As a manager/supervisor, how does one address a "scent" issue with an employee?

Question

So we have a new employee we hired recently. During this employee's interviews neither myself nor the owner of the company noticed an "odor." On their second day in the office, a few employees noticed an odor and on the third day EVERYONE noticed it. I will be honest - it was pretty bad.

Well, the next day towards the end of the workday, I brought the employee into my office and closed the door and mentioned that if they were wearing fragrance, there were a few people who found it to be too strong and we would have to request that it would be toned down. Things seemed to get better, but now it's gotten bad again.

There's a debate between the owners of the company and me as to whether it's from them not washing their clothes or if it's really, well, body odor. Today, I think I've decided it's the latter. So now the question - how does a manager/supervisor address this matter? And thoughtful (in both senses of the word) responses would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

have a private conversation, they may be ill.

http://www.e-hresources.com/Samples/sample23.htm

Answer 2

Well, whether it's clothes or body odor, it's disrupting the office, right?

I can see why this would be a difficult situation for you. Are you planning on firing the person? You probably already know how to do that.

If not, you should just talk to the person in private (in your office, or some other private location). Try to be as caring as possible. Here are some words that might help:

, I've been concerned about you because it seems like maybe you haven't been washing your clothes or yourself every day. It's important for everybody in the office to have a comfortable work environment, and I'm afraid that your smell might be distracting to your coworkers or our customers. From now on, I'd like you to shower every day before coming to work. Is there any way I can help you with this?

Consider the possiblity that there is something going wrong in the person's life that is associated with this problem. In my experience, poor personal hygiene is often connected with mental health issues like depression. It's also possible that the person got kicked out of where they were living and doesn't have access to a shower or something. Please be as caring as possible, and I wish you and your worker all success.

Answer 3

Wow, that's a tough one (you already knew that). The body odor issue becomes a problem if it's interfering with business. That means it has to be addressed, regardless of issues of sensitivity. Perhaps finding out more would help. For example, does the person work out before coming to work. This might cause a problem. If not and it's a personal issue, then you'll probably have to just address it in private. This person may not even be aware of it, but if it's that bad, they probably are. Address it by saying that you noticed the problem because the two of you work closely. Maybe even allude to the idea that you solved the same problem for someone in the past to put his or her mind at ease. If you mention it the person should be more aware, if not paranoid about it. If it's a medical condition, check out this site(www.health911.com/remedies/rem_bodyo.htm). Good luck!

Answer 4

It's a difficult one but if you speak to the person this concerns directly with out going around the houses you will only have to do it once. After all an improvement in a fresher work place is nice for every one as to wether it's his/her dirty clothes or simply not using deodorant or foot freshener when there are so many products available there is no excuse for personal hygiene to be neglected & of course the person may not be aware of his/her problem.So I would begin along the lines of can I have a word ...... come to my office etc.sit the person down & explain that members of staff have spoken to you about a body odour problem & it is causing upset & that you will be only too happy to help him/her choose an appropriate deodorant & in the mean time you may use this one to tide you over today.(producing small roll on or spray deodorant) You can mention if he/she has sensitive skin there are deodorants that are without alcohol & are very good.There you are I hope this helps you never know although intially the person may be embarressed or offended in the long run he/she will come to thank you.He/she will certainly be more popular smelling sweet.

Answer 5

Always remember to be as pleasent as possible to matter how much rank you have.Does this person have any cats or other animals @home this may cause an odor issue that the person may not know of. their living conditions may be unfavorable/ she could be homeless or live in a shelter. always take into consideration a number of things that could complicate the work place. Be a friend and then enforce company rules, in the same meeting reitterate that other co-workers are uncomfortable with a smell specifically from this person and see what the response may be. they may need help and are afraid to ask.

Answer 6

That happened at my mom's work and they fired her after the second time. You just have to tell her straight up,"Look I told you once you need to do something about your smell because it distracts others and creates a hostile enviroment. I'm doing this for your own good. I know you don't want to be ridiculed or fired so please do something." But then again there is a syndrom where people have high body odors and not know, I saw this on Medical mysteries with my mom, so it is a possibility that they can't help it.

Answer 7

You are going to have to be frank with the person. Ask him or her if he has a medical problem. Tell him that as a professional working in an office with others it is necessary to avoid offending others with body odors or other problems with hygiene. Give him a kit containing tooth paste,mouthwash, Safeguard soap, shampoo, Mitchum's deodorant and detergent. Tell him to wear clean clothes every day including underwear. Speak kindly and sincerely to him and shake his hand. You could also refer him to the company's doctor if you have one. You would not be out of bounds by doing this. Actually you would be doing the person a favor. And you need to tell him that he will be dismissed if he contunues to have poor hygiene.

Answer 8

I think I would bring them into the office, and remind them of professional dress code, professional appearance, and hygiene. These all go together. Tell them there have been a few complaints going around about body odor, and that you are reminding everyone of proper policy on hygiene and attire. Let them know they must bathe or shower before their shift. Unfortunately, for some people, it isn't common sense.

Answer 9

I think that you need to pull the employee in to your office and tell them that the odor problem has not been solved. Be kind but firm and direct. Make it clear that the employee must take steps to solve the problem. Quickly.

Answer 10

Being subtle about it didn't work, so be more direct to the point. I would speak with him again in private and tell him that his odor is bothersome and disturbing to people and you are concerned that this is affecting his work relationship with them.

Advise him to either take extra care with his hygiene or see his doctor to determine if he has a body problem.

He represents your company and if everyone sees his appearance as unruly, dirty, and smelly--well, you have to think twice about keeping him.

Answer 11

I say maybe print up a requirement sheet or something. Add that they shower, wash their clothes, etc. like "All employees are required to show up to work in good hygiene..." but also add little things like "show up on time..." or "no cell phone conversations during work". to kind of not pinpoint the problem. I guess that would be the nicest way without directly telling them they smell.