How do I tell a coworker that he has offensive body odor?

Where I used to work, it stated in the employee handbook that offensive body odors were unacceptable and should be handled privately through an office manager or supervisor to avoid disruption and embarassment of the person(s) involved. If you confront your co-worker, they may be too stubborn to believe you or take it seriously. It could easily cause tension between the both of you and perhaps a further distraction.

This is never an easy one. I've had to confront a few people myself, interestingly enough each had different odor situations. The polite and direct approach is really the best way.

Get them away from everyone and just let them know you are sensitive to strong odors. With luck they'll explain their situation or be made to realize there is one. Some people honestly don't know because it doesn't bother them.

Of the people I had to deal with: one had religious/cultural reasons, one was an old woman who wore diapers due to bladder leakage, another had a house full of dogs and cats she and her husband didn't clean up well after. The latest one has been confronted so many times it's almost a joke and he knows it. He's stinky out of laziness and saving money (he washes his few clothes maybe once a week and persinally baths about as frequently).

It's hard but if you need to spend long periods of time with this person, for your sanity say something.

Go and see him. Ask him about his works, talk to him for a while and then slowly tell him your problem.

I've had several coworkers in the past who have had bad odor. At first I was just letting them slip with their "bad odor," but the office ended up fumed with their smell. So I decided to do something about it.

This was how I did it with one guy who was way taller and bigger than I am, during our break, I treated him for coffee. Then we started with the "usual" break time conversations until his mood was considerably good. Then I told him this, "I'm your friend, right?

If someone was talking stuff about you, I'd tell you right away. But I'm a better friend if I'd tell you what's wrong with so that the other people won't be able to talk about things that might insult you or whatever. And, I've noticed something that might make you mad at me, but try to understand why I'm doing this.

I'm only trying to help you. " Then he said, "So what is it then? " And I replied "You've been having bad odor lately, I hope you'll do something about it before the ladies notice it."

And that's it, to sum it up, make sure his mood is pretty good, then try to start telling the truth in a very nice way. =).

Step 1: Just say "When I am near you, I smell an odor that I find uncomfortable and distressing. How do you feel hearing this? " This first statement is just to get their attention, and to know if they heard your message.

If they respond with anger, hurt, surprise, or embarrassment, then you can respond appropriately. Remember, you did not cause their feelings. What you said triggers a thought in their mind, and it is that thought that triggers the feelings.

You can guess what they are thinking from their feelings. Regardless of the response, you want to cultivate an attitude of "curiosity. " It is not going to do anyone any good if you start getting triggered by the response!

Step 2: If they respond with hurt, embarrassment or surprise, then your problem is mostly solved, and I would make a direct request: "I would really appreciate it if you could take a shower before coming into work tomorrow. " Step 3: If they respond with anger, then you know they were triggered by your comment, and you can say "I'm guessing you are feeling annoyed I said this. Are you feeling irritated because I should not have brought this up?

That it is impolite? Are you wanting choice in the matter? " What I am suggesting here is to give the person a little empathy.(See my Mahalo page on listening skills).

But then eventually after they have settled down, I would want to work in the question: "Wouldn't you want to know if you had body odor that was distressing others? " Most people would say yes. Then you can make a direct request: "Would you be willing to take a shower before coming into work tomorrow?

" At this point, if they do comply, then your problem is solved. Step 4: If not, then, you could brainstorm on possible strategies, some of which are mentioned above.In a work situation, as a last resort, the boss could give an ultimatum, if it is important. I've read one story where the ultimatum was that the worker would be fired.

The worker complied with the shower "demand." Another strategy is to move the worker to a new location. Or you will need to get used to the odor, like it is part of your job to work in a smelly environment.

Many people do, you know.It is your choice to have this kind of job. Duenhsiyen.

Soulja boy would Be like dude you stink take a bath.

Just say you feel uncomfortable near him because he smells a little and let him use deo, might be harsh but said correct can be very effective.

You can go to work with a gas mask which is used in bacteriological war. You go and stand in front of him looking at him directly for a while. I imagine that he will suspect something!

No, it is a joke. The best is to identify his intimate friend and ask him to talk, in private, with the skunk man. Leoleonard.

If you are really concerned about confrontation, or being uncomfortable around your coworker after you tell him, you could send him an anonymous email. Just sign up for a free email account with yahoo/gmail/hotmail/etc and let him know. I would still be EXTREMELY nice and polite about it, since it is an awkward situation, and even if he doesn't know who sent the note, he knows it is somebody from work!

Hope this helps.

Leave an anonymous note on their keyboard saying: Lon, Forgive the awkwardness of this anonymous note. However, I felt compelled to let you know that you frequently have a body oder issue. Again, sorry for the anonymous nature of this but I know you would want to know.

Best, Your co-worker.

What I would do is very simple, Buy some new or exotic deodorant and challenge everyone of your co-workers to try it. My uncle had this same problem with a guy in his shop, he told his co-worker straight out he had offensive odor. "DUDE!

, you stink! " I would take either approach. (Depending on the situation) If you tell your co-worker quick & straight out they might actually be less offended.

On the other hand I think this approach personally is allot more "aesthetic". Good Luck! @XDS PS: I recommend challenging your co-worker to try tiger claw menthol body rub.It works great as a Deodorant, and you can't get much more exotic than that.!

This is a tough one! Well I know its probably going to be hard telling him that he smells. It may hurt his feeling but explain to him without him getting offended.

Tell him that you would want somebody to tell him id you had body odor too. It could be due to his health issues that he has a body odor or simply because he doesn't shower. Either way you should give him ideas and tips on smelling good!

Buy him a nice deodarant as a present and write in a card, "Your overall image will improve if you use this; if not, its time to seek help.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.