Body odor in the workplace

Eventually, every manager is confronted with a complaint about an employee’s body odor. There is no human resource problem that is more difficult or causes the manager greater discomfort and embarrassment to resolve. For the sake of the team, however, the problem must be addressed head-on and a solution identified.

When you have a malodorous employee, keep the following points in mind:

Meet with the worker personally to confirm that the problem actually exists. Sometimes employees will use body odor as the basis of a prank or practical joke to embarrass the worker or the supervisor. By meeting personally with the employee, you can ensure there is substance to the complaint.

Address the problem directly and confidentially with the offending employee. Treat the body odor as you would any other performance problem. With sensitivity, tell the person that his body odor is impacting others’ ability to work with him. His job is not at risk, but he must resolve the problem.

Offer appropriate help. Suggest that the employee shower, see a doctor, bring a change of clothing, etc.

Recognize the legal implications of the problem. Making assumptions or inquiring about the cause of the odor is entirely inappropriate. To avoid ADA problems, do not discuss medical issues related to the condition with the employee. If the employee volunteers information, you may be required to provide reasonable accommodation. Never suggest that the employee change his diet. This may result in a discrimination claim based on ethnic origin.

Protect the offending employee. Ensure that other employees are neither harassing nor ostracizing the malodorous worker. If co-workers behave inappropriately, bring it to their attention and put the bad behavior to a stop using discipline if necessary.

The BAI Leadership Imperatives program makes good leaders great!

The typical manager expends 40-60% of his or her time dealing with employee-related issues that are often distractions from core business activities. By mastering advanced leadership and management principles, the time spent dealing with employee problems and concerns can be cut in half. Leadership Imperatives is a two day seminar that identifies those issues and skills that help participants move from being good leaders and managers to great ones and utilize their time and resources to more successfully influence the organization’s financial success.

To learn more about this and other BAI services and workshops, call us today at 801.444.9919.