Alerting someone at work to their body odor is a delicate matter, but it is important to protect them from further embarrassment, especially if you are in a management position.It's important to discuss the issue privately and respectfully, but also to help them address it.
Step 1: Imagine being in their place.
Put yourself in the shoes of the person at work who smells bad in order to get over your own scruples.If you had a body odor problem that concerned your coworkers, remind yourself that you would want to know.It's a good idea to imagine yourself in their place for the coming conversation.
Step 2: Privately talk with the person.
To avoid embarrassing them more than you need to, find a quiet place to start the discussion.You can pull them into your office if you are a manager.Pull them aside in the breakroom or another empty space if you are just a coworker.Ask the smelly person, "Can I talk to you?" or "Do you have a moment to talk?"
Step 3: Praise begins the conversation.
Praise will let the person know that you are not trying to be mean.You should be honest in your application of praise.Do not suggest that the person is not a good worker.Praise them with something else.The smelly person could be told, "You are a hard worker and a valuable member of this team."
Step 4: The person who smells should be disarmed.
You need to acknowledge that the conversation will be a bit uncomfortable, but it is necessary nonetheless.If you throw out the person who smells this way, you will show them that you sympathize with their position.Say, for instance, "This is a bit awkward, and I hope I don't offend you, but..."
Step 5: Be direct and honest.
The stinky person might think you are asking them to brush their teeth to solve their bad breath, if you leave vague comments abouthygiene.Don't be mean but be gentle to avoid confusion.You could say something like, "You seem to have a disagreeable odor these days," but never tell the worker that anyone else brought the issue to your attention.This will make them even more embarrassed.
Step 6: Do you know if they have a smell?
Find out if the person at work knows they smell bad after laying out the issue in explicit terms.Thank the person at work who admits that they have a medical condition that causes them to emit a bad scent.If they say it's due to a medical condition, you can say, "Oh, I'm so sorry I brought it up."Thanks for letting me know.I won't mention it again.
Step 7: Suggestions of possible causes and solutions.
People don't know when someone at work smells bad.They might not know how to correct the problem if they don't know it.Suggestions for how to deal with the problem can be offered.You could say that you just need to wash your clothes more often.Maybe you could try showering more often.
Step 8: Discuss the issue with your boss.
If someone at work does not take reasonable and appropriate steps to refresh themselves after you tell them they smell bad, you should report the issue to a superior.They will have more success with luck than you did.
Step 9: If it's necessary, apply pressure.
If the person at work who smells bad is combative or disagrees with you, insist that they come to work smelling fresh.Tell them that stinky workers reflect badly on the business and that failing to correct their foul odor could hurt their relationships with their coworkers.All workers are required to be fresh and clean at work.
Step 10: Go to a different location.
Change your desk or cubicle.If moving isn't an option, try to reduce the amount of time you spend near the colleague.Volunteer to take on a different set of responsibilities that will take you to different parts of your workspace.
Step 11: Candles or air fresheners can be used to cover the scent.
A good way to hide an odor is with scented candles.You can either use a pressurized air freshener that comes in an aerosol can or a plug-in that sprays in automatic, regular intervals.
Step 12: Set up a fan.
You can keep the air circulating by turning a fan toward you.Setting up a fan will make you feel better.