Workplace Etiquette: Making Sense About Scents

We’ve talked about how to deal with employees with poor hygiene and unpleasant smells, but what about colleagues who spritz on cologne or perfume in the office?

Many nurses’ organizations view fragrances as a health hazard. As the Massachusetts Nurse Newsletter writes,

At present one in five people in the U.S. experience adverse health effects from fragrance exposure. These effects range from mild to serious with fatalities reported in a very small number of cases.

On the Job Accommodation Network, Elisabeth Simpson, MS, discusses obligations of the employer when it comes to workplace fragrances. Guidelines generally depend on the circumstances, including whether the employee with fragrance sensitivity is sufficiently incapacitated to trigger the Americans with Disabilities Act and who’s responsible for the fragrance (e.g., another employee or a machine necessary to the business).

Talking to an Employee About Hygiene Issues

Have you ever worked with a colleague who has poor hygiene, foul-smelling clothes, or bad breath? What if you are the person who needs to address the issue with the employee? Here are some helpful and practical steps you can take to handle this situation.

First things first! Consult with your manager. Hygiene issues should be brought to management’s attention and handled by management. If you are the manager, consult with HR and legal. Inform them of your intentions and get information about your company’s current policies and procedures as well as ADA information. HR will guide you on how to approach the situation, and the employee.

Next, familiarize yourself with some of the possible causes of body odor:

• Excessive perspiration
• Medical conditions such as diabetes
• Diet
• Environmental issues such as inadequate ventilation

Here’s how to address the issue: