What can you do about a smelly coworker?

3 ways to address a smelly coworker

1. Develop a policy. This is more of a preventative measure.
2. Carve out time to speak in private.
3. Be direct, but tactful.
4. Don’t leave passive-aggressive hints.
5. Don’t be “The Messenger.”

Can you fire for body odor?

In general, firing someone for smelling bad is legal. Employees can be fired for smelling bad, because the employer doesn’t like the color of their shirt, or because the supervisor is in a bad mood. Should you tell a job candidate about her body odor?

How do you deal with an employee that smells?

How To Tell An Employee They Smell:

1. Ask to speak in private.
2. Be direct (“I’m not sure if you’re aware of this but you have a strong odor about you.”)
3. Reserve judgment ( “I don’t know if it’s from your clothing or if it’s a personal hygiene issue.”)
4. Open the conversation (“Are you aware of this issue?

How do you deal with co-workers who smell bad?

Bring up the odor as a personal observation, not something that other co-workers have reported. Be respectful and give the employee ample time to respond.

Should HR handle body odor in the workplace?

There are few HR jobs more daunting or awkward than confronting an employee about body odor. Leaving the task to his or her potentially less tactful colleagues might open the door to workplace bullying, so it’s your responsibility to address it directly.

Does your office smell pose a compliance risk?

Thankfully for you, this office smell is fraught with less compliance risks than the others. Actively encourage employees to step away from their desks and eat in the company break room or, weather permitting, at a nearby park.

Are your co-workers’ hygiene issues distracting you from your work?

If you’re struggling to get through the work because your co-worker’s hygiene issues are distracting, well, you’re going to have to find a good solution to it. After all, there’s no reason that you should let an annoying co-worker habit get in the way of you doing your best work. So, tell me on Twitter: What is your most frustrating office issue?