I work on the 10th floor of a high rise office building. I have a cubicle. No open windows, recyled air /poor venelation.
There is a co-worker who wears extremely heavy perfume.
I have allergies/sensitivities to this sort of thing. The scent lingers wherever she is/has been and it you can taste it on your tongue - yuck! This morning I really had a physical reaction to it. My eyes and skin got itchy, I sneezed and my throat is all scratchy now. I did not have these symptoms until she was around this morning.
I have been hoping someone who is closer to her here at work would say something to her privately. I can't imagine no one else noticing! That has not happened.
I have only been here about a year. I do not want to alienate anyone or cause a problem.
How do I handle this?
Do I say something to her? To our supervisor?
Just stock up on Benedryl and keep silent?
Make a subtle statement by wearing a gas mask when in her presence?
2007-09-26 04:35:45 · 7 answers · asked by kiraalt 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Other - Careers & Employment
Really, first you should talk to her nicely. The gas mask really is more likely to cause a problem than anything. Shes probably completely oblivious to how it affects you. Explain your situation; see how it goes. Note when you talk to her, and hopefully thats as far as it has to go.
If shes rude in return, or doesnt really change her ways... then its time to talk to your supervisor. You gave your co-worker the chance to not make it a big deal; so its fair. Besides- SHES causing a problem to YOU now, so dont feel guilty if it has to get to this point.
If that doesnt work- and I really hope that it should by this point- its HR time. You have every right to a safe and comfortable workplace; and her odiferous assault violates that.
2007-09-26 06:40:47 · answer #1 · answered by Jeanette F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know people with wheat allergies but everyone else can't stop cooking with it because of it .
They have to manage their own cooking or look for specialty gluten free products .
You should approach the person and explain your allergy and ask if it is possible to reduce the perfume .
Also , explain it to your supervisor and see if an office near an air supply vent is available .
Otherwise get a portable air filter unit for your cubicle to clear the air .
Fragrances are everywhere and your best chance at dealing with your allergy is to manage your air space .
2007-09-26 11:47:47 · answer #2 · answered by kate 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I actually had to quit a job because of a co-worker doing this. She wore so much perfume that it made me physically ill everyday until I had to get another job. Same office environment. I told my supervisor about the issue and he shrugged it off like it was no big deal. I'll be watching this question, it's a good one.
2007-09-26 11:42:55 · answer #3 · answered by Eraserhead 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's affecting you that bad, talk to your HR Department. Maybe they can have a talk with her or move you to a different location so you don't have to be near her so much.
2007-09-26 11:44:25 · answer #4 · answered by Cinderelly 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should voice your complaint to your supervisor. If it is affecting your health it is not acceptable.
2007-09-26 11:44:51 · answer #5 · answered by BillParkhurst 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
she must be not have shower for a week. u should wear a filter mask to be noticed by her.
2007-09-26 11:51:14 · answer #6 · answered by negimagi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Slip a note on her desk when she is away. Maybe about 10 at the same time. She'll think they're from everyone!!!! LOL!!
2007-09-26 11:45:13 · answer #7 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋