How to politely tell someone they have BO?

Question

I work with a coworker who has legitimately the most pungent BO smell ever. It is extremely noticeable to customers and us coworkers. I was next to her for 6hrs today and legitimately got a headache from the odour. How do I potentially politely address this? If anyone has ever addressed this, please share advice, thank you!

Answer

I actually wouldn’t address it directly with the coworker, I would tell HR or a supervisor or manager & let them address it

Answer

You don’t? Idk it’s a very sensitive topic. Also FYI many people with odor actually shower twice a day but they have issues where their body still produces unpleasant odor. I actually worked with a gal like that. She was constantly washing herself in the work sink and using wipes and deodorant between showers but it was still so bad.

Answer

I would politely ask her if there’s anything that she needs, that you might be able to help her with pertaining to hygiene. let her know that you only ask out of care because you’ve noticed lately that she has a smell even if you might have been smelling it for a while just say the term “lately”. 
She may be struggling maybe she has kids at home and rent to pay so maybe she’s only had enough money to provide those things first and couldn’t afford hygiene products for herself , or maybe she is homeless and couldn’t take a shower or maybe she has no access to hot water or a shower or maybe she has depression that hinders her so badly she struggles to sense that she hasn’t showered or has a smell. What ever her reasons are be kind because you just never know what someone’s story or reason may be.

Answer

Tbh I’d just be direct. Pull her to the side and just be like “hey just so you know, I can smell you”. I’d want someone to tell me if everyone could smell me🥴

Answer

Unless you are a boss or HR you dont. You need to talk with a higher up about getting it addressed.

Answer

Are you friendly with your coworker? Not everyone is well versed in hygiene or has the means to shower daily or has access to deodorant. If you’re friendly and can be caring, kind and helpful, you may be able to bring it up but otherwise, please let your boss handle it. 
If you think it’s access- more people than you know are homeless or unable to shower daily- you could be helpful by asking if they need anything at all. A care package goes a long way. 
Please don’t be an asshole like some have suggested. Be kind and treat this person with respect and dignity. It’s shameful anyone would suggest anything else.

Answer

Hey you smell like shit. Take a shower.
Just kidding, just say hey do you smell that? Something really stinks and I'm not sure what it is but it's gross! Hopefully she gets the damn hint.

Answer

Maybe make a communal bathroom basket with spray deoderant, wipes, perfume and such.

Answer

I’ve been in this situation before with a work colleague and I told my manager and she handled it. 
From what I gather she handled it quite sensitively with the girl in question and I think she bought a deodorant and body wash for each member of staff so she didn’t feel singled out and we each was told a customer complained to head office about a staff members personal BO and she was unaware who it was but we all got a free deodorant and wash but secretly we all knew it was not the truth, the manager also bought a deodorant for the staff room along with mints ect… just incase she or anyone else needed it durring a shift which was a nice touch. Safe to say she never smelt again but looking back now she was young and a student and was riding her bike to work and had mentioned her washing machine was broke so I imagine she never washed her work top and just kept wearing it.

Answer

That happened to me when I first switched to natural deodorant and sometimes it happens if I’m wearing something like polyester and nylon. I can smell it, I’m sure she can smell it on herself too. No matter whoever tells her, she will feel incredibly embarrassed and sad.

How to politely tell someone they have BO?

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