What to do about a co-worker’s personal hygiene

QUESTION: An employee whose cubicle is next to “Tom’s” stopped by my office late this afternoon to tell me about a problem she has with him. To be blunt, she said he “smells.” According to her, he has suddenly developed an aversion to bathing. He also wears the same clothes every day. Obviously, I can’t let this continue. What should I do? “Tom’s” reviews are excellent and I don’t want to lose him.

Gillespie: If you haven’t already told the employee that brought the issue with “Tom” to your attention; let her know you will take care of the matter promptly. She shouldn’t say, or do, anything else about it herself.

You should also seek advice from someone such as a Human Resources manager who is familiar with handling what is one of the most difficult conversations to have (regardless of which side of the desk you are on). Why?

Having to talk to someone about their personal hygiene is always embarrassing for both the employer and their employee. So, don’t meet with “Tom” in his cubicle. Choose a place such as your office (if you can close the door) where nobody can hear what the two of you are talking about instead.

Now, if I were you, when “Tom” arrives for your meeting I would start the conversation by reminding him he is a valuable employee. His “reviews are excellent and [you] don’t want to lose him.”

Then take a deep breath and say this is going to be a little embarrassing for both of us, but I’ve noticed you have been wearing the same clothes for the last couple weeks and you don’t shower or take a bath anywhere near as often as you used to.

Is there something going on in your life that I can help you with?

Don’t try to rush an answer or start guessing what Tom’s problem might be. Instead, give him time to digest what you have said. After all, this is probably a question he wasn’t expecting you to ask and/or he is, for example, depressed and he hadn’t realized not taking care of himself the way he used to is a problem.

Last, but not least, if your company doesn’t have a policy on personal hygiene and grooming: speak to your boss about Human Resources adding one.

Judy Gillespie, CPRW, CPCC, CEIP, is a certified Career Coach and Résumé Writer in Melbourne, www.careeravenuesbyjudy.com.You may submit job and career questions for Judy to judy@careeravenuesbyjudy.com.