One of my co-workers smells so bad my mgrs had to put her in a separate office because people complained. He never even told her why. She eminates this combination of BO and fish smell. I think someone should tell her so she can fix the problem but I don't know how to do so without hurting her feelings. I would want someone to tell me, wouldn't you?
2007-09-12 05:51:14 · 11 answers · asked by Vwgirl18 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
you could be subtle and give her a gift of soaps, sprays and deodorants,since the manager is on the pathetic side Im sure you could convince him to pay for a basket of nice personal
fragrances as a gift from the office.
If she asks why she is getting it just say she has been doing a great job or make something up ...or say it was donated by an outsider to the office and you would like her to have it.
If this fails to make an impact then invite her out for coffee somewhere away from all the staff and tell her that its important that everyone is made to feel comfortable in the workplace and part of peoples comfort depends on how others in the workplace present themselves.
Then say as much as she does a great job and is respected by the staff some have complained that she emitts an odour which is not pleasant to other staff members.
If she gets upset just say it is a problem very easy to put right and suggest she uses deodorants ect and make it no big deal.
If she is deffensive and angry then just lay the truth on her and say the reason she was moved is because the other staff have been very uncomfortable working alongside her.
Its possible she has a medical condition or maybe no sense of smell
hope it works out
2007-09-12 06:08:24 · answer #1 · answered by jambutty 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My experience with this issue spans over 18 years. Unfortunately, the type of person that goes without bathing regularly, without grooming properly or eating strong odorous foods does not know how to remedy the situation. they have grown accustom to smelling awful and don't care about what they eat, so breath is not an issue either.
It is a pity that they find a place in the business world, but there is no diplomatic way to handle it. You must be blunt and first convince them that you love them as a person and are really approaching them as a "close" friend. Only a real friend would telll them about this, so that is where you fit in!
When you get them "one-on-one", you can jump right into the matter by explaining how much you respect her and your friendship. You are sharing this information because the issue has become an uncomfortable issue in the office and has created distance between her and the entire staff. Assure her again that you are only sharing this because you are friends and want to help her "change" this situation and help her regain a professional manner.
You can then offer suggestion to the very same bathing, shampooing and deodorizing products that you use and support that with how satisfied you are with the results. Ask her to try these same products after "showering every morning". This expression will trigger a new ritual of bathing regularly and should give her a new sense of awareness and self-respect.
At all times, keep your voice down as if you are telling her a secret. If she gets defensive, which she should not, still keep your voice low. That will also imply that you are speaking as a personal friend who cares and wants to keep it discreet. You can also tell her that nobody else in the office is aware that you are telling her this. That bit of confidentiality should give her a more receptive mind to your suggestion.
Praying for your success.
2007-09-12 06:11:44 · answer #2 · answered by joe_on_drums 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have been in similar situations so I definately know how nasty stinky people can be. There is really no way to tell someone they stink without both you and them feeling awkward. I think something to keep in mind is this could be poor hygene which basically just comes down to this person being lazy and nasty which is hard to be sympathetic towards. I believe however that it could also be some type of medical condition this person can't control, in which case it's not there fault as they don't have much control over it. I would ask a manager to get involved for the talk. Besides just offending co-workers if this person has to deal with clients or outside people this could definately negatively affect your company so something should be done about it.
2007-09-12 05:57:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Thats awful. She obviously does not take baths. What the hell is her problem? Unless she is mentally handicapped, there is NO reason why any adult should have bad hygene. Its called a bathtub, soap, deoderant, and perfume--twice a day. You learn that at age 10--period.
The problem is that you if you write an anomymous letter--she might report it to Human Resources as Harassment. I dont know. She's straight up nasty thats for sure. She needs to get her funky behind in a tub full of hot water ASAP. Sorry, but when you're funky like that, showers just dont cut it--soak that funk. Nasty.
Sorry you have to work with a Jerk like her. If she was a member of my family--we'd put her on full blast , "Girl--you STINK--whats the matter with you!!"
2007-09-12 10:02:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, you might wanna tell her about the mayo in her shampoo stuff because that's pretty disgusting and who doesn't know how their own shampoo is supposed to smell. And then go and buy her some new shampoo and tell her that incorporating mayo into your intimate life will make it more exciting. She's your wife so you should tell her what you want and see how that goes.
2016-05-17 22:17:48 · answer #5 · answered by gladis 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be subtle. Here are a few examples.
You (looking at your wrist watch): "Oh, my gosh! Look at
the time. I really ought to be getting back home to take a
shower. I've got a lot of people coming over tonight. I'm
having a dinner party.
"By the way, did I send you an invitation?
The other person: "No."
You: "I didn't? Hmm. I can't imagine why."
or...
You (after giving them a pleasant smile): "Tell me. Is that
a new cologne you're wearing?"
or...
You (after wincing): "My goodness. Is it just me, or is
there something wrong with the air conditioning in this
office? Odd. It's really quite pleasant up on the thirteenth
floor."
The other person: "There is no thirteenth floor."
You: "Did I say 'thirteenth floor'? Silly me. A slip of the
tongue. I meant to say... um... across the street--at the
liquor store."
2007-09-12 12:14:26 · answer #6 · answered by Pete K 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Well, it's usually in your hand book when you are hired to work for a company. Like dress appropriately, shower,etc..
I would speak with you human resources department and let them handle it, this way your not in the cross fire. Good Luck, I hope this helps.
2007-09-12 07:37:29 · answer #7 · answered by orangie 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely not. That is something that a best friend or a relative can get by with, but not an acquaintance.
This person can have a medical problem that is causing the odor and maybe her doctor is working really hard to fix it.
It's human nature, but cruel, to discuss what you perceive to be another person's hygienic deficiencies.
2007-09-12 06:24:23 · answer #8 · answered by felines 5 · 1⤊ 4⤋
I sit next to someone at work who has been .. NO LIE... wearing the SAME PANTS everyday for at least 2 months. he smells! i think i will be looking for a different job shortly.
2007-09-12 06:04:53 · answer #9 · answered by Jess 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
nonsense. don't worry about 'hurting' their feelings...they're hurting your sinuses every time you inhale in their general area! leave a discreet note if you're not the type to mention it to them directly. good hygiene is a common courtesy everyone expects in the workplace.
2007-09-12 08:34:30 · answer #10 · answered by napqueen 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋