What's the best way to tell a work colleague they have a BO problem without hurting their feelings ?

Answer 1

when you smell it go 'oh my god is that me stinking up the place?' then start a convo about how you hate to think you stink and that you have to run home and take a shower. They already know it's them but they don't think others can smell it. When this person realises you have noticed they will do something about it.

Answer 2

This is absolutely disgusting. I have the same problem with a colleague at work. Why cant people wash and use deodrant. I dont think there is much you can do. This person must be lower class as ive never came across this with middle class people (who know how to wash)

Answer 3

There is no way you can avoid hurting their feelings, so don't do it. This is the boss' job, or HR if your company is large enough.

I once had to tell someone, and I spoke to her privately, straight out and she seemed to take it well. I was quite senior to her and did not work directly with her, but I hated doing it. She left soon afterwards. I did it for my colleagues, and they were grateful to me, but I still think about that poor woman sometimes.

Someone's got to do it, but not someone who is going to have to work with them afterwards

Answer 4

Be polite, and don't call it a problem. Leaving deodorant on their desk isn't proper either. In all sense of etiquette, even if someone's odor is offensive, its a breech of etiquette to actually mention anything at all. However if they sit next to you and the air freshener that you've placed on your desk isn't giving them a clue, then politely ask what brand of deodorant they use and suggest something stronger. Unless this associate is your underling, many companies have guidelines about personal grooming, it may sound like snitching, but simply suggesting to the said person's boss about the odor, and again don't call it a problem, the boss then will have to be the one to remind said person of company grooming policy.

Answer 5

As Christmas isn't far away you could play secret Santa and leave a nice gift set like Lynx all wrapped up nice for him on his desk, put a little not on saying something like, the women will love you wearing this, hopefully it will work, good luck.

Answer 6

Privately tell him that although you are not making fun of him, He needs to start taking showers everyday. Also explain that a person needs to wear deodorant,and that some ppl have much stronger persperation than others.Remember to be tactful as to not hurt his feelings. You can also give him a nice gift set for x-mas, that has things like soap & nice smelling deodorant.

Good luck. =)

Answer 7

I found that you reccommend a certain type of deodorant in a favourable light. In a general conversation with this person, mention that you tried a new deodorant and you think it's great because it works wonders. Hey - try it!

Answer 8

Send em a gift pack of many types of soap, shower gel and deodorant as a Xmas prezzie from their secret Santa.

Answer 9

Just tell them with enthusiasm about a deodorant eg. Lynx Africa, and how much the girls love the fresh clean smell of it!
Oh assuming this is a male we are talking about. Just change the deodorant if it is a female.

Answer 10

You have to be careful to be subtle about it, or you could seriously hurt the persons feelings.
Maybe have a word with your manager and during a meeting they could address the subject to everyone about personal hygiene standards, so as not to aim it directly at this person.

Answer 11

I would not directly go to that person. Please discuss this with your supervisor. The supervisor can have a talk with this person or the supervisor may have HR talk with the person. I would not go there with that person, this could be an HR issue. So let the management handle it. Most people in management have had training about sensitive issues like this