Discussion
Hi,
I have a quick question for you guys that work in HR.
My OH manages a small team, a new girl started last week. New girl’s work is up to scratch but she really stinks like stale sweat. So much so that others have commented - including a more senior manager that has asked her to sort it out.
The OH isn't sure how to approach the subject, especially as new girl is a little foreign looking and mid 20s.
What’s the best way to approach it?
“Holy f
k, take a shower”
or
A personal chat about personal hygiene.
something jovial or deadly serious?
Thought i’d check with the infinite knowledge of PH before making a recommendation.
Any thoughts?
I have a quick question for you guys that work in HR.
My OH manages a small team, a new girl started last week. New girl’s work is up to scratch but she really stinks like stale sweat. So much so that others have commented - including a more senior manager that has asked her to sort it out.
The OH isn't sure how to approach the subject, especially as new girl is a little foreign looking and mid 20s.
What’s the best way to approach it?
“Holy f
k, take a shower”or
A personal chat about personal hygiene.
something jovial or deadly serious?
Thought i’d check with the infinite knowledge of PH before making a recommendation.
Any thoughts?
NotSoSure said:
What’s the best way to approach it?
Sensitive one. I'd pose it as How can we help you with your faint aroma problem ?
Is there possibly a medical problem we can help with, or
is it possibly the case that facilities at home aren't
working or otherwise unavailable ?
Glad to be able to discuss this and help, but this issue
needs solving for the team's benefit.
That should do it.
Do it on a Friday afternoon, preferably after everyone else has gone home. Ask the girl to stay back a bit for a "quick chat about how she's settling in". I say do it after work because if she's clued up at all she'll realise everyone else has noticed as well and might be a bit upset about walking back through the office feeling that everyone is judging her.
She needs to be upfront about the problem, but not in an arsey way. Since there could be a legitimate medical reason for it, she needs to be very careful. Definitely ask if there's anything that can be done to help (it may be something as simple as bad public transport scheduling meaning that she needs to run to catch a bus or train).
She needs to be upfront about the problem, but not in an arsey way. Since there could be a legitimate medical reason for it, she needs to be very careful. Definitely ask if there's anything that can be done to help (it may be something as simple as bad public transport scheduling meaning that she needs to run to catch a bus or train).
davepoth said:
Do it on a Friday afternoon, preferably after everyone else has gone home. Ask the girl to stay back a bit for a "quick chat about how she's settling in". I say do it after work because if she's clued up at all she'll realise everyone else has noticed as well and might be a bit upset about walking back through the office feeling that everyone is judging her.
She needs to be upfront about the problem, but not in an arsey way. Since there could be a legitimate medical reason for it, she needs to be very careful. Definitely ask if there's anything that can be done to help (it may be something as simple as bad public transport scheduling meaning that she needs to run to catch a bus or train).
What a fantastically worded post. This, this and THIS!She needs to be upfront about the problem, but not in an arsey way. Since there could be a legitimate medical reason for it, she needs to be very careful. Definitely ask if there's anything that can be done to help (it may be something as simple as bad public transport scheduling meaning that she needs to run to catch a bus or train).
I used to work in Welfare to work, helping people that have been on long term health related benefits back into work and this subject came up quite often where we would need to have a word with the person.
I would add that it might be better if you avoid saying 'someone else has mentioned it' - try and keep it like a trust thing, so its just between them two...?
dougc said:
Pass to HR.
Don't touch with a bargepole. Its a fking minefield if it goes wrong.
Don't touch with a bargepole. Its a f
king minefield if it goes wrong.
HR will pass it back; it's the manager's responsibility to manage their workforce. All they have to do is make sure the manager/supervisor handles it sensitively without causing undue upset or stress. Davepoth's post has a perfect solution.http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... help / advise needed ..Smelly worker
Lots of advice here too
Lots of advice here too
Thanks for your thoughts, I’ve past them onto the OH.
davepoth said:
Do it on a Friday afternoon, preferably after everyone else has gone home. Ask the girl to stay back a bit for a "quick chat about how she's settling in". I say do it after work because if she's clued up at all she'll realise everyone else has noticed as well and might be a bit upset about walking back through the office feeling that everyone is judging her.
She needs to be upfront about the problem, but not in an arsey way. Since there could be a legitimate medical reason for it, she needs to be very careful. Definitely ask if there's anything that can be done to help (it may be something as simple as bad public transport scheduling meaning that she needs to run to catch a bus or train).
Hadn't really thought there might be a medical reason for it, certainly something to bear in mind.She needs to be upfront about the problem, but not in an arsey way. Since there could be a legitimate medical reason for it, she needs to be very careful. Definitely ask if there's anything that can be done to help (it may be something as simple as bad public transport scheduling meaning that she needs to run to catch a bus or train).
dougc said:
Pass to HR.
Don't touch with a bargepole. Its a fking minefield if it goes wrong.
She’s already tried that. Now it’s come back down to her as line manager to sort it out, it’s not really something she wants to get it involved in.Don't touch with a bargepole. Its a f
king minefield if it goes wrong.silvagod said:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... help / advise needed ..Smelly worker
Lots of advice here too
Thanks, OH just read it. English isn't her first language, now I have to explain what a ‘minge’ is...Lots of advice here too
This strikes a cord with me, as we the exact same problem here. The office absolutely stinks, and its down to a young lady. The boss sent out a general email, actually, I'll paste it in...
To adhere with the instructions given by the Group Admin Department and also to ensure Treasury Finance floor is maintained in a hygienic manner, I request the staff to please adhere to the following :
1. Avoid eating at your desk, food which has odour.
2. To ensure by the end of day that the respective dustbin under each desk is cleared up from food stuff/ coffee cups.
3. Maintain clean desk policy (no papers on the desk) before you leave for the day.
4. Dress appropriately to maintain the office dress code and to maintain a good hygienic environment.
I think point 4 was trying to get the message accross, but today, it's still the same. It's got to the point where the person that sits next to her, makes an excuse to spend most of his day at another desk!
To adhere with the instructions given by the Group Admin Department and also to ensure Treasury Finance floor is maintained in a hygienic manner, I request the staff to please adhere to the following :
1. Avoid eating at your desk, food which has odour.
2. To ensure by the end of day that the respective dustbin under each desk is cleared up from food stuff/ coffee cups.
3. Maintain clean desk policy (no papers on the desk) before you leave for the day.
4. Dress appropriately to maintain the office dress code and to maintain a good hygienic environment.
I think point 4 was trying to get the message accross, but today, it's still the same. It's got to the point where the person that sits next to her, makes an excuse to spend most of his day at another desk!
I suffered from one of these. The problem was the individual had learning difficulties, so not only were they unaware there was a problem, they were also unaware that people appeared to stand off them a little; we presumed that was just something they'd got used to over time, so they didn't notice.
Worse still, because of the learning position, even company-wide memo's stipulating hygiene rules were avidly read (allowing the individual to be able to reference pretty much anything they'd read near photographically), they went unapplied, because the poor chap lacked the ability to apply information to himself.
It ain't always clear cut...
Worse still, because of the learning position, even company-wide memo's stipulating hygiene rules were avidly read (allowing the individual to be able to reference pretty much anything they'd read near photographically), they went unapplied, because the poor chap lacked the ability to apply information to himself.
It ain't always clear cut...
Chilli said:
This strikes a cord with me, as we the exact same problem here. The office absolutely stinks, and its down to a young lady. The boss sent out a general email, actually, I'll paste it in...
To adhere with the instructions given by the Group Admin Department and also to ensure Treasury Finance floor is maintained in a hygienic manner, I request the staff to please adhere to the following :
1. Avoid eating at your desk, food which has odour.
2. To ensure by the end of day that the respective dustbin under each desk is cleared up from food stuff/ coffee cups.
3. Maintain clean desk policy (no papers on the desk) before you leave for the day.
4. Dress appropriately to maintain the office dress code and to maintain a good hygienic environment.
I think point 4 was trying to get the message accross, but today, it's still the same. It's got to the point where the person that sits next to her, makes an excuse to spend most of his day at another desk!
Is English his 5th or 6th language?To adhere with the instructions given by the Group Admin Department and also to ensure Treasury Finance floor is maintained in a hygienic manner, I request the staff to please adhere to the following :
1. Avoid eating at your desk, food which has odour.
2. To ensure by the end of day that the respective dustbin under each desk is cleared up from food stuff/ coffee cups.
3. Maintain clean desk policy (no papers on the desk) before you leave for the day.
4. Dress appropriately to maintain the office dress code and to maintain a good hygienic environment.
I think point 4 was trying to get the message accross, but today, it's still the same. It's got to the point where the person that sits next to her, makes an excuse to spend most of his day at another desk!
i used to work with a smelly git who you couldn't get within 5ft of without heaving and he finaly got the hint after we waited for him to go to the toilet, pierced a hole in a can of deodorant and threw it in shouting GAS GAS GAS, then held the door closed for a few mins.
this was big ugly blokes in a factory and not an office bird so it might not go down the same way!
this was big ugly blokes in a factory and not an office bird so it might not go down the same way!
CurvaParabolica said:
dougc said:
Pass to HR.
Don't touch with a bargepole. Its a fking minefield if it goes wrong.
Don't touch with a bargepole. Its a f
king minefield if it goes wrong. HR will pass it back; it's the manager's responsibility to manage their workforce. All they have to do is make sure the manager/supervisor handles it sensitively without causing undue upset or stress. Davepoth's post has a perfect solution.Gassing Station | Jobs & Employment Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff