What's the best way to let a co worker know they've got a body odor problem?

Question

Rational, Hilarious and Personal Experiences Welcomed!

Answer 1

Actually I was working as a strip club DJ and one of the dancers reeked of certain odors.... I boldly made a sniffing sound and said "mmmmm, something smells ripe!" It didn't keep her from stinking, but it kept her from coming into the DJ booth and making me nauseous.

Answer 2

This is a hard one, I had to do this one time with a co worker, it depends on what is causing the odor, sometimes it can be something medical that is causing the odor....if it is plain BO sweat, or lack of bathing, let them know in a nice way that they need to bathe or need deodorant or what ever, alot of times people aren't even aware that they have a odor....if you want to be nice about it just take them aside and tell them that you don't want to hurt their feelings but they have a BO problem that needs to be taken care of before other people start talking about it. In the long run they should appreciate your efforts. If it is a female buy them a gift basket from Bath and Body Works! With a note of course that says I don't mean to offend you but I think you may want to try some of these products! If it is a guy that you know and joke with or has a good personality buy him some aftershave and a bar of soap and some deodorant, toothpaste and say hey buddy thought I'd help you out, you need to use these products daily! You are starting to smell like a gym bag!
If it is a woman you will have to be a little more delicate on how you handle it as it is a more emotional thing with them.

Answer 3

That's a challenging question. I would say that you become their friend first, so that they won't feel embarrassed or like really really like a loser when you tell them. You can't like leave them deodorant on their desk or anything like that. You also have to remember that certain people groups and people from other certain countries do not do the frequent bathing that Americans do. So, in any case, become their friend. Invite them over for dinner just to talk. Find some good things about their work that where you can say that they are amazing at and that you really appreciate. You can use a word picture. Like okay - when I think of you it's like a golfer learning the strokes. You're only missing one and that one would improve your score in some really amazing ways. Would you like to know what I'm referring to?
Well, I've noticed a certain smell about you and I'm not sure what the source of it is but I wanted to really encourage you to try to make some personal hygeine changes that will really help you improve your relationships on the job and your life all around. See what they say - then you might be able to say - would you like some ideas? This would be the least embarassing kindest way I could think of. Always make sure that they know you're open to suggestions that will help improve your performance on the job as well. Ask them for tips also. That way - you're not putting yourself up high way ahead of them like they must be the biggest loser ever.

Answer 4

OH that's a horrible one to address .... I've managed people for 20 years and have had to address this before.

Are you the person's supervisor? If so, you probably have to sit them down and explain that you've received some complaints and would like the individual to improve their personal hygiene.

If you are not their supervisor and you are just a co-worker, then I would leave little travel size toiletries on their desk or in their mailbox from time to time .. they will get the message and you wont be put in an uncomfortable situation.

Answer 5

Me and my co workers had the same problem around two years ago. It was HORRIBLE, we hounded our supervisor steady to talk to the guy. What caused this guys problems was that he ate all kinds of wacked out foods which created the odor. He didn't notice it and our supervisor pretty much told the guy he had a problem. Did it politely and threw out a couple reasons what could cause it, of course didn't tell him to take a damn shower. I wanted to tell him that though. It worked, thank god.....

Answer 6

I once just said it like this, "what is that smell", And i got closer and closer and asked if their clothes had stayed in the washer and explained that mildew will cause a smell. Of course it was their body that stunk but they got the message and it was inocent enough to get the point across.

Answer 7

Place a can or deodorant at there work station, desk where they will find it or you can put some gift wrapping on the can with a tag and there name. Good luck have had to tolerate stinky people.

Answer 8

My friend once dated a guy who cheated on her. She knew he had a body odour problem real bad and we both dropped off a packaged deodorant to his doorstep with a note, 'Have a bath man.' We were young so don't do that lol.

Answer 9

I have an idea!

Get a gift certificate to like Bath & Body Works. Go up to the person and say you got it as a gift and you don't use their products. Then give it to them. :)

Answer 10

Ostentatiously sniff your own armpits and wonder where the smell is coming from. Don't look at your coworker. Just try to get everyone else around him to do it once or twice a day until he gets the message.