Question

How can I gently inform a co-worker about an unpleasant odor they may be unaware of?

Answer 1

spray her with perfume, and when she asks why. Tell her she needs a bath.

Answer 2

Arrange some kind of occassion to give everybody a gift. Give her some scented soaps and body spray.. . She may be allergic to some scents, but vanilla is usually not too harsh for people with allergies.

Answer 3

Leave an anonymous note on her desk.

Answer 4

buy her a soap basket or go to work with a clothes pin on ur nose LOL

Answer 5

i have the same problem as you, except my co-worker is quite aware of the fact that he smells. He just doesn't do anything about it. Some people just don't care. In your shoes, I wouldn't say anything, just try to deal with it, because most likely you will cause a nasty conflict, and the problem will never be solved. Just try to keep an air freshner near by.

Answer 6

The best way would be to weave it in the verbal feedback on her performance, coming from her manager. So you can raise that concern with her manager, who will then explain the policies regarding hygiene at workplace. This way she will not take it too personal but just another policy related to work. If you try direct approach, it will be difficult not to misinterpret it or take it any other way but personal. You perhaps do not want to ruin the friendship for this. So transfer the torch to her immediate supervisor (with best intention though).

Answer 7

leave a new stick of deoderant on their desk, they'll bum, but not more then anyway anybody tells them

Answer 8

make it known that it doesn't smell well in the room, ask the person if they smell it too. Get a air freshener.

Answer 9

Try mailing that person a letter. This way she won't know if it came from the office or from a neighbor or family member.... . You could also openly discuss perfumes and overall hygiene with other co-workers and get some in depth conversation going with the individual present and within hearing distance. Tell them how you hate body odor, especially when your spouse comes home from work, a football/baseball game, etc. Stress how you find body odor very offensive and how it happened to you when on line at the supermarket with the person in front of you at the checkout line. . . Body odor, hygiene and overall appearance should be the responsibility of the boss. Impress upon the boss to demand everyone come to work with proper attire and odor free. Put up some notice on the bulletin board. This way the matter is handled on an impersonal basis and everyone around that person could comment. Put up a notice on your own without getting personal, when nobody is around, for all co-workers to read. I'm sure the boss won't mind and neither will the other co-workers.. . The trick is not to make any type of lasting enemy with the worker. Just simply solve the matter of proper grooming to eliminate the problem and be able to move on.

Answer 10

Somehow start a conversation about needing to go to the store and what kind of soap or body wash would be good.