Tell Someone at Work that They Smell Bad

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If someone you know seems to suffer from a "failure to bathe", you don't have to suffer in silence. There's no great way to address the issue, but there are good ones.

Steps

Standard Method

  1. Get the best attitude - an empathic, informative attitude.
  2. Find a quiet place to initiate the discussion.
  3. Use neutral, impersonal language that refers to professionalism and the impact on the office.
  4. Say something like, "I have noticed the smell of (the offensive odor), and I’m concerned that it is having an impact on your ability to interact with your co-workers and our customers."
  5. Let them know you are pointing it out to be helpful. Use the Power Phrase, "I’m telling you because it’s important for you to know."
  6. Set up a follow-up discussion.
  7. Let them know how they're doing.

Alternate Method

  1. Buy two very nice scented soap/shower gel/perfume/deodorant and bring them to work
  2. Show one to your offender. Explain how much you love it.
  3. Let them keep the one you showed them. You can have the other.
  4. If this doesn't work, ask them how they liked their product. If they look sweaty or nervous, suggest a new way of how to use it. Repeat again the next time you see them.

Tips

  • Be as low key as you can, but don't hide the truth in hints.
  • Wouldn't you want to know if you smelled? Don't beat around the bush and just tell them. It's gonna be awkward but there's no good way to tell someone they stink.
  • Tell the offender, not anyone else.
  • If they become reactive, be empathic about it.
  • If someone does have offensive breath or body odor, tell them directly in a discreet manner. They will appreciate your honesty, where others may just talk behind their back about it.

Warnings

  • Don’t assume you know what the underlying issue is. You don’t.
  • Don’t refer to culture or race or religion or anything that could get you in legal hot water.

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