I had a coworker once whose hair had a really strong smell, and people started talking. I pulled her aside and said something like, “I really like you, and I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but I also don’t want people talking behind your back, so I’m just going to be honest: your hair smells pretty bad.” We were in the military, out in the desert, but she washed it right after and the issue never came up again. Being direct (but kind) just works. None of that passive-aggressive stuff like leaving deodorant around.
If it’s so bad that you can’t do your job, tell their manager. Let them handle it. There may already be a known medical concern or religious reason on file as to why it hasn’t been addressed. You don’t want to draw a complaint.
If you inform the manager and nothing changes, you can file a complaint with HR.
It’s the manager’s job to manage, and HR’s job to enforce company policy. Let them handle situations concerning the workplace.
If you know the person outside of work, you can tell them in a private setting unrelated to work.
I lean towards telling, but I once read “don’t point out a problem with a person’s appearance if they can’t fix it in 5 minutes”. It’s an interesting fact to consider. Perhaps tell them *at the end of the day* if you must.
Unless you have to sit near them and smell their stink 8 hours a day, I would just leave it alone. There is a lady at my office who wears putrid smelling perfume. It makes my eyes water it is so bad, but since I only have to smell it in the elevator I choose to just ignore it because I don’t know the background of why she chooses such a fragrance. Maybe your coworker doesn’t have access to laundry facilities, or a shower or toiletries, or maybe they’re allergic to antiperspirants. Maybe they just like to smell like a donkeys unwashed ball sack because they think it’s attractive to others. Minding your own business is typically never a bad choice. Let HR deal with it.
If it was a friend i would tell them, but I wouldn’t mention it to anyone else.
Co worker? Maybe tell them, probably best.
They might be grateful to you.
Honestly it would be pretty risky to tell them though,because you don’t know if they take it too personally and your kindness becomes a “harassment” from their point of view. Just talk to the manager then the HR. Their job to deal with it.
Tell them, and tell them nicely. And even if it’s not true, just make up a story about how you went through the same thing one time and was happy someone said something.
Is it impacting your ability to work? The reality is that sometimes what we consider a body odor is someone’s natural smell due to biology or at times their diet. I’ve had some foreign workers who definitely have a unique smell. I remember once hearing a group of them complaining about how strong another person’s cologne was. So a pleasant smell to you might be downright offensive to someone else
Just ask their manager to deal with it. As a manager who had complaints about my employees’ bad odor, I can say that it’s all about how you deliver the message. Don’t make it personal or try to sugarcoat it. Just get them into an office and tell what them what complaint is about, ask them to deal with, and offer support if necessary. And never-ever reveal who complained!
Comments
I think the world needs more honesty, but you should do what feels right to you!
It’s kinder to let them, or a manager know. Whether or not it’s a good idea, depends on the person, and how you think they’ll react toward you.
I would leave it to management so you maintain a good relationship with your coworker, that can be better for you in the long run
I had a coworker once whose hair had a really strong smell, and people started talking. I pulled her aside and said something like, “I really like you, and I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but I also don’t want people talking behind your back, so I’m just going to be honest: your hair smells pretty bad.” We were in the military, out in the desert, but she washed it right after and the issue never came up again. Being direct (but kind) just works. None of that passive-aggressive stuff like leaving deodorant around.
Ignore it if it is a rare occurrence. If you are close to them it would probably be nice to let them know if it is a consistent issue.
What makes you think they’ll do anything about it?
Maybe they get butthurt and religiously wash and deodorant for next two weeks, but then slip back to old ways.
You, however, will stay enemy forever
I’d leave an extremely polite note. Then leave it at that.
You discuss with your coworkers then report it to management. It’s their problem.
I have been in this situation. I let the supervisor know. She said it was a reoccurring problem and she would talk to him.
If it’s so bad that you can’t do your job, tell their manager. Let them handle it. There may already be a known medical concern or religious reason on file as to why it hasn’t been addressed. You don’t want to draw a complaint.
If you inform the manager and nothing changes, you can file a complaint with HR.
It’s the manager’s job to manage, and HR’s job to enforce company policy. Let them handle situations concerning the workplace.
If you know the person outside of work, you can tell them in a private setting unrelated to work.
I say it depends how close you are to the person. Ignore if you rarely talk to them, but tell them if you have some opening to do so.
If you are near them a lot tell them. If I’m ever smelly I personally would want to be told.
Mind your business
I lean towards telling, but I once read “don’t point out a problem with a person’s appearance if they can’t fix it in 5 minutes”. It’s an interesting fact to consider. Perhaps tell them *at the end of the day* if you must.
Unless you have to sit near them and smell their stink 8 hours a day, I would just leave it alone. There is a lady at my office who wears putrid smelling perfume. It makes my eyes water it is so bad, but since I only have to smell it in the elevator I choose to just ignore it because I don’t know the background of why she chooses such a fragrance. Maybe your coworker doesn’t have access to laundry facilities, or a shower or toiletries, or maybe they’re allergic to antiperspirants. Maybe they just like to smell like a donkeys unwashed ball sack because they think it’s attractive to others. Minding your own business is typically never a bad choice. Let HR deal with it.
Leave a post it note on their desk
If it was a friend i would tell them, but I wouldn’t mention it to anyone else.
Co worker? Maybe tell them, probably best.
They might be grateful to you.
I would want someone to tell me. It’s horrible when there’s something you’ve been doing for years and only then does someone mention it.
Honestly it would be pretty risky to tell them though,because you don’t know if they take it too personally and your kindness becomes a “harassment” from their point of view. Just talk to the manager then the HR. Their job to deal with it.
Tell them, and tell them nicely. And even if it’s not true, just make up a story about how you went through the same thing one time and was happy someone said something.
Is it impacting your ability to work? The reality is that sometimes what we consider a body odor is someone’s natural smell due to biology or at times their diet. I’ve had some foreign workers who definitely have a unique smell. I remember once hearing a group of them complaining about how strong another person’s cologne was. So a pleasant smell to you might be downright offensive to someone else
Let HR or a manager know, they can handle it.
You don’t know what situation that person is in, lost their residence, depressed, etc.
They’ll handle it with kid gloves. You saying something can make things worse.
Just ask their manager to deal with it. As a manager who had complaints about my employees’ bad odor, I can say that it’s all about how you deliver the message. Don’t make it personal or try to sugarcoat it. Just get them into an office and tell what them what complaint is about, ask them to deal with, and offer support if necessary. And never-ever reveal who complained!