On the nose: How to deal with a sensitive issue

Ros says there are “two paths you could take”, and the best one to choose really comes down to your relationship with the person whose body odour is causing problems.

“If you are friends or if they have a close friend within the office, this relationship could be leveraged. Make sure the conversation is private, and you are discreet. Use language that is respectful and shows that you are concerned about them.

“You could say something like, ‘I have been meaning to raise something with you that may be slightly awkward, but I thought it would be helpful if I did talk to you about it. I have noticed that you have a body odour issue. I am concerned that it may be impacting you at work.’”

By showing you’re interested in them, and how others might be treating (or avoiding) them at work because of their body odour, you’re making the conversation less accusatory. It may still be embarrassing, however, and Ros says you should be prepared for a range of possible responses, positive or negative.

“Make sure you listen to their response. If it is negative, show empathy by reinforcing that your reason for raising it was out of concern for them. Make sure you close the conversation by thanking them for listening to what you had to say. Also be prepared that this may impact your relationship with them moving forward.”

Ros says that if you don’t have a strong relationship with this person, you might consider a different approach.

“If there is no one who feels they could sufficiently deal with it on a personal level then you will need to raise it with your manager and the HR department if you have one. They should then have a discreet conversation with the individual and raise the matter more formally.

Ros says if they fail to address it, as was your experience previously, then you may need to find another, more senior person. Be persistent, but always act with empathy and understanding.

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