How do I tell a coworker that she doesn't smell to fresh?

Question

I am seriously asking for help here so please be nice. Thanks.

Answer 1

Copy/paste/print this message:

Roses are red
Violets are blue
From my desk why should I
Be able to smell you?

Signed,
Your boss.

Answer 2

Maybe you can start a conversation along the lines of how hot it has been lately. Then tell her how you just hate having to take two to three showers a day to feel clean and then an hour after you feel hot and sticky again. Ask her if she has any suggestions to help you feel cooler and fresher. Tell her someone suggested a certain soap that has antibacterial agents that help you stay fresher longer and has she ever tried it. Some people sweat so much that they have to get a prescription deorderant. My dad could shower and an hour later smell like he hadn't in a month. Phew!

Answer 3

Unless you have that kind of personal relationship with your coworker - you don't. That's what supervisors and management are for, and that's why they get paid more, because things like this fall into their realm of responsibility. Talk to your immediate supervisor, explain that it's not a criticism, but that it could be taken as a reflection on the company/office/whatever. Then let them take over. If you try to do it without having a relationship already established, trust me - more drama than you'll ever seen on TV.

Answer 4

Do not tell the coworker anything. Go to Human Resources and speak in private with the HR director. It's their job to inform that employees boss, and have that boss take care of it. Stay out of any direct conversation with her about her lack of personal hygiene. Someone in management needs to discuss it with her and tell her she MUST do something about it or write her up. Gotta love the heat of August, huh?

Answer 5

thebeatles is on the right track here. But, instead of buying a bar of deodorant as a joke. Seriously, buy her a nice bath set of scented body wash, bubble bath, talc and body Cologne. You can present it to her for her B.D., Christmas, Or, a just because she is nice to work with gift. Good luck.

Answer 6

Buy her some nice caddy that has bath oils and beads in it with some lotion or body spray or soaps of some sort. Maybe that would be a hint and you wouldn't have to say anything at all. Just tell her you saw it and thought she might like like it.

Answer 7

There really is no way to tell her, if you are trying to do it nicely. Just coming right and saying that, no matter what words you choose, will come out hateful and tacky.

You could try buying her a bottle of cologne. Tell her you saw it in the store, thought of her, and thought she might like to try it.

Answer 8

instead of doing the childish and immature things such as leaving a bar of soap or leaving an anonymous note on her desk
you should be honest but not rude. you should approach her like an adult and simply tell her that she has a problem, i'm not the best for words, but i'm sure if you put yourself in her shoes you could come up with a respectable, honest, and most importantly, adult way to approach the subject without resorting to the childish tactics described in previous posts.

Answer 9

Never come right out and say anything that harsh to her, find another way. I had a co-worker once that never~ and I mean~NEVER~ bathed. Come the holidays we all did a secret Santa gift exchange, and we got her a basket of pretty soaps, deodorant, razors, perfume, etc., she got the hint without anyone having to confront her about it. God Bless, M

Answer 10

Maybe when she is around be like "ohh whats that smell, is someone shoes off??!" maybe she will get the HINT...If not casually buy her some like body spray, and be like "Oh girl I thought this smelled SO good, do you want some??"