Body Odor?

[Jethro Bodine]

I have a new employee who I've discoverred had very bad body odor and I'd appreciate some feedback on how one should handle this?

I hired this person a few months ago to work in one of my businesses that to be honest, kind of runs itself, so I don't spend more than a 1/2 day a week there, basically to audit the financial records. Anyway she is working out quite well. Customers like her, works well with little supervision, on time, reliable, overall a very good employee.
Recently 2 of her co-workers have come to me, independently, on 2 different occasions, to complain about this individual's body odor. I've taken the opportunity over the last 2 weeks to drop by a couple times a week when this employee was working and I must agree. She has very bad B.O. On the surface she seems clean and well groomed but as soon as you get withing 3 feet of her, you can smell her.
As an employer, I've had to on numerous occasions deal with employees but it has always been over work/performance related issues. I'm just not sure how to approach this issue because like I said previously, her job performance is excellent but this is affecting those around her. I also don't want to end up with a discrimination law suit if she has some kind of medical condition (I know there are people out ther who suffer from body odor problems).

 

[uncleg]

I've had the same issues with "employees" and it becomes a matter of diplomacy on your part. I told them that I don't want to smell them before I see them, and they took the hint. Mind you it had to be explained to some of them, but it worked as a way to get on the topic. Not an approach that would probably work for you, so be diplomatic about it, but be honest. Tell her she has a hygiene problem and then if it is a medical issue, it's up to her to tell you that. At that point you have to figure out how to deal with it. In the mean time don't let the situation sour the workplace for the other people working for you.

 

[sweetiepie1]

I agree with starting with the positive feedback and telling her how much she is appreciated and valued. Then I would just say something like "I know you're well groomed, but people are picking up some kind of odor and we need to talk about it." If she seems in denial or something, be prepared to gently say something like "we need to address this because it is affecting other people." Ask if she feels she can address it by changing some of her hygiene practices and suggest that she talk to a doctor if she doesn't know what's causing it. I'd also tell her I'll check back in a week to see if this is getting resolved. Remember to close the conversation with referring back to the good things you hear about her and reassure her that you're willing to help out in any way. I wouldn't presume either way if its hygiene or medical, but assume its medical, as that is less embarassing. Let us know how this one turns out!!

 

[chuckanut]

give them a present. in it, it'll have a pine tree car air freshener with a string through the loop. on it will will be a post-it note that'll say... "wear this around neck."

done and done.

-chuck

 

[vancity_cowboy]

Then I would just say something like "I know you're well groomed, but people are picking up some kind of odor and we need to talk about it."

i would only change one thing about your advice - don't mention other people as it will unnecessarily poison the work atmospere. say instead, "But I am picking up some kind of odour..."

some folks have some pretty kooky ideas about 'healthy skin bacteria' etc. and absolutely avoid the use of soap and believe that daily washing is a no-no becuase it kills the healthy skin bacteria, which are preventing the spread of pathogenic organisms

you don't wanna work downwind of these folks

 

[oppai]

I don't see why the bush needs to be beat around...just tell her on both occasions you have been in the office near her you have noticed an unpleasant body odor and that you would like her to take care of it if she wishes to remain employed. I think we tippy-toe around "delicate issues" too much in this country...just be blunt and get to the heart of the matter and you will save a LOT of people a LOT of grief.

 

[Jana]

Buy a $15 dollar gift card for Bath and Body works. Tell her you got it in the mail/a points offer etc, and since you won't use it, would she like it?

If she's close with another co-worker (particularly female) maybe they can bring something up, without her increasing said BO by having to be pulled into your office. Sometimes "friends", and more so, people of the same gender can approach it better.

Pull her aside, tell her she's not in trouble, but that some of the other employees are having issues working with her, due to "questionable hygiene". Ask if there's anything you can do (lower the heat, get a fan, etc) or if there's a medical issue. If you show concern instead of annoyance, you'll come across far better...she won't get defensive.

 

[sweetiepie1]

i would only change one thing about your advice - don't mention other people as it will unnecessarily poison the work atmospere. say instead, "But I am picking up some kind of odour..."

Point taken!! I also agree with the people who say that good employees are hard to come by. Plus, why hurt someone's feelings if its a medical issue or something?

 

[azn_trilla_from_manila]

I could not resist replying to this thread. Yet again while my two year gig as a club DJ at a vancouver peeler bar, there was this lady that I don't know if she is some hippy or some pot head. Well she looked attractived at one point but dunno something about her that attracted clients to get lapdances from her. Like she got long ass dreads and a great personality... Thing is to some it up, everytime I have to check the lapdance/private dance stalls, I smell her B.O. and it was really disturbing. I wanted to speak up on the situation but, I did not want to piss her off and just quit. She was one part of the morning/afternoon money maker for the club.

Another lady whom I currently work with at my other job. Well at one point I wanted to take her out for some burger and a walk on the pier. Turns out that she was drunk 24/7 during the whole summer which was a big turn off. As the months go by, I barely saw her at work (work on different schedules and she got a new job at the north shore area) and her shambala experience turned me off about her completely. Just two sundays ago, we chatted a bit and she gave me a big hug from behind. Then I smell this bad B.O. and I honestly I thought I forgot to put on odor eater for my pits. Turns out it was her, dunno if she noticed it either. Then again she is quitting the job and ya, gonna miss her company (on the odd times) but not gonna miss how she smells.

What I noticed with the human body, some people get accustomed to our own smell. It could be bad or could be good... Honestly I think shower everyday with soap not just water would work... Don't put that body spray like axe on you everyday. I think that kills your skin poures in my theory. I hope that makes any sense...