How do you politely tell someone that they "smell bad"?

I have this co-worker that for the most part has a bit of a B.O. problem which I believe she is not aware of. Many of us have brought it up to the management team and they too have to be careful as to how to tell her (HR reasonings). So how would you tell someone that they smell without offending the person in question?

Asked by Twilight 43 months ago Similar questions: politely smell Entertainment > Humor.

Honestly and With Understanding. I have told people in the past and my roommates have told me at times in the past to hit the showers! I would be honest.

I would say to this person, "listen, I am telling you this because if the situation was reversed, and if it ever is, I would want someone to tell me. I think you should know that you have a bit of a body odor problem, and since I went through a phase in college in high school where I had to be hypervigalent about that sort of thing myself, I understand it can be difficult. If you like, I can share the names of some products and strategies that have well for me and people I know."

But keep in mind that this person may be aware of the issue or might have a condition that makes BO difficult to control-- there are a number of things that can cause that-- overactive sweat glands, hormonal problems, illnesses, etc. Certain allergies or dermatological issues and lifestyle choices might make this person's quest for effective products more difficult. So continue to be friendly. Put a small, non stinky air freshener (after all smell can go two ways) at your desk if you need to and just say it helps your mood.

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Very carefully. This is a job for either the person's manager, or (better yet), the person's closest friend in the office. Something like this really ought to come from a non-threatening source if possible; this helps to make it seem less like a chastisement than an act of concern.

If you're not the coworker that's closest to the person, then say something to the one who is. "We're concerned about Mary; we all like her and don't want to see her in trouble over this. You're closest to her; what would you suggest our next step be?

" If the person really is Mary's friend, he'll see that this information will be less harsh coming from him. Even if he flat refuses to be involved in the actual conversation, he might have some insight as to how to approach the topic with Mary - or he might even know what the reasons are! I pulled this off the Emily Post website: Surveys we have conducted overwhelmingly indicate that if a person has body odor or bad breath, that person wants to be told about it.

They want to hear it from a friend rather than an acquaintance or a fellow office worker or a boss. The key is for the friend to talk to the person privately, perhaps starting by saying if the roles were reversed he/she would hope the person would say something to them. Keep things positive, and remember that this will most likely come as a surprise to the individual—they will most likely be sensitive about the topic, though hopefully thankful that you've brought it to their attention.

I happen to agree with this advice - if I were the stinky one, I would want to be told. As gently as possible. I would really prefer to hear it from another coworker rather than management, since coming from management, it seems like an official scolding.

If I were unaware of the problem (which is very possible) or unsure of how to fix it (assuming it's not a hygiene issue), I'd rather find out from someone I know is just telling me out of concern for my health rather than finding out that a bunch of my coworkers complained to HR about my stink! If you're the lucky winner who ends up saying something, I'd approach it forthrightly and kindly: "Mary, I really don't want to embarrass you, but I feel like ought to say something since I hope you would say something to me. I've noticed that you have a body odor, and while I know that it has nothing to do with your hygiene habits, I'm concerned that someone who doesn't know you as well as I do might come to the wrong conclusion.

" If she seems surprised, be quick to jump in with the fact that there can be medical causes for body odor (they're rare, but you don't have to know that) and suggest she see a doctor since you would hate to find out that it's a symptom of a more serious problem. Do lots of kind smiling and laughing, and be ready with an embarrassing story about yourself so that she doesn't feel so singled out. If that doesn't work, it's out of your hands and management really will have to step in.

But if you approach it with some gentle words and are quick to assure her that you don't blame her (whether you secretly do or not), you may be able to make her aware of the problem without it turning into a disciplinary thing. Good luck!.

Very difficult thing to do. Could you try bringing the conversation around to deodorants and perfumes at some point? I suppose there is no tactful way of approaching this and it is awful to work with someone who has this problem.

I can't see why people are like this when we all wash/shower and wash our clothes frequently these days. People say you can't smell yourself, so perhaps that's right - but I won't put it to the test! Good luck with your endeavours to resolve the problem..

This is quite touchy and need to be done quietly with no one else around eg. " Sara, I want to talk with you about something and I hope you won't be offended by it. I have noticied you have some body odor and I wanted to let you know . I hope this is something you would tell me as I would certainly appericiate it.

You know we gals have to stick together, some personal hygiene items work better for me than others. " Well anyway I worked with women for several yrs. And this is the way I handled it, it just seems better to go to the person than to bring it up with everyone else.

Good Luck .

Anonymous letter Since it seems that nowadays there are so many problems speaking directly,I'll send her a very polite anonymous letter in which I'll explain her the problemand I'll also suggest her some solutions. I'll stress the fact that management has already been contacted by several (unnamed) co-workersand that the situation is so tough that can lead to further developments. Once you are sure (thanks to the anonymous letter) that she is aware of the problem(to be very optimistic one can imagine she is do not perceive odors so she is not aware of the problem) then you can judge her reactions.

If she cope, well. Otherwise it is time to make all public and start with V for Vendetta. In any case you must forget at all the risk of offending her.

You MUST offend her. There is not a polite way to say to a stranger "you smell like the vomit of a cockroach". If, after all, she is a nice person she will appreciate that somebody has let her know of the problem.

The anonymous form will save you from unwanted confrontation. If she is not a nice person, the only hope is that the shame will lead her to more hygiene.

If you are a man, and you are charged with the responsibility of telling a woman in your office that she has a body odor, forget it. There is no right way to do it, no way to escape being ripped to shreds about your sexist mindset, no way to do it, period. And if you are a gay male, that's even worse, because then of course you get hit with accusations of not knowing "what a real woman smells like," etc.It is a no-win situation.

Let someone else take care of it if you can possibly escape, if you want to keep your masculine bits intact.

Give it a try...." "How do you tell your friend politely: PLZ LEAVE! I HAVE TO STUDY FOR MY EXAM! " "How do you tell someone, kindly, and politely, they are immature and/or need to grow up?

Has anyone been "labeled" as a idiot to put politely by their last employer.

How do you tell your friend politely: PLZ LEAVE! I HAVE TO STUDY FOR MY EXAM!

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