So... If you were a supervisor and you had to tell an employee that...?

Question

their co-workers are complaining about their bad B.O., what would you say to the offender?

Answer 1

"George, you know I love ya buddy but people are complaining.
You need to take a shower now and then. You reak.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but people are passing out, man.

Now tomorrow, when you come to work, can I have your word that you will have bathed and used some antipersperant?

The pressure's on ME man. Help me out. Everyone is on my case about it."

When he says,"ok", say "thanks buddy and don't forget to use soap. Take care." Then laugh to lighten the mood even more.

The straight up approach with a little humor in it is the best approach.

Answer 2

Any supervisor has general meetings with the staff, or the group that they supervise. At the next meeting, after taking about sales or production being down, overtime not being allowed, and the stuff normally talked about at work meetings...I would make a general comment about company policies concerning conduct, dress code and personal hygiene, and mention that "some are you falling short of the requirements...so, if you would all please remember that you can smoke outside on your breaks, concert T-shirts are not allowed, steel toed boots are required, and for pete's sake, please wear deodorant so your co-workers will stop passing out, okay? Thank you. Now everybody have a good day" This way, you can be more diplomatic, and as stern or lighthearted as you choose, while getting your point across, and embarrassing neither the employee, co-workers or yourself.

Answer 3

My dad had a similar problem, he did what everyone else has been saying and bought him deoderant. If you do it in a way that gives him the impression you are coming to him as a friend, then this could turn into a positive as far as his work attitude is concerned. It also gives him a quick fix to a problem he may not be aware of. Do not mention that people have been complaining about it though, just let him know that he is a hard worker and a valuable employee, but if he wants to get anywhere in life, not just in his job, he needs to maintain proper hygein.

Answer 4

Definitely have a second supervisor in the room with you. That is for your protection, so the employee can not come back later and say you were disrespectful. This is a really hard subject to discuss with anyone.

I would just be straight forward with the person. Let them know that others have come to you with concerns, and lay it out on the table to him or her. I would use the word concerns not complaints, it is a little bit nicer to hear. Good Luck.

Answer 5

That is a tough call.. I actually worked w/ a guy like that, the supervisor asked his friend to tell him b/c she thought he would take it better, the guy told him and he just refused to believe it. I talked to his friend later and it turns out he had people tell him that at like four other jobs. Some poeple just can't take a hint.

I think her strategy was a pretty good one, though--if the person has (a) close friend(s), see if you can get them to talk to the person first.

Answer 6

Ohhhh that happen to a co/worker of mine once. Boss took her in the back and gave her a bag, and said ok i know you know what this is. I just hope you know how to use it, so starting tomorrow i hope you will use this. She gave her a bag with shampoo and soap and deodorant and a comb, tooth bush and toothpaste. Was she upset naaaaaaaaaaaaaa, did she use it? Naaaaaaaaaaaa.

Answer 7

no easy way try taking him to your office and explain that personal hygeine is a requirement in his position and if he has a belief against deodorant he needs to find an alternative way of fighting the odor.

or ask him what brand of deodorant he uses and tell him someone that works close to him is suffering from a reaction to it and would he mind trying this awesome brand and give him a can of whatever brand you use.

or try taking him in and telling him that you have discovered an excellent brand of deodorant and offer him "an extra" that you happen to have. tell him you get compliments on the scent and think the scent is a perfect one for him as well.

Answer 8

I don't see any offender in this situation.

At any rate, I would corner this BO person outside work and tell him straightforwardly, civilizedly, and ethically that he has got BO and he has to look after himself for his own benefit. For sure, it'll remain a secret between me and that employee.

To the complainer, I'll tell him, i'll deal with it and that it is a personal issue and not to be brought out at work.

Answer 9

Honesty is the best policy. But don't mention the co-workers.

Answer 10

I'd say, "OK Rancid, you have three days to rid your body of the stanky. Bathe, scrub, burn your clothes and get new ones, and try several deodorants. Everyone is tired of breathing your stench!"

No use messing around!