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Colleague has body odour issues

  • 14-08-2018 08:06AM
    #1
    LegacyUser
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,005 ✭✭✭✭


    Hello,

    A work colleague of mine has terrible body odour. They work in my section so it is unavoidable and a daily issue. I don't feel comfortable saying it myself as I have to see them every day and the person also has some medical issues (not sure if related or not) so I don't want to embarrass them.

    I would also feel bad about saying it to HR and putting someone else in a very awkward situation.

    Any suggestions?


Comments

  • #2
    razorblunt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,300 ✭✭✭✭razorblunt


    I would speak to your manager first then HR.
    I wouldn't worry about putting them in a very awkward situation, that's their job.


  • #3
    OMM 0000
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,733 ✭✭✭OMM 0000


    I agree with the above. Escalate this to your manager. Most likely they will send around a general e-mail telling everyone to ensure they take care of their personal hygiene.


  • #4
    _Brian
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 19,524 ✭✭✭✭_Brian


    I had this in a team once.
    One lad had a serious problem and it was difficult for everyone.

    One of the lads mentioned it to me.

    It was awkward but I had a brief chat with the lad who was mortified but took it on the chin. Feedback was it was never an issue again.

    Just bring the problem to your manager or HR.


  • #5
    Igotadose
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 15,269 ✭✭✭✭Igotadose


    _Brian wrote: »
    I had this in a team once.
    One lad had a serious problem and it was difficult for everyone.

    One of the lads mentioned it to me.

    It was awkward but I had a brief chat with the lad who was mortified but took it on the chin. Feedback was it was never an issue again.

    Just bring the problem to your manager or HR.

    Exact same situation, person with the odor issue was shocked, cleaned it up and has had a brilliant career since. Always points out to me it was the best feedback they'd ever received.


  • #6
    lawred2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,013 ✭✭✭✭lawred2


    burnburn wrote: »
    Hello,

    A work colleague of mine has terrible body odour. They work in my section so it is unavoidable and a daily issue. I don't feel comfortable saying it myself as I have to see them every day and the person also has some medical issues (not sure if related or not) so I don't want to embarrass them.

    I would also feel bad about saying it to HR and putting someone else in a very awkward situation.

    Any suggestions?

    Grim. I'd report it. You can be sure that they are aware of it but hoping that they can get away without dealing with it.


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