How to Tell a Coworker They Smell Bad

Dealing with a smelly coworker can be unbearable.

Almost everyone has experienced the situation at some point in their careers of dealing with a coworker who smells awful. Working in a confined office space for hours on end can become impossible and migraine-inducing if you are dealing with a smelly coworker. In many instances, it can even be detrimental to your work productivity. Several tips can help you with confronting the offending party.

Instructions

1. Tell a higher-up at the office. It can be a good idea either to speak to your company's human resources (HR) department or directly to the offending person's supervisor or boss. Inform the higher-up that the person's body odor is making it difficult for you to concentrate in the office. If you are experiencing health-related problems as a result of the person's odor, such as migraine headaches, be sure to indicate that. Make sure to keep this conversation confidential.

2. Contact your colleague anonymously. You can go about this by using an email address that doesn't disclose your name. Keep the email polite and short. Another way in which you can do this is by using a website called "The Stench Informer," which does exactly that. However, this might not be the most sensitive and tactful means of getting the task accomplished, as you could risk hurting your smelly coworker's feelings.

3. Help the situation by making kind offers that may contribute to lessening his smell. Offer to purchase your coworker a herbal mint tea on your way out to lunch. If you are chewing gum, offer him a piece. It can also help you to chew a very minty gum in a flavor such as spearmint, as it might overpower your coworker's smell, resulting in it not being as disruptive to you anymore.

4. Be direct. Simply put, being direct and telling your coworker the problem might be the only option, especially in cases in which there are no higher-ups to inform. Exercise some sensitivity and do not make a joke about it. Also, be warned as the person might have some underlying medical condition that could cause the odor. Show some concern and never assume that the odor is simply caused by bad hygiene or laziness. Avoid being critical or judgmental. Also, make sure to conduct this conversation in a private space (or outside) where other coworkers are not able to overhear.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to use a plug-in air freshener, candle or room spray whenever possible, as it could minimize the odor that you are experiencing, thus reducing the need for confrontation.

References

• The Stench Informer
• Management Skill Training: How to Tell Someone They Smell Bad
• Peace FM Online: How Do You Tell Someone They Smell Bad?