Discreetly. Be aware that the person may know this already and might not be able to do anything about it.
Make sure no one else is in earshot and try something like, "Jim, I need to mention something to you. Please don't take offense, but I often notice a stale odor when I'm near you, perhaps from your laundry detergent."
Then see what happens. If he/she gets irate, you can say a couple of apologetic, soothing things and end it. It might still have a positive effect. Better, he/she may address this with you civilly, though understandably there's the potential for embarrassment.
I would consider it my duty not simply to address the topic, but to do so as tactfully as possible. My guess is that you feel this way as well, or you wouldn't have asked here first. Best of luck with a tricky situation.
2006-12-27 07:26:49
·
answer #1
·
answered by JStrat 6
·
1⤊
0⤋
As a manager, I have had to speak to several employees about personal hygene.
I usually try to see what kind of mood they are in first. If someone is having a bad day, the last thing you want is for them to perceive what you are doing as a negative thing.
Take them to the side, and merely mention that you have noticed that they need to use "More" deoderant or Anti Perp. . If they say they dont like to use it, then mention that it is not just for themselves but for the people around them. Tell them that if they worked in construction or some other business, then it may be understood.
Explain to them that you care about them and you do not want others to get the impression that they are a dirty person, because you know that they are not, and you want others to see them for the great person they are and not for being smelly.
Tell them this is a private matter only between the 2 of you.
DO NOT tell them that fellow employees have complained. This will make them feel alienated and they will start being a "Problem Child".
2006-12-27 07:33:27
·
answer #2
·
answered by Mike B 2
·
1⤊
0⤋
Ouch. Maybe email and GENTLY tell them that they have a body odor issue. Do a little research online first. Could it be a medical issue? Let them know that you're only telling them because you care - and you are not trying to embarrass them. Hopefully they will appreciate you taking the time to be forthright with them.
2006-12-27 07:22:57
·
answer #3
·
answered by Daisy 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
If it is a girl, bring in some perfume. Here are your options: a) Give it to her as a friendship present. b) Spray yourself with the perfume, and talk about where you got it and what it's called (in a casual, non-offensive way) c) Ask if she want some of the perfume.
If it's a guy:Only use choices a and b. Replace all of the she's and perfume's with he's and axe's or tag's.
2006-12-27 07:24:56
·
answer #4
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
Just go over and tell the person nicely to go wash up or something. And if he or she takes offence, just remind him or her that many other people will also complain about the odor and not you yourself. I say go on the offensive.
2006-12-27 07:23:55
·
answer #5
·
answered by raidenzz 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
If they work with you, tell your boss, as it is not your responsibility to address it. If it is a friend or acquaintance, say "I just wanted to be courteous and let you know that you have a minor case of BO. I wanted to let you know so you could escape future embarrassment." Or you could write an anonymous note saying, "I didn't want to embarras you by saying it aloud but..."
Isn't that the hardest thing? Good Luck!
2006-12-27 07:23:03
·
answer #6
·
answered by Pirate Hooker 4
·
0⤊
0⤋
Depends on who the person is. If it's a friend, pull them aside to save embarassing them and just let them know that their deodorant is not working or something gentle like that. If it is a co-worker, leave that one to the office administrator.
2006-12-27 07:22:55
·
answer #7
·
answered by Starla_C 7
·
0⤊
0⤋
I wouldn't say anything. I would just hold my breath every once in a while. There is no way to tell some1 they smell without sounding mean. I might offer them perfume, but I'd NEVER be like "Hey, you kinda smell".
2006-12-27 07:23:03
·
answer #8
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
OMG this happened to me at work!! im the supervisor where i work and this girl smelled really bad!
i took her into another room, away from everyone, and just explained to her that it was offensive and something needed to be done about. i explained that i wasnt trying to be rude and didnt wanna make her feel bad, but someone had to say something. i was just trying to help her out...
2006-12-27 07:22:33
·
answer #9
·
answered by Stepherz 3
·
1⤊
0⤋
I would pull them to the side and politely tell them that they have a body odor.
2006-12-27 07:19:53
·
answer #10
·
answered by Nico 7
·
4⤊
0⤋