I have asked this question before, but not gotten a great answer. I have a co-worker who has really poor hygeine (she smells bad and her uniform is wrinkled and dirty). I know her home situation is not great. She may not even have the facilities to bathe or do laundry regularly. She works with the public, so it is important she look presentable and smell good. She is also a very kind, naive woman. She is 34 years old, has an 8 year old son, and still lives with her parents. I want to discuss these issues with her and help her improve. How can I talk to her about it w/o crushing her?
2006-09-12 18:53:15 · 8 answers · asked by Carole 5 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
If she doesn't have the facilities to bathe or do laundry regularly, then your only option is to offer them to her.
It would be cruel of you to suggest she do something knowing that she has no way to correct the problem.
2006-09-13 06:12:45 · answer #1 · answered by BoomChikkaBoom 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Icebreaker is usually the "I heard someone say something about...and try to stay on her side. I think everyone has had one person whether in school or @ the workplace with that problem. You mentioned that she works with the public.
Say she's a waitress...It would not be rude if you were to say "I heard a few customers as they leaving mention something about waitresses and hygene but I didn't catch what exactly they were talking about." "Wow that sounds so rude but I know in this job it's important about the hygene and all. I wonder what started that?" Maybe joke, "I did get a new lotion (or whatever) I wonder if people will notice?" Maybe try some and ask if she likes it. Let it go for a couple days. She might start thinking. Then later on you might notice if she's wearing what you gave her. When you're hurting on money you think cents not scents...
I hope someone can give you more ideas but my wife actually said something similar. She sympathizes.
Good luck
2006-09-13 02:16:17 · answer #2 · answered by vikingsonsltw 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
invite her out to lunch or supper depending on your schedule and politely tell her you are concerned because some of the other employees have noticed her lack of hygiene and you are worried someone will tell the boss to get her fired. If she still lives with her parents and doesn't keep herself clean I fear it is a total lack of concern. Some people are brought up that way. If my kid was grown up and was that messy living in my house I would tell him to clean up and get out.
I wish you luck with this. You will have the best results if you appear to be helping her but I fear it isn't going to get better and you can't force a 34 year old woman to change, she has to want to change.
2006-09-13 02:20:38 · answer #3 · answered by WILD ONE 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might take her aside and tell her that you have become aware that others are wondering why (and then state the things you mentioned above). Tell her you really hated to discuss these things with her but you were afraid it would come to the manager's attention soon and her job could be in jeopardy. Maybe she will take the hint. I see no other way to approach this problem.
2006-09-13 01:58:35 · answer #4 · answered by phoenixheat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey, it's not a really nice thing to work in such a enviroment.
but i agree with pheonixhe.
So just be honest and frank but in the best polite way possible.
good luck
2006-09-13 02:05:32 · answer #5 · answered by Unique 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why do you bother so much..?
Get the HR to do the job and get the proper orientation on dressing for work..
2006-09-13 01:57:04 · answer #6 · answered by Sheepish TinTin 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you were in her shoes, how would you like to be approached? And if you were approached on such issues, how would you react?
2006-09-13 03:45:51 · answer #7 · answered by Guppy Fish 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Invite her to your place. Offer her all you have.
2006-09-13 02:03:10 · answer #8 · answered by sean1201 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋