Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Discuss the matter
• Method 2 of 3: Dealing with the problem
• Method 3 of 3: Limit bad smells
• Warnings

Making someone aware of their body odor at work is a delicate matter, but it is important to protect the other person from further embarrassment, especially if you are in a managerial position and need to monitor how an employee presents themselves. It is critical to discuss the issue privately and empathetically, but openly and honestly, and help the other person resolve the issue.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Discuss the matter

1. Put yourself in the place of the other. To get over your own scruples (if you already have them) about addressing the malodorous person at work, try to put yourself in their place. Remember, if you had a body odor that bother your colleagues, you would want to know. By putting yourself in the other person's shoes, you can get in the right frame of mind for the conversation.
2. Talk to the person. In order not to embarrass the other person more than necessary, find a quiet place to start a conversation. If you are a manager, you can ask the other person to come to you for a meeting in your office. If you're just a colleague, take him or her aside in the cafeteria or another empty room when no one is around.
   • To talk privately to the malodorous person, ask something like, "Can I talk to you?" Or "Do you have a moment to talk?"
3. Start the conversation positively. By starting the conversation positively, you can soften the blow and let the person know that you are not malicious. Be honest in giving praise. For example, if the person in question isn't a good employee, don't pretend that they are. Find something else to make him or her feel positive.
   • Tell the smelly person, for example, "You are a hard worker and a valuable member of this team."
4. Make the other person feel at ease. Before you get into the actual problem of the smell hanging around the coworker, acknowledge that the conversation will be a little uncomfortable, but still necessary. By preparing the person in this way, you show that you are on his or her side and that you empathize with the person.
   • Start with something like, "This is a bit awkward, and I hope I don't offend you with it, but ..."
5. Be as honest and direct as possible. If you send the smelly person away with vague "hygiene" comments, they may think they need to brush their teeth more often to get their bad breath away. To avoid misunderstandings, you should be friendly, but don't mince words.
   • You could say, "I've noticed that you've been smelling pretty unpleasant lately."
   • Never tell the smelly employee that someone else brought the problem to your attention. This will only embarrass him or her more.
6. Ask if the person is aware of their own scent. After raising the issue in friendly but clear terms, try to find out if the colleague is aware of their own malodourism. If someone at work has a bad smell about them making it clear that they have a medical condition that causes it, thank them for being forthright.
   • For example, ask, `` Is this a problem you are aware of? '' Or `` Has anyone ever told you this? '' If the co-worker indicates this is due to a medical condition, you could say, `` Oh, I understand it. I'm sorry I brought it up. Thank you for letting me know. I won't talk about it again. "

Method 2 of 3: Dealing with the problem

1. Suggest possible causes and solutions. When someone smells bad at work, they usually don't know. And if they don't know, they probably won't know how to fix the problem. Provide helpful comments regarding the possible cause and possible suggestions on how to deal with the problem.
   • For example, you could say, "You may just need to wash your clothes more often. Or maybe you could shower more often. "
2. Tell your boss about the problem. If you have alerted someone at work that they are smelling, but he or she is not taking reasonable and appropriate steps to freshen up, you can take the problem to your supervisor.With a bit of luck, he or she will be more successful than you in correcting the colleague.
3. Apply some pressure, if necessary. If you are in a managerial position and the malodorous coworker is unruly or disagrees with you, insist that he or she come to work refreshed. Remind the other that smelly employees are bad for the image of the company and that not correcting the odor will disrupt relationships with colleagues.
   • Say something like, "We have a company policy that requires all employees to arrive at work fresh and clean."

Method 3 of 3: Limit bad smells

1. Move to a different workplace. If possible, choose another cubicle or desk. If moving is not an option at all, try at least to be as close as possible to the smelly colleague. For example, offer to voluntarily assume a different set of responsibilities so that you can be in a different part of the workspace.
2. Cover the scent with candles or air fresheners. Scented candles are a great way to hide a scent. You can also try a wall outlet air freshener that refreshes the air at automatic, regular intervals, or use an aerosol can.
3. Install a fan. By aiming a fan at yourself, the air continues to circulate and you dissipate the bad smell of your colleague. Placing a fan will therefore provide some relief.

Warnings

• Be mindful of people whose bad body odor inevitably stems from a medical condition.