How would you approach someone who is new on the job that is doing something gross and annoying?

Question

It's a Fillipino woman. She is pretty nice so far but she has this disgusting habit of chewing on some kind of weird seed and spitting it out. She can do this for hours everyday. It really makes me sick since it's an office space we all share. Today I said something to her like "do you do that all the time?" and she replied "yes, I like doing it" and said it even offends her husband at home. I'm white, and she's a new worker. How do I ask her to politely stop but it's disgusting and rude without sounding like I'm being culturally unsensitive and starting some sh*t. I live in CA and these things can backfire on you if your not careful.

Answer 1

This is nuts.

If it is true that she's actually spitting out her food, you have a right to complain - it's foul...and it sounds as if she's well aware of her antics and has complete disregard for how it affects others.

The fact that you were indirect with her is the reason the issue isn't resolved. Either take the issue to top management and ask them the best way to deal with it, or, grab the bull by the horns and do it yourself.

You could try this: (I'm going to try very hard not to be sarcastic)

"I understand you enjoy snacking, however, we don't enjoy being subjected to the spitting. Being in an environment where someone spits out food doesn't just feel uncomfortable for us it simply doesn't feel respectful. My request is that you find an alternative snack that doesn't require repeated spitting so we can all get back to enjoying each others company while at work".

I would find it difficult to be polite to this person after she continues to do something so obviously offensive. She's quite the passive-aggressive one. Spitting is spitting, it doesn't matter who's doing it. It's rude and offensive and it should never be tolerated in the workplace. And she knows it.

So bizzare.

Answer 2

Take this question to your manager. If he/she is white then you shouldnt get in trouble for sounding culturally insensitve. You shouldnt anyway, cuz she shouldnt be doing that in the office no matter what race she is. That is NOT professional and if she was a real team player she would acknowledge your reqest and stop. Go over her head since she didn't listen to you. Tell this to your supervisor.

Answer 3

It's very important to give orientation about the mission, discipline and philosophy of the organization to all the new comers. Till they are not informed properly them may not be productive to the organization in any form. Hence, it is important for every new comers to adhere to the system of the office after they are informed about each and every thing of the organization.

Answer 4

I think you should take this directly to your supervisor or management, since you already tried to handle it yourself and made no progress, and you don't want to be pegged as a racist. This isn't one you should even have to deal with - you'd think spitting at work would be some sort of health violation and management should be all over that.

Answer 5

Tell her, as much as you do like her, you find her habit offensive.

Answer 6

give her some gum