The human body has a powerful sense of smell.An unpleasant smell can be offensive and make it hard for people to concentrate, while a pleasant aroma can lift one's mood.Body odor is the smell that comes from one's own body, which some people find unpleasant.A person using too much perfume or cologne can cause offensive odor.People don't realize when their smell is offensive to other people, and it can be a very sensitive topic to discuss.Since a coworker's smell can disrupt your work productivity, it is important to know how to work with someone who isn't offensive.
Step 1: Pretend that you have a body odor.
If you act like you have this problem yourself, you can bring this issue up with the person.If the person is not someone you are very close with, this is a great way to bring up the subject of body odor.Bringing it up in a way that makes them think about their own smells will make them realize that they are a little stinky.Try saying something like, "I am so sorry if I smell a little, I went for a run during lunch and didn't have time to apply deodorant."It's making me sweat, and I feel like I'm a bit smelly.
Step 2: Don't let the situation get to you.
A non-confrontational way to bring up offensive odor with a person is to couch your opinion in statements that put the blame on you, not them.It can be difficult to tell a person that you have allergies or are sensitive to smells, but sometimes it's easier to say you do.You can plant a seed in their head if you want to know if they have an offensive odor.Say something like: "What type of perfume are you wearing?" to distract yourself from the issue.I have a sensitive nose and can only use a small amount of perfume.One spray makes me sneeze.
Step 3: You can decorate your work space with pleasant smelling items.
If your workplace allows you to bring in scented candles or air fresheners, try keeping them at your desk to see if they help with the smell.Even if you can't light the candle due to safety reasons, an unlit candle will still give off a lot of scent.If these aren't allowed, try putting a flowerpot or potpourri at your desk to refresh the air around you.New scented decorations will help mask bad odors and could even hint to the person that the air is in need of refreshing.If they ask, you can say, "I feel like it just sort of smells in the office lately, so I thought I would perk my area up."
Step 4: Good hygiene when you are with them.
It is possible to subtly remind a person of their good hygiene habits.Maybe they are stinky because of a medical issue, cultural difference, or lack of awareness.If you are practicing good hygiene in front of them, it will be a sign that your hygiene habits are different.If you notice that you and other people have hygiene habits that are different from their own, this could cause them to change their habits.It's a good idea to show them good habits by talking about how you always have a toothbrush and toothpaste in your desk.Say, "You have to try this, it smells so good!" and give them the product.After a meal, offer them scented hand sanitizer or lotion, saying, "I just hate when my hands smell like onions all day!"
Step 5: Don't spend a lot of time with them.
You don't want to confront them about the person's odor, so try to avoid them as much as possible.This is only an option if the person does not work in your immediate location or you don't have to see them often throughout the day; otherwise, avoiding them will come across as rude and even damage your reputation in the office.If you can avoid them without an issue, this is a good way to get rid of their body odor.
Step 6: Gossiping about the coworker's body odor is not recommended.
You may feel an urge to vent your frustration when you have to deal with something that invades your senses.If you are going to speak with them directly, try not to bring the problem up with other people.Gossiping about the problem could make you seem cruel to your coworkers.Since office gossip tends to travel fast, the offending coworker could hear that you were speaking unkindly about them, and any attempt to speak with them about the issue later will seem disingenuous.
Step 7: Take into account how close you are to the person.
The closer you are to the person the more direct you should be.Being direct about a personal matter like body odor is inappropriate if the person is a superior or a client.Drop hints first or go straight to Human Resources to help you in this instance.It would be appropriate for you to tell them directly if they are not a superior or client.
Step 8: You can talk to the person about their smell.
Bringing up bad body odor to a person will be uncomfortable, no matter how nice you say it is.Waiting to talk to them in a private setting is important because the person will most likely be embarrassed.It makes you seem respectful, and it creates a space for the person to explain their smell.Maybe they have a medical issue that requires a colostomy bag.To start a private conversation, invite your colleague out for coffee or lunch to get away from the office.It's a good idea to take a walk with the person after a long meeting.Pull the person aside where others cannot hear if you can't talk to them in complete privacy.Don't draw attention to yourselves if you pull them aside subtly.
Step 9: Let them know how you feel.
There is a difference between being direct and being sensitive.If you want to be direct without being mean, you need to avoid teasing or using judgmental language.Get to the point quickly if you prolong the conversation with a long explanation.It is best not to tell them that other people in the office are talking about their odor unless you have talked about it before.I hope I don't offend you, I want to discuss something that's awkward.Since this is the kind of thing people don't realize about themselves, I wanted to bring it to your attention.I wanted to meet with you one-on-one in order to let you know that I have something to tell you.You may not know it, but you have a body odor problem.
Step 10: The discussion needs to end on a positive note.
You will both feel a little awkward and embarrassed after discussing the issue.You don't want to let this unpleasant interaction linger on if you work with this person.If you ever need it, invite them to do the same, as long as you are happy with the conversation.Buying a desk fan to combat the office heat is one of the ways you can help fix the problem.
Step 11: An anonymous note can be left.
Leave an anonymous note on the person's desk if you are afraid to tell them.The person might be distracted from the real issue if they try to figure out who sent the note in the first place.Don't write the note in a language or handwriting that could give you away.Place the note somewhere that no one else could find it, as this will make the person look bad.
Step 12: They should be given a fresh kit.
Leaving a kit with some refreshing products is a great way to let someone know you have a body odor.It seems more like a gift than a mandate if you put things in a caddy or gift box.The fresh kit can be left in their gym locker, on their desk or somewhere private where they can find it.
Step 13: You can send an anonymous email.
Bad body odor is a common problem in office settings and there are many sites that send someone an anonymous email for you.By filling out a few fields, the sites send an email explaining to the person that they have body odor, and some sites include tips for managing it.This is a great way to let the person know about the problem so that they can treat it.Try one of these websites: http://www.smell-well.net/us/odor-issue
Step 14: Speak to the Human Resources department.
If the offending person is your superior or you have tried other methods of telling them without success, you should go to the HR department.The HR department will handle the body odor in a way that appeases both of you, whether it's due to a medical condition or the coworker is unwilling to do anything about it.Maybe another discussion from a third party will let the person know that things they have an odor issue with, or maybe HR will move you to a desk further away from them.HR will help to resolve the issue delicately so that no one feels uncomfortable at work.