I have received complaints in the office of a co-worker (who I hired) who has issues with flatulance.?

Question

What is the best way to handle this?

Answer 1

The amount of, or freshness of, a person’s flatulence is hardly a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ), so if it were my issue to deal with I would avoid it. To do otherwise sets up a defacto standard, and then gas-bag layers start to get involved and before long the whole situation stinks.

The sad thing is that by company’s perspective this is an issue best left unaddressed. There are genuine qualifications and requirements that can be used to resolve this situation. Far better to use BFOQs as criteria, rather than the style of dress, or the manner of speech, or the hairstyle of an employee.

Sadly in this litigious society a Boss can no longer be a life coach. If an employee needs guidance on basic hygiene, they need to have these issues resolved before they enter the work place. I know it is a harsh perspective, but the legal and financial risks for yourself as a Supervisor and for your firm are unacceptable. I would mention nothing about flatulence, but focus on specific job performance.

Answer 2

First of all, why so many down on working with women comments? You get problems working with all men too. But, curiosity about gender issues aside, I think the advice to stay out of it is a good one. This isn't something you can fix. There are more issues here than general bitchiness, not speaking English, and being loud. I suspect the old-school woman is a little narrow-minded in her outlook. If it weren't the language, she'd find something else to dislike about your other co-worker. I also suspect Loud Girl knows she's getting under Old School's skin, and doesn't like her either. It doesn't matter where the other girl sits. I'm sure Old School will have no problem making comments from clear across the office, and Loud Girl, is, well, loud. You'll just be sitting in the crossfire. Your boss is a coward. She needs to be the one dealing with this. All you can do is, when they come to you, is just bluntly say, "I'm staying out of this." If you're feeling assertive, tell them to go to the boss if they want to complain. Yeah, it might sound rude, but they aren't exactly being polite. It will cut the drama, because I doubt they'll come back to you with their complaints. Are there any other people in your office? How do they feel about this mess? Is it interfering with their work too? You could all band together and confront the two, or go to the boss as a group.

Answer 3

I guess I would be honest.
Approach from a concerned co-worker. Are there any medical issues that are causing this problem. A Dr. visit may be in order. You might simply recommend beno or an over the counter remedy.
A variation to the diet can help as well.
I think honesty is the best policy. If they had B.O. or bad breath it would be the same. Check with your HR manager sometimes they can handle it for you.

Answer 4

I had a cube neighbor who had a similar problem once, except his was belching. Finally, they did have to talk to him about it because it was really loud and disruptive.

His director ended up talking with HR on the best way to handle the situation. They are trained to deal with these unpleasant situations.

If you don't have an HR department that can help you, check out the book Lifescripts. It literally writes out how to handle situations like this one. I think they use body odor as the example, but this kind of thing would certainly apply to that example. It gives you a good idea/road map of how to get your message across.

Good luck. That's not an easy situation to deal with.

Answer 5

Woah thats a tricky one. Your going to have to be very private and understanding about the issue. Its going to have to be addressed. I wouldnt even accuse him I would just ask him if he has the same complaint at the office. Then maybe he will realize people can notice his behavior and he will stop. Good luck!

Answer 6

Talk to him on a personal level first, and indicate to him that you have been hearing about flatuance issues from some one in the ofice recently. Dont point it to him directly, as he would probably understand what the issue is. If he is really thick skinned, you got to escalate this to his/your boss or a HR department.

Answer 7

Let H.R. run with the issue. Most H.R. departments are there just to prevent lawsuits. They will know how to deal with it. They may very well tell you nothing should be done. If you do act, let your immediate supervisor in on it.

Answer 8

Take a walk with the employee--outdoors preferably, and address the issue head-on.

Answer 9

professionally and discretly, if it is a legit medical issue, you cant do a thing. If hes doing it intentionaly, tell him to stop or hes gone.

Answer 10

Air fresheners?