I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH A STINKY COWORKER PLEASE HELP?????????

Question

Ok she sits right by me all day and she has alot of dogs and really stinks nobody in the office will say anything i dont know what to do . there has got to be a nice way for someone to say something HELP..........

Answer 1

tell the person how you feel about her stink if that doesn't work just get some air freshener and spray it around yourself so the stink doesn't get near you

Answer 2

well if i were you i would probably tell her (nicely) that she smells a bit. if she doesn't like it well then i have no idea what to do. hopefuly you get better answers than mine.

Answer 3

You should approach your manager or supervisor and mention it to them discretely, they should be trained in handling these situations.  

Answer 4

This is a job for HR, not co-workers. Your manager is not much of a manager if he/she is afraid of this woman. You might suggest to your manager that everyone needs a copy of your handbook, or at least the portion that pertains to personal hygiene. If that doesn't do the trick, then the person in charge of personnel in your office should have a conference with the woman and tell her she needs to do something about the odor. Plain and simple.

Answer 5

I had this exact same problem.  This total jerk with whom I did not speak had this awful reeking odor.  Every time he'd walk by my desk, I'd spray some air freshener.  And then whenever I was forced to talk to him, I would walk in his cubicle and be like, "What is that smell?!"

But he was such a jerk that one time he started talking in my face and I fanned the air to get rid of the smell, and moron goes, "Oh, come on!"  As if I was making his odor up or something!  So then I started backing up every time he came near me.  I eventually told my boss, but I doubt she did anything because he still reeks.

Good luck!

Answer 6

Here's what I did when I was in this situation, I bought a bottle of perfume and while I was sitting by the stinker I pulled it out and sprayed it on my wrists and then pretended that I didn't care for it, I told the girl that my mom had given it to me because she didn't care for it and I said I didn't like it and I asked her if she did, she said she liked it and I said she could have it and from then on she didn't stink so bad.

You have to be nonchalant when trying to pull this off. Good luck

Answer 7

I would go to your boss and let them know your issue.  I am sure they are aware of it also, but once you say something, they need to act on it.  

Your other choice is to buy her some nice smelling lotion or body spray.  Or just talk to her about her favorite fragrance, etc. I know you shouldn't have to spend money to solve this, but it is an option.  

I would stick with going to your boss even your HR department.  Most companies have policies on how to take care of things like this. Good Luck.

Get some air freshener in the mean time.  

Answer 8

She might not even realize that she smells, and by someone telling her in a nice, respectful, caring way could most definitely help her and everyone around her out.

I'm sure that there must be someone there who has gained her trust or who is social w/ her, that is the person who should speak to her about it.

But it must be done in a caring manner, please don't sound disgusted or judgmental because that will really hurt this woman's already embarrassed feelings.

Not telling her is cruel.

If I smelled, I would want someone to tell me so I can fix the problem.

Answer 9

you have recourse.  first, report your feelings to your immediate supervisor, repeatedly if you don't see any action.  you may also get help from your human resources.  companies have steps to handle employee conduct or misconduct including personal hygiene.

meanwhile, keep air freshener handy. you may consider using a cup warmer as a means to use a scented candle (in glass). just remember to switch your warmer off or unplug it everyday.

Answer 10

is she a friend?  pull her aside and quietly explain that the smell of her dogs are getting to you.  she may be so used to the smell that she doesn't realize.  remember be professional about it.

Answer 11

It's the sort of thing that it's often in everyone's best interests to raise quietly person to person if the other person is a generally amenable and understanding sort.  But if you don't think this is a good idea then speak to your manager, in confidence, ie pass the buck.  Your working conditions are his/her concern, as much as yours.