worker isn't abiding by company
policy then you should report it. It is a touchy situation and I would feel bad, but it isn't really fair to everyone else that works near her is it?

Answer 6

pull her aside and just be honest with her. i think that is the best way. i had a co-worker like that, and someone put a deodorant bottle on her desk. well that didn't make her happy. she cried all the way out the door, and never looked back. after a few weeks, i happened to run into her, and she told me why she never came back, and said that she would have accepted it much better, without quiting, if someone would have just came to her..personally.

Answer 7

Start getting on topics such as what kind of nail polish does she like, or in to Mary k or Avon, all women love this subject, or let her know when they are going to have good deals on makeup and perfume,maybe shell start to think more of her self, she may be depressed if she isn't on top of things, but give her time.

Answer 8

Continue to be kind to her and mention it to your supervisor if he/she hasn't noticed. Also, be sure to remind the supervisor that she is a great worker and a nice person. You don't want to get her fired.

Answer 9

Giver her a nice bath set with pretty wrapping as a gift. All women like that...stinky or not...lol

Answer 10

her poor hygiene have hope, but someone who is vulgar and rude is hard to change..

when you are around with her, try to impress her with your perfume and get her interested.. you should be the model for her..