Would you poop at work?

Question

We have a woman at work who ALWAYS goes to the toilet just before lunch time for a poop.
The stench is bad, I mean really bad. My desk is 25 M away from the toilet door down the passage and I still get the stench, even air freshner does not camo the smell...
It spoils lunch time for everyone in the office, except her, who the casually eats at her desk as if nothing is wrong...
How do we change her behavior?

Answer 1

Ask her nicely if she could use a different bathroom.Explain that is really does have an odor, and it bothers everyone. I would ask the boss to change your desk and make sure there was a fan to help disperse the smell. Sit it on the desk and blow it away from you. Do you have an electric potpourri , put vinegar and water in it , it is the best air freshener there is.Have it in the bathroom to start getting rid of the problem.

Answer 2

You might try dropping hints. Like when she goes in, just anonymously go in and start spraying air freshener. Or leave a can of it on the toilet for her to use afterward.

There is no need to be mean, of course. When you have to go, you do have to go. However, if she is making everyone else miserable, she should be made aware. Is there another bathroom, further away from others she could use? Perhaps someone can sit her down (if she doesn't get the hints) and just say, "Listen, I understand it's a bodily function and we don't fault that... but we would all appreciate if you would do that at _____ bathroom, not this one here."

Chances are, she would WANT to know she was offending everyone and not want to continue it.

Answer 3

Provide air freshners in the toilet cubicles. If you think it's neccasary, also have signs on the toilet doors saying that there are now air freshners.

And just hope she will use them.

I would avoid talking to her directly about it, it could be extremily upsetting and embarrising for a person to find out that everyone could smell it all this time.

Answer 4

This woman could have a medical condition, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) where she just can't help herself She may be humiliated by it, and you don't realize it.

I used to have the condition myself, and it is extemely embarrasing. I used to make jokes about it to ease any tensions, and I would make an effort to use a toilet that was as far away from people as possible.

Maybe you could, with a little humor to ease any tension, make reference that she is going for her pre-lunch library break to possibly open up a conversation, and then maybe then let her know that it affects the office. But try to be sensitive.

On the other hand, if she is just a rude poop-machine, let her know, and don't feel sorry for her, 'cause then it's just gross and unnacceptable.

Answer 5

Having read all the suggestions, it seems to me that the best way to decide how tactful you need to be depends on the type of person she is. Is she a vulgar slob? If she is, you can afford to be a bit more direct with her.
I would put a notice in the bathroom saying "Please leave window open and close the door behind you." Also have a bowl of potpourri or something constant (as opposed to air sprays) in the bathroom. I can't think of anything else you could do.

Answer 6

Take her aside and explain to her what you are upset about. Explain to her that when she goes to the washroom, she leaves a terrible smell and we can all smell it for hours.
She probably doesn't even now that she has a Oder problem.
Ask her to bring some good deodorant spray with her, or maybe just leave a big spray can in the ladies washroom. Maybe she will get the hint and you will not have to talk to her about this.
If you don't you will be smelling her forever.
Sounds pretty sh**y to me.
Good luck.

Answer 7

The toilet is being used for the purpose it's intended for I'm affraid! She obviously has got a 'routine' (lol) & the only thing you can say to her, or put up a polite notice is 'there is an air freshner in there, please use it.'

Answer 8

Woah chill out, its not her fault that your desk is so close. I personally go if I have to go at work.

Ask for a desk change if you can but it would be pretty rude to tell this lady to hold till she gets out of office.

Answer 9

Its a bathroom, she has rights to use it... even though its gross!

But you can try extra freshners...

and maybe have a good smelling candle lit at your desk!

Answer 10

We had a guy like that in our office. He is gone now, but we udes to have to put candles and fresheners in the bathroom. Not too much else you can do.