how do you tell a co-worker that they have a body odor with out offending them??

Question

i have a female co-worker who seems to have a pungent odor about her, but she's a real nice person. it's just than when she sits down a gust of odor comes out of the couch. everyone calls her
mrs. fish, but i don't make fun of her. should i gift wrap some hygeine supplies and give it to her ?

Answer 1

Unless she is mentally challenged or homeless, she has no excuse for it. Have someone in the office speak with her.

Answer 2

The most effective, straightforward thing to do is to pull her aside, as politely as possible and tell her that she has a bad odor. Maybe she will appreciate someone telling her. But if you are not that close to her, then I would recommend you give her a perfume of Christmas. Maybe she will get the hint. But if you do not want to buy something and think that will not be effective, the best thing to do is let her know. You can even say "Hey, what's that smell??" And hopefully she will pick on, do it in a joking, many fun kind of way if you are close to her like that and she will not find offense. It all depends on the person. Some people are more sensitive than others, But that is not your problem, you just need to get her to shower more and use deodorant, or perfume, since it is your space and bad smells STINK!! (sorry there really isn't a way of not offending someone, just be as kind as possible)

Answer 3

Yes, you should slip her a goodie bag full of supplies in her desk or locker or bag. But what type of odor does she have?

If it's body odor, like sweating and stuff, give her body wash, a body pouf, some scented body spray, deodorant and maybe even small bottle of shampoo, if it looks like she doesn't wash her hair.

If it's a fish smell, as others have joked, she probably has an infection. Certain STD's cause a strong fish odor, and the person who has it gets used to it gradually and doesn't notice it after a while. If this is the case, get an informational brochure or print out some articles on STD's and symptoms, and maybe write a short, caring note to her. "Some are offended by your personal odor - perhaps you should get it checked out."

Answer 4

I have dealt with this situation and thought it is uncomfortable on both ends, I think she will appreciate someone telling her. Take her somewhere private, and gently tell her that you have noticed an odour about her. Do not embarrass her further by saying everyone around her is offended by it. Sometimes medications we are on can cause this to occur. Certain foods can also cause this - a friend was eating garlic cloves daily and it made for interesting odours. Suggest she talk to her doctor about it or recommend a deodorant product that works well for you. It could be that her deodorant is no longer effective too. This happens to me and I need to switch products about every couple of years. Hygiene supplies may not fix the problem as it could be a bigger issue. Bless you for not mocking her too. We don't always know the circumstances of others lives and should not judge!

Answer 5

Find out her birthday, or another holiday and get a gift pack of toiletries. They have some great ones out the include underarm deodorant and power and sprays and cologne. Soap on a rope.
Some people love garlic and onions and in that case nothing works but telling her. Say you know I use to love garlic and onions but my boy friend, husband, lover whatever. Was complaining that I had an order. So I quit I didn't want to have an order. If that doesn't work buy her the gift pack and pray she uses it.

Answer 6

hmmm sounds disturbing...
the best way is to tell the truth no use lying to her if she finds out she will be even more embarrassed. Or drop hints like is that your shirt that smells?? try blame the clothes she will probably go along with it and if you do it enough she will realize that you do notice and maybe she will do something about it.
If not just don't shower for a while and keep her down wind from you. She will get the picture

Answer 7

I am in management and well if you approach her this could be an HR issue. The best way to handle it, is to speak with her immediate supervisor. Let the supervisor handle it. Were I work, I then take it to HR and let someone there have a conversation with that person.

Answer 8

I had the same problem with a co-worker and i bought air freshners for the office & gave her a lotion as a gift.

Answer 9

She probably has an STD like trich. Send an ANON email to her with a website about that so she can get to a Doc and get it taken care of.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/trichomonas/factsht_trichomonas.htm

Answer 10

Talk to the boss. It will be easier to take from the boss than from a coworker.