Need some advice on how to approach this, I work in a very small office and today I’ve been working with one other coworker.
A couple times in the past I’ve noticed that the toilet seat is left dirty. Today as it’s just myself and one other, the toilet seat has been consistently left covered in period blood so I now know who’s leaving the toilet in these conditions (Not just a drop, a considerable amount) as-well as a used,unwrapped tampon being placed in a bagless bin.
Obviously I’m not looking to embarrass her, but I don’t believe I should have to clean up before I use the bathroom myself, especially another persons blood.
Looking for some advice on how to speak to them, or if I bypass that and go straight to management? Like I said I don’t want to embarrass them, it’s a very small team and we all get along, but I’m worried an uncomfortable conversation like that might be an issue for HR.
Thanks!
Comments
Go to management or HR privately, explain the situation factually, and let them address it discreetly..
It’s understandable you don’t want to clean up after someone else. Since it’s a small team and you get along, try a polite, private conversation first. You can say something like, “Hey, I’ve noticed the bathroom isn’t always left clean. Can we both make sure to keep it tidy for everyone’s comfort?” If that doesn’t work, then consider bringing it up with management or HR. Keep it respectful to avoid embarrassment.
Take a foto, go to managment or HR and report it. It’s normal to bleed, that can happen but everyone can expect to go to a clean toilet. Especially since removing the blood would take like 1min max
Wow. This is a bit off putting. No way you could address this privately. Definitely a management/HR handoff IMO
The one question before replying what gender are you? Another woman approaching the topic vs a man she may react differently.
I can understand this I regularly clean up after other colleagues. I haven’t done anything about it other than clean it at this point. I think its a bit risky if you approach the lady as you don’t want to be seen as bullying. If you go to HR they might be able to be more subtle by putting out a general email or some signs rather than approaching the lady. Bit of a daft questions is there enough cleaning products available in the toilet like a brush maybe some cleaning wipes as that might help. Our work toilet has a basket with various sanitary products and deodorants in. This might be another way HR can approach it without directly calling someone out. Say “Please use our new toilet spray to keep it fresh for everyone”
What the hell is wrong with people. That is so gross and nasty, thats the kind of trashy behavior I would expect at a highway rest stop bathroom, not at a shared bathroom in a small workplace.
“June, I’m so sorry to bring this up, but I used the bathroom after you, and had to clean the seat. If you ever need wipes, take this pack I got for you.”
I would ask HR to deal with this. That’s what they’re paid for and releases you from the awkwardness.
If you aren’t comfortable going to hr can you write a note and leave it in the bathroom?
You cannot touch other people’s blood ..get a custodian with bleach or peroxide to clean it..or make her do it..
Its nasty, it stinks and its her shit to clean up..take her aside and tell her..
God that makes me just ill..
Women know how bad this is..
Don’t get me started on the open used tampons or pads.
I would sit that shit on her desk..
Sorry No excuse for that ..disgusting..
I would speak to her personally before going to HR/management.
Yes, I think it maybe awkward to speak to her, and she might feel embarassed, but I think it’s better to come from female coworker she works with, rather than coming from someone else.
If it doesn’t improve, it’s time to take a photo and go to hr/management.
Maybe write her an anonymous email from a throwaway account ?
I put a sign in our shared bathroom that said, your mother does not work here, clean up after yourself. If She or anybody else bitches about the sign at that point I would say I’m tired of wiping up other people’s bio-hazards when I go to use the bathroom – quit being pigs.
Is the bleeder wealthy?
I’ve worked a lot of restaurants jobs. The wealthier the area / client base the more period blood and accessory there are to clean up the the womens restroom.
It is like a status symbol or marking territory thing.
A lot depends on your gender. If you’re a man, I’d let a lady or HR handle it. If you’re a woman, assume no one ever taught her the rules (a lot of ferals out there) and find a kind gentle approach to let her know how to handle your period in public situations.
Always assume naïveté over malice. If malice rears its head, go nuclear with outing her to everyone else including the rude signs on the door.
Maybe talk to hr about them leaving some cleanup supplies and a sign in the bathroom so no one is singled out and the cleaning products are readily available. Also they need to get a bag in that bin! You shouldn’t have to do those things. Someone who handles bathroom maintenance should. We have disinfectant wipes and febreeze(sp?) stocked in our bathroom by maintenance and it helps a lot.