Horrible coworker BO

[u/ChoiceTrifle959]

I have a coworker who does not believe in using deodorant. It’s worse because it’s construction so he’s constantly moving around and sweating and the smell is overwhelmingly pungent to put it mildly. He just came into my office and it took everything I had to not leave the room.

Does anyone have any experience in dealing with this? Is this an HR issue?

[u/Weak-Assignment5091]

First his boss/foreman and then HR. I doubt he works alone and I'm sure you aren't the only one who is subjected to it. We stick to enforcing an odour free environment, that means good and bad odours.

[u/shubhaprabhatam]

Tell him, "bro, you stink, I don't care how you deal with it, but deal with it". 

[u/Legitimate-Tea6613]

I'm in HR and sadly, yes, this is an issue for HR. Least comfortable conversation ever but necessary more often than you would think.

[u/Temporary-Log1284]

I had this issue and I just had that uncomfortable talk with him. I ride in a company vehicle with him everyday so I just said you can take this two ways. Disrespectful OR helpful. I was am just trying to be helpful and respectful. Told him how I felt even suggested tips. And he took it well. Crazy thing is it wasn’t the only person at this company that I’ve had to tell. I dont understand it though.

[u/bestkweenie]

had a staff member working in a Massage Therapy clinic that was just soooo absolutely smelly of BO that clients continued to complain and couldn't even last the treatment. wherever she would walk, the smell lingered. I'm talking gag-worthy. to this day it was still the most horrible BO I've ever smelled.

I had to take her into my office and gently explain that her body odour was affecting client experience and we've had feedback from clients and other staff. she was so embarrassed and even cried... I felt terrible... so awkward but I sent her home and asked her to ensure the issue was dealt with before her next shift.

she never smelled of BO a day after that.

[u/Wise_hollyman]

Have the crewchief/supervisor to have a chat with the person. Tell him how co workers feel

[u/Solid_Milk3104]

As a 25 year plus Manager I've had to have that conversation with warehouse employees on more than a few occasions.

I usually call them aside to a private office or location so they won't be embarrassed being overheard. I start the conversation something like: This is a conversation I don't like having because I know you are a hard worker and I always appreciate you working hard however I need your help with a sensitive situation. I've had complaints about your body odor and I need to see if you can work on it. Maybe shower in the morning if you shower the night before? You could also bring some extra deodorant and extra shirts and leave them in your locker in case you need to change it in the middle of the shift. Do you have any with you? I might offer to let them run down to the dollar store on their break and pick up some deodorant. If they can't afford it I will help them out or even give them a extra T-shirt I might have in our promotions closet. I try to be sensitive yet firm that a solution needs to take place.

I once found out that the employee was homeless and living out of his car. I let him use my guest pass at a local gym to shower, I then gave him a few bucks to hot to the laundry mat. Later we found a better solution where he crashed another workers house for a few weeks and became a paying roommate.

[u/Carsareghey]

It's a construction, right? Let's be real, the standard of decorum in such places is far lower than usual workplaces.

[u/ChoiceTrifle959 → u/Carsareghey]

I agree and I’m not naive to the fact that guys will get sweaty and smell. But there is a difference between sweaty stink at the end of the day and straight BO that emanates from a long time with no shower or deodorant

[u/DryFoundation2323]

We had a guy in my office environment that smelled pretty bad. He was a clerical worker so many of his co-workers including all of the people in surrounding cubicles were women. Their creative solution was to get those automated air freshener spritzers that occasionally shoot out some air freshener and point them all in the direction of his cube.

[u/Carsareghey → u/DryFoundation2323]

SMH, spending money because of one asshole.

[u/cinnamonsprinkles885]

I think it might be an HR issue actually. I would definitely mention it if it makes you feel the need to clear the room.

I feel bad for the guy if it isn’t a choice though. Some people have a reaction to deodorant and can’t wear it, but then you have to try other things or talk to a doctor.