Can I tell a woman who works on my floor her perfume is too strong?

Question

I work in a large office building. Recently a new woman started on my floor (for another company) who is apparently unable to smell herself. She goes in to the bathroom at the beginning of the day and sprays herself down with this cheapo body spray. I think she does this more than once a day as the smell sometimes get stronger later in day. The smell is so strong in fact that the bathroom stinks for the entire day and then the hallway begins to smell too, very very strong. If I open the office door the smell wafts in. I think she must be a smoker and sprays that stuff to cover the smoke smell. It gets in my clothes and hair and I am working on a headache for the second day in a row. Is there some way I can tell this woman to spray herself outside before she comes in or spray WAY less of it?

I have begun going downstairs to use the bathroom but I still have to walk through the hallway and it is excrutiating. Do you think I should email the buildings office and ask them what to do, leave a note

taped to the bathroom mirror, or just leave it alone...I've made several remarks as she walks by about the smell in the hallway, saying things like, "Jesus Christ what is that smell," as I hold my sweater over my face...what else can I do?

Answer 1

If you work in a managed building, contact the building management and they can issue a memo to all tenants about allergies/sensitivities. I get migraines from scents as well, so I really, really empathize with you.

If she's a heavy smoker, her sense of smell is likely diminished - she probably doesn't know that she absolutely reeks. You can try tactfully talking to her and mentioning that you're sorry, but her perfume is a migraine trigger, but I'd go the building management route first.  

Answer 2

Just mention it to the supervisor if you don't feel comfortable telling her yourself, plus you may or may not offend her as she probably don't realize how strong it is to others. I would say stay as professional while at work as much as possible, no sense in creating a negative environment ...

Answer 3

You have to talk to her as a friend; "I don't want to hurt your feelings, but you're using waaaay too much perfume, and it's gagging us!  You can use as much as you like at home, but at work we all have to coexist, so could you please take it easy on your coworkers?  If she doesn't take the hint, have a word with her boss.

Answer 4

Best thing to start with is posting a sign in the bathroom that says "I use this bathroom too and I am very sensitive to fragrance so please refrain from spraying perfumes or body sprays in this rest room"   Hmm or tell her that her perfume triggers your asthma...

Answer 5

For starters I think you could be a little less rude. Holding your sweater over your face is not going to get you anywhere. You will end up with a reputation that you do not want. I do understand your problem. The best thing to do is to speak to your manager and let him handle the situation. That way there will be less of a chance of hard feelings.