What the best way to tell someone who stinks?

Question

that they have a serious personal hygiene problem,and it is affecting people in close proximity,also whilst working in hospitality?.Lets have some ideas of how to be effective while being tactful as well.

Answer 1

The Chicago Public Library has a sign up that says you can't come in if your personal hygiene has been neglected to the point that it offends other patrons. I think this is a great sign that should hang over every doorway in the world, so go get one for your office.

In the meantime, be honest but kind. Take the person aside and inform him or her IN PRIVATE that their lack of hygiene is indeed offending others, and offer to give them some advice on how to improve it. Frame it in terms of concern for their health, physical and mental, since neglect of hygiene can be a warning sign of serious depression.

Say something like, "Ron, may I speak with you in private? I've noticed that you're not acting like yourself lately, and I'm worried about you. You're just not taking care of yourself like you should, and people are starting to notice. Is there anything going on that I should know about?"

Be prepared for this person to get defensive, since he may not have ever been told this before. On the other hand, he may be all too well aware of his problem - it may be a hormonal disorder, depression, poor diet, or some difficult living situation that he is trying to hide from his coworkers. Offer any help you possibly can, including using the showers at work if he lacks access to one at home (you work in hotels or some such, right?) and educating him on these details. Some people just have never been told about how often to bathe because they were raised in a difficult or dysfunctional household. Keep any revealed secrets in strict confidence at all costs (unless they are endangering his safety).

This is your duty not just as a coworker on behalf of the office, but as a person on behalf of the offender. He is a fellow human being and deserves to be cared for like everyone else. He may just need someone to inquire about his health in order to begin seeking some help, and you could be the one to save him.

I once knew a girl in school who possessed a particularly pungeunt odor, and I regret that I never said anything to her about it. I knew from talking to her that she struggled with depression and had very few friends, and I wish today that I had had a similar conversation with her and maybe helped her out. Don't let the opportunity slip by!

Answer 2

I don't believe there is a tactful way to tell someone that they smell, but if it is effecting others in the workplace then it would be the job of the supervisor or boss to take them aside and as politely as possible tell them that they have an odor. No matter how it is put it is not nice for them, but while saying that it is not nice to put up with the smell.
I have known people who have tried to bring the person into the conversation talking about a made up person with a hygiene problem hoping that they will perhaps rethink their own hygiene, but this usually doesnt work as the person doesnt think they have a problem.

Answer 3

If you are a simply a co-worker, approach your manager and ask them to have a talk with the smelly person. It is not really your place to confront this person unless you are his/her friend.

If you are a manager, things get a little tougher. If your employee handbook has an article about personal hygiene, pull the smelly employee into your office and talk to him/her about the rules of employment and show him/her the part in the handbook about hygiene. Tell them that they need to clean up especially since they are serving your guests. In most states, most service jobs are "at will" employers and the employees are not represented by a union. You are within your rights to terminate this employee for whatever reason you feel appropriate. If this employee continues with his/her poor hygiene you can and should terminate them.

As a manager, I had to do this and it was REALLY hard. There is nothing more difficult than to tell a person that they smell bad. I ended up having to fire this employee for her hygiene and poor performance. It was not my most fun day at work. I hate firing people.

Answer 4

It is best to tell them straight up. I did this once and I waited for an opportunity when they were alone (at lunch) and i just said "I don't want you to feel embarrissed, but I have often noticed that you smell of BO a lot. Do you use deoderant?" It worked for most of the time, sometimes they would stink and i would remind them again... unless they dont care that they stink I am sure that once the initial embarrissment wears off they will appreciate the fact that you told them. I know when i first needed deoderant at 12 it was only when someone told me that I smelt once that i realised!

Good Luck

Answer 5

There is never a tackful way to tell someone that they smell. If you work in the same office as them and you can buy some cheap room refresher and just spray it around when they leave. Or keep a candle burning on your desk.

They might not get the hint but if they are in the same office with you try using a spray purfum on yourself or around youself and tell him if they ask ' I am always worried about smelling bad around people' It might work you never know.

Good Luck.

Answer 6

There's not much you can do but be honest. If no one wants the job though, an anonymous type-written note that is tactful will let the person know.

Answer 7

The personnel director should do it. They can be as blunt or as easy in their communication about this situation as they want to be, there is no right or wrong answer. And, depends on which state they live in, there are "work at will" laws which state you can let someone go and don't have to give them a reason. Probably anyone that tells them about the php they will be angry with,but if you release them from their job they will never know why and you don't need to give them a reason.

Answer 8

maybe this person doesnt realize they smell. if thats what they are used to it doesnt stink to them. you should let them know but tell them somewhere that there arent alot of people (especially the jokesters). if that doesnt help and you dont notice a difference within a week complain to your supervisor. it is their responsibility to make sure the workplace is comfortable for ALL employees and customers/ patients. if this still doesnt take care of it then you should file a complaint to your supervisors supervisor
good luck

Answer 9

the two all and sundry is joking OR, what i think of the concern is which you're wearing to lots deodorants and perfumes! you probable smell to reliable and in case you utilize to many distinctive scents all mutually they are able to smell terrible! stick to easily deodorant and a spritz or 2 of fragrance or fragrance with in line with danger some gentle smelling hairspray. purely stick to gentle scents and you'd be great!

Answer 10

Tell them about a great deodorant you found and you bought them some too. If you don't have the heart to say anything, you can always get a deodorizer