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Mike Filer
Member - 4 posts
How do I tell someone that I've had complaints about their personal hygiene? This person's body odour is very strong and unpleasant and as I've had complaints from staff, it's my job to deal with it. Of course I don't want to offend this person but I'm not sure the best way to approach it. Has anyone experience of this?
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James Fairchild
Member - 257 posts
Polite but firm, I would suggest.
Do be aware that there could be an underlying health issue, and ensure you avoid the possibility of a Disability Discrimination complaint.
Actually, if it were me, I*d get my mother to come to the office for the afternoon, and she'd make sure they sorted it.
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Craig Stuart
Member - 86 posts
Nice one James! My mother would be exactly the same. Seriously though, this is a delicate issue and one that crops up in every workplace. Interestingly you say Mike, that it's your job to deal with it. Why do you feel that this is the case? Surely it's in the interests of everyone to deal with it. Do they have a work coleague they particularly get on with you could speak to?
James is right - there may be an underlying medical problem, but that shouldn't deter anyone from challenging it. My advice would be to speak to the individual informally (in private) and begin by talking about general work issues, i.e. how are things etc. Then talk more personally, i.e. how are things at home etc and finally get around to the issue in hand. There could be a domestic problem that explains the situation.
Do your staff wear a uniform? If so, it may be easier to deal with. For example if the individual has an underlying medical problem, then spare uniform could be offered to allow for more changes per week.
Ultimately if none of these approaches prove fruitful, then during the discussion at some point you will have to be firm and refer to your duty of care towards the other staff members. I would not, however, say that you have had complaints from staff members as this could make the situation worse. This is where you come into your own as a manager.
I hope this helps!
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Mike Filer
Member - 4 posts
Thanks guys. I felt it was my job as I'm the manager of the department and I couldn't let anyone else take the repsonsibility and perhaps dealing with it incorrectly and causing froction. Anyway, I took the person for an informal coffee away from the office and explained the problem and talked them through it showing some empathy. Anyway (hopefully) all is well now.
thanks
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