When a smelly coworker makes office life unbearable, don’t try to play deodorant detective yourself. Our resident HR guru, Jane Harper advises taking the concern privately to HR or your manager, who can handle the conversation with discretion and compassion. That way, you protect your own comfort, your colleague’s dignity, and the team’s harmony. Send in your HR queries with the subject line ‘Ask JANE HARPER’ at info@thehrdigest.com.
A reader writes:
Dear Jane,
I sit next to a colleague who has a persistent body odor issue. It’s become difficult to focus on work, and honestly, I dread coming into the office because of it. I don’t want to embarrass them, but it’s affecting my productivity and even how others view our team. What’s the best way to handle this without being unkind?
Jane advises on how to handle a smelly coworker?
First, thank you for raising this, many employees struggle with how to handle sensitive situations like this, and it takes courage to admit the impact it’s having.
Here’s the golden rule: don’t take it upon yourself to address your coworker directly. Conversations about personal hygiene are inherently delicate, and if they come from a peer, they can easily be taken as personal criticism. That can damage your working relationship and create unnecessary tension.
Instead, the best step is to speak privately with your manager or HR representative. Explain the situation factually and without judgment, focus on how it’s affecting your ability to work. HR and managers know how to handle these conversations professionally and with discretion.
From the employer’s side, the goal is to address the matter compassionately. Sometimes body odor can stem from cultural differences, dietary changes, or even medical conditions. A thoughtful HR professional will approach the employee respectfully, in private, and frame the discussion in terms of workplace expectations and support.
You’re right to want to avoid embarrassment, and by going through the proper channels, you’re ensuring that your colleague gets the message in the most constructive way possible.
Remember: raising an issue like this isn’t about being unkind, it’s about creating a respectful, comfortable workplace for everyone.
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