Can you tell a coworker they smell?

“Explain you have a sensitive matter to discuss. I'd downplay the problem to help them feel less embarrassed. Be honest and kind but also be direct, don't try and tackle the problem by means of well intended hints. Ask them what may be causing the odour and how you can help.


Can you tell an employee they smell?

How To Tell An Employee They Smell: Ask to speak in private. Be direct (“I'm not sure if you're aware of this but you have a strong odor about you.”) Reserve judgment ( “I don't know if it's from your clothing or if it's a personal hygiene issue.”)

Is it appropriate to tell a coworker they smell good?

There's nothing wrong with complimenting someone on the way they smell, as long as there's no ulterior motive.


Is it rude to tell someone they smell?

Conversations about body odour should be private, Blais Comeau advises. “If it's somebody you're on good terms with, have the conversation,” she says, adding that a superior doesn't need to be involved. Other methods, such as an anonymous note left on a desk, may make the person feel attacked or isolated, she adds.

Is telling someone they smell harassment?

What is smell harassment? There is no formal definition of this term, at least where Merriam-Webster is concerned. However, it can be defined as a person—or group of people—who is offended by the way another person smells, particularly via a person's body odor or bad breath.


How Do You Tell An Employee They Smell?



What to do about a smelly coworker?

Be blunt and businesslike, but not offensive. Inform the employee that there are many reasons for bad body odor, such as infrequent bathing, wearing clothing too long between laundering and some medical conditions. Calmly state the facts, and let him know you'll expect him to take care of the problem.

Can you be fired for being smelly?

A wrongful discrimination suit could arise if the employee gets fired for their odor. It's also illegal to create a hostile work environment by being passive-aggressive. Never try to placate employees by being overt with air fresheners.

How do you address an employee body odor?

Tell your employee that you need to discuss a delicate topic that may make her uncomfortable. Make clear that you are on her side, and that the situation in no way reflects on her work performance. Be direct. You may have to practice finding a way to say “you are too smelly” diplomatically.


How do you tell someone they stink without telling them they stink?

Here's how to tell someone they smell without hurting their feelings:
  1. Ask a close friend to tell them. ...
  2. Talk politely and privately. ...
  3. Act like you are also smell bad. ...
  4. Tell them about discounts for hygiene products or perfume. ...
  5. Gift them some hygiene products. ...
  6. Don't make fun of them.


How do you anonymously tell someone they smell?

Modern technology may have a solution to this problem: a new website called Leak, which makes it super-simple to send anonymous emails. Just type in someone's email address and write a message. The recipient will never know who called him out on his foul mouth. This is what the person at the other end sees.

What should you not tell a coworker?

Don't let these simple little career-killing phrases pass your lips or you could lose some of those friends and hurt your professional reputation.
  • “We've always done it this way.” ...
  • “This will only take a second/minute.” ...
  • “That's not my job.” ...
  • “It's not fair.” ...
  • “I'll Try” ...
  • “I can't stand my boss.” ...
  • “You look tired today.


How do you talk to a coworker about hygiene?

Be tactful but direct.

Provide an explanation of the issue, treating the employee with respect. Use factual terms and avoid judgmental language. Cite your policy (if applicable) and describe how the body odor or poor hygiene is affecting the business.

What are the rules for smell?

The aim of the game, as you may have well have guessed, is to guess the smell correctly. Each Player has a score sheet and mystery whiff card. You than have to smell the card and guess what the smell is. Then when everyone is done, you pass your card on to the next player and then guess what that smell is too.

How do you tell a coworker their perfume is too strong?

Be Honest and Polite

In any tough conversation, it's best to employ “I” instead of “you” statements. Say something like, “I hope I don't offend you, but your cologne seems to be causing me to have bad headaches.” Be kind but don't sugarcoat it. Your goal is to convey the message that her cologne is too strong.


How do you deal with poor hygiene at work?

The best way to deal with personal hygiene issues at work is to politely and professionally raise the issue with the member of staff. Handle it discreetly, arranging a meeting with the employee. Before meeting the employee, ensure you have all the facts. Don't go off hearsay, gather your knowledge first-hand.

How do you tell a coworker he has body odor?

“Explain you have a sensitive matter to discuss. I'd downplay the problem to help them feel less embarrassed. Be honest and kind but also be direct, don't try and tackle the problem by means of well intended hints. Ask them what may be causing the odour and how you can help.

Should I tell my friend they smell?

Whether you've noticed a persistent whiff of body odour, or everyone you know is talking behind their back about how badly they reek, you owe it to your friend to clue them in. If you're confident you can let them know in a sensitive way you could volunteer to tell them yourself.


How do you tell someone they musty?

  1. Don't jump the gun. Nobody really wants to be the one to tell somebody they stink, so this advice shouldn't be too hard to follow. ...
  2. Pick a private place. ...
  3. Be clear. ...
  4. Let them respond. ...
  5. If you're the one who gets called out, it's totally fine to ask for some time. ...
  6. Put it in perspective.


What is odor discrimination?

Definition. This is the ability to detect differences between odors. This is measured in several ways, all of which involve presenting two different smells and having the participant judge whether they are the same or different.

What should HR do when an employee's body odor is affecting the workplace?

If there are no accommodations, the employer does not have to allow the employee to continue working in his/her current job if the problem is affecting business. However, the employer should consider reassigning the employee to a job that does not involve in-person contact if one is available.


Can a smell be toxic?

If a substance level in air is high, happens often, and last a long time, the odor can become toxic and cause adverse health effects. If those conditions do not exist, odors are generally not toxic. If you are sensitive to environmental odors, you may react to low concentrations of a substance in air.

Why does my co worker stink?

Hygiene problems may be caused for a variety of reasons, such as medical issues, cultural differences, mental health issues and personal problems. Employees should never assume anything about a person's condition, out of personal courtesy and to ensure they're not violating non-discrimination laws.

How do you outsmart a toxic coworker?

Dealing With Toxic Colleagues
  1. Learn About Them. ...
  2. Understand What is Going on With Them. ...
  3. Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms. ...
  4. Avoid Engaging with Them Unnecessarily. ...
  5. Try Talking It Out. ...
  6. Talk to Your Superiors About It.


How do you politely tell someone they have poor hygiene?

6 Ways to (Tactfully) Bring Up Personal Hygiene Issues
  1. Keep the scope of the problem small and the tone relaxed. ...
  2. Be very careful in your use of terms. ...
  3. Share your good intentions. ...
  4. Limit the scope of the problem. ...
  5. Keep the discussion private. ...
  6. If it's feasible, try to give the other person an out.