What is the best way to discuss really bad body odor with an employee?

Question

Apparently he has been told bacteria is normal and therefore none of it should be "destroyed". So he rarely takes a bath.
It is almost more than one can stand.
Is there information out there about body bacteria which supports his claim. I have found sources which support my claim about the necessity of bathing regularly, particularly in my field which is a manual labor service job.

Answer 1

There are lots of things that are "natural" that aren't necessarily good. Bacteria in the mouth is natural, too, but we kill it to prevent tooth decay. Likewise, although bacteria on the skin is "natural," it's not necessarily desirable. When that bacteria is in areas like the armpits where the skin not only produces sweat, but oil as well, bacteria multiply at an extraodinary rate. Those bacteria make waste products, and the odor from those waste products is what you smell. I suppose ordinarily, if the guy wants to be covered with the bacterial equivalent of guano, it would be his business, but he does NOT have the right to make other people endure the stench. He needs to be told to clean up his act (literally) or he'll be fired (or whatever you choose to do).

As far as how to tell him, I'd simply choose a time when you can speak to him privately. Clearly you don't want to do this in front of other employees, or do it in a way that is more embarassing than necessary.

I don't know of any sites (or any literarture past the 18th century, for that matter) that supports NOT taking a bath.

Answer 2

Buy big bottles of OUST or Lysol odor neutrilizer. I would also leave open boxes of baking soda or Renuzit air fresheners (at least 2) on the back of the toilet and under the toilet. Also buy an air freshener that goes INSIDE of the toilet (either bowl area or back of toilet in the tank). So every time people flush it freshens the toilet. Also have Renuzit on your desk. I would talk to HR department or your boss about speaking to him about this. He obviously doesn't have to go until he gets to work. The boss should ask him to flush twice and spray with the air freshner, a LOT after he uses the bathroom. Tell your boss that this is effecting your ability to work daily.

Answer 3

The direct approach is almost always the best way to go.

I would approach it simply from an "according to the employee handbook...", and point out the section containing information about appropriate dress and grooming (hopefully your company does have a handbook). Let him know that, although you respect his stance that bacteria ought not be destroyed (rather a silly stance, in my opinion, as a multitutde of deadly illnesses are CAUSED by bacteria), that one requirement of his job is reasonable grooming and hygeine.

Provide a very basic handout regarding "proper grooming and hygeine", preferably something put out either by a large company (e.g., McDonalds, WalMart) or by a government agency (e.g., the CDC).

Explain kindly and emphasize that you respect his belief, but you (and he) also must adhere to company guidelines. Tell him as matter-of-factly as possible, that you are in the uncomfortable position of needing to either see some improvement in hygeine/adherence to company guidelines, or you will be forced to take disciplinary action. Tell him you do NOT want to be forced to take dsciplinary action, and ask him if there is a way you could be helpful to him in terms of hygeine complianace.

Best of luck to you in this sticky situation,
~M~

p.s. I've appended a couple of links which may be of help to you.

Answer 4

tell him to bathe or he will be let go... the other people are complaining and he must conform or find another job.
it is not fair for one person to disrupt a bunch of people because he has bad health habits....
Be upfront and honest and do not argue with him about bacteria...
bacteria on the body can cause fungus and other things to grow on the body....
he obviously is stubborn, there are policies at any work place about cleanliness and being offensive to other workers...
Wash or move on.....

Answer 5

Do you guys (or this guy in particular) have direct contact with customers or the public? Is he required to wear a uniform? If so, you have to just tell him directly that because of his position, he needs to maintain a certain appearance because he is representing the company and the company has an image to maintain. I think this is about the most tactful way I have ever come across.

Answer 6

It doesn't matter what the facts are or what this employee believes, he is offending others and disrupting the office. You need to be direct about this problem. Don't dance around it. He is obviously aware of the problem if he has had to share his beliefs with everyone. Take him to a private office and inform him of how he is disrupting and offending his co-workers and something needs to happen to change that. If he refuses, he is certainly welcome to find employment where they like that kind of thing. Good luck.

Answer 7

we have the same problem with one of our colleagues who works in the stores. unfortunately, body odour is not necessarily because the man rarely washes. sometimes some people sweat more than normal and each person smells differently.
i have never heard this theory of not washing off bacteria though!
ideally you should ask someone who is close to this man and ask them to talk to him. it is not fair for others who work with him!!
i was too embarrased to bring the subject up, so one day i sprayed room frangrance while he was there, another day i asked him if he spilt milk on himself cause he smelt of sour milk, and finally he got the message. he now goes home during his lunch hour and takes a shower before coming in to the office.

Answer 8

If you're his supervisor, just explain that your company requires higher standards of personal hygiene than he is currently displaying and that he shouldn't come to work without meeting this standard. That's a round-about enough way to say it that he won't likely be embarrassed. If he doesn't shape up after two days, you might have to be more direct--tell him he must shower before work or you will be forced to let him go.

If you're just a coworker, you can either complain to his supervisor, or just straight up tell him he stinks.

Answer 9

Say this:
What is the easiest way to get a manual laborer out of the swimming pool. Throw in a bar of soap."