What's that smell?

Posted by Paym Bergson Feb 22, 2007

This week's article focused on questions for co-workers hygiene - what do you think about it?

These situations DO NOT just happen - you don't just wake up one morning and realize a co-worker has been smelling for over a month. While we all do have our "off" days (especially during hot summer months), it is important to realize when a situation is happening and let the person know. Gently taking the person aside and telling them there may be a problem - their suit or dress may need cleaning or that they may have forgotten to use a deodorant - is the most mature way to handle a delicate situation. Just be sure that IS the problem, and it is not a culture barrier. Many cultures use different spices or foods, and if you are not familiar with that spice or food, you might find that odour offensive and feel it is due to a hygiene problem.

I am aghast at the number of "tell your boss/co-worker they have body odour or bad breathe or just tell them off" anonymous web sites. These sites allow you to send a message to the offending person without the person really knowing who sent it. Problem is, they DO know it came from the office, as how did the message get sent to their office email. We tend to hide too much behind the curtains of something or someone else - refusing to take responsibility for our own actions - even if it means the effectiveness of our livelihoods - our jobs.

I would much rather know sooner than later about any offense I may be giving. That way I can deal with it - and realize those around me respect me enough to tell me openly, not behind my back.

Have you been in a similar situation? What did you do about it? How did you feel? Feel free to post your comments in the discussion area.

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Copyright February 22, 2007. Paym Bergson and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use of this material will constitute an infringement of copyright.