Interactive Scenario: Poor hygiene

[Forum_Moderator]

A team of 15 close-knit customer service reps worked in a small room together. One day Julie, the HR Director, got a visit from two of the reps, Angie and Marie, during lunch hour. "This is really embarrassing," said Marie. "But we're here to complain about our boss, Bill. He has an overpowering body odor. It was okay when he worked in the office next door, but for the past few weeks he's moved into our area and he takes calls right alongside us."

Angie added her two cents: "Either he doesn't bathe enough, or maybe he doesn't wash his clothes. Whatever it is, the odor is so disruptive that some reps are talking about quitting. Frankly, unless you do something, I don't see how any of us can stay.

If you were Julie, what would you do?

I would call him to my office and discuss the situation with him not using names. Offer help, i.e. medical problem, carry deodorant with him and make periodic visits to the rest room to apply. If this didn't work, I would send him home with a 3 day no pay leave. then take it in the ass

Julie, as HR, needs to bring him into her office and tell him that she has had complaints about his body odor. She is not to blame him or ask any other questions. If he chooses to talk about a medical condition that may cause his odor then she can begin communication about a solution. She can only tell him about the complaints and then ask for his input saying that she hopes he can find a solution to the other employee's complaints

[Albert]

Post company position regarding hygiene if there is a policy refer to it. If employee does not get the message have a private meeting to discuss. Note be careful an ADA issue is not cause.

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I have actually had the situation arise in the past two weeks. After I got an understanding of the proximity (i.e., how close one was to detect odor) and type (lack of bathing, sweat, food, cologne coverup), I called the employee in to discuss the issue. Previously, in my interactions with the employee, I had not detected anything; however, I only was around her in passing. Interestingly enough, once I closed my office door to start the discussion, I got a whiff and was able to describe my own experience after outlining the issue and the experience of others (without using names). Since I was able to detect a "garlicky" smell, I explained that as I have gotten older, I have not been able to eat as much garlic as in previous years without it emanating from my pores. The employee stated that she ate a lot of garlic and perhaps that was it and thanked me for taking her aside.

p.s. - Last week, the employee came back and stated that she had also spoken with her physician who also stated that two of the vitamins that she was on have also been known to cause offensive aromas and is working with her on replacing those medications.

I have had to have this conversation a few times. I work in Retail, therefore, the sales associates are the ones directly working with the public. In one instance, the offender was on many medications for seizures. Not only was that the probable culprit, she was also allergic to most powders, lotions, deoderants etc. I suggested to her that she make sure she is squeeky clean and has clean clothes on when she arrives for work to compensate for lack of antipersperant.
Another time, it was a case of lack of bathing. In both cases, I took the offenders aside and stated that it had been brought to my attention that they had offensive body oder, and what did they plan to do about it. (throwing the ball in their court). As stated the first lady takes a lot of meds. the second man stated that he didn't have any running water in his camper (home). I let him know that it wasn't acceptable to come to work and be offensive to his co-workers and customers, and what was his plan of action, and how could I help. He said he would take care of it, by going to a local laundremat, and going to a neighbor or relative to shower more often.

Very embarassing to say the least to have to talk to grown up adults that they smell.