How do you tell an employee they smell without making it awkward? (2023)

How do you tell someone they smell without being mean?

How do you tell an employee 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 tell an employee about their 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 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.

Is it rude to tell someone they have body odor?

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.

How do you tell an employee to wear less perfume?

Give examples of how to courteously ask someone to avoid fragrance use. Example: "I'm sorry to ask you this, but I'm really sensitive to scents, and I think I'm reacting to something you're wearing. I'd really appreciate it if you could avoid using that perfume at work."

What is the fragrance policy in the workplace?

Scented personal products (such as fragrances, colognes, lotions and powders) that are perceptible to others should not be worn by employees. Other scented products (candles, potpourri and similar items) are also not permitted in the workplace.

How do you handle perfume in the workplace?

Reduce exposure to scented products by asking employees to be conscious of their choice of products (opt for non-scented) and to refrain from wearing fragrances and colognes to the workplace. Move the employee's workstation away from co-workers who use heavily scented products, fragrances, etc.

How do you politely tell someone they have poor hygiene?

How do you address body odor?

How do you remind staff to maintain cleanliness?

How do you tell someone that breath stank?

Offering your friend some chewing gum or a breath mint is a casual way of approaching the situation. With this approach, you're not singling them out or making them feel awkward in any way. You may want to consider the fact that your friend may already be aware of the issue and might be relieved to have the offer.

Can you refuse to work with someone who smells?

The short answer is yes you can sack someone for smelling. But, there are some sensible precautions you can take as an employer to avoid looking unreasonable. Talk to your employee first before you do anything.

Is telling someone they smell good weird?

If you just want to compliment someone on their smell, frame it in such a way that they know it's not all that deep and you really just mean that they smell good and there's nothing more to it. There's nothing wrong with complimenting someone on the way they smell, as long as there's no ulterior motive.

How do you tell your coworker she smells?

Can an employee be fired for body odor?

Body odor may be caused by a medical condition, poor hygiene or a specific diet, to name a few options. If the issue is not addressed appropriately, it may run afoul of the Americans with Disabilities Act or lead to claims of discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

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?

I don't consider it rude to tell someone they stink unless you do it for others to hear, and not privately. Most people will be embarrassed to know they smell, so be as discrete as you can.

How do you address 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.

How do you say stinky person?

Some common synonyms of stinking are fetid, fusty, malodorous, musty, noisome, putrid, and rank. While all these words mean "bad-smelling," stinking and fetid suggest the foul or disgusting.