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Original poster

New workmate smells awful

111 replies

newfluffybag · 15/11/2024 20:40

I have name changed for this. We work in a small office. A new person has started and she smells awful. It is a mixture of sweat and unclean clothes. She is only young, in her 30s. She looks fine but the scent is really bad and gets worse the more the day goes on. We don't share an office but I can smell her when I pass by her office and if she comes into my office she leaves a lingering smell. Most of us have noticed. I have mentioned to the boss but nothing has been done. No HR department. Another problem is that I have migraines which are sometimes triggered by scent. This happened a couple of weeks ago, minutes after she wafted past me I got a migraine. What can we do?

OP posts:
5475878237NC · 15/11/2024 21:34

I have worked with many menopausal women whose previous long-standing method of antiperspirant/deodorant etc no longer works due to hormonal changes. Your manager should gently suggest she see her GP.

KimberleyClark · 15/11/2024 21:30

rockingbird · 15/11/2024 20:50

I once worked with someone who smelt absolutely disgusting. A fishy damp odour that got worse as the week went on.. honestly that's all I remember of her - frigging vile. Me and many others mentioned it over time.. then one day she suddenly vanished 🤷🏼‍♀️

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/trimethylaminuria/

nhs.uk

Trimethylaminuria ('fish odour syndrome')

Read more about trimethylaminuria which is an uncommon genetic disorder that causes a strong body odour, usually described as like rotting fish, poo or rubbish.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/trimethylaminuria

SoNiceToComeHomeTo · 15/11/2024 21:23

HR or a sympathetic woman from another part of the organisation, in a more senior position, would be the best person to speak to her, especially if her boss is man. There are ways of approaching the problem sympathetically and supportively. She may be ill without even realising if the smell is strange and strong.

RickiRaccoon · 15/11/2024 21:20

Normally a manager or HR would have to tell the employee that the smell is affecting their and others' work. I don't think it's anyone else's place and might be construed as bullying, depending how it's done. Approach your boss again with specific ways in which it's affecting your work. Others might have to as well. Be careful talking to others that it's discussed in a professional manner to deal with the problem as it affects your ability to work.

another1bitestheduck · 15/11/2024 21:15

MidLifeWoman · 15/11/2024 20:46

As unpleasant as it is, your boss needs to step up and have a conversation with your colleague.

this. the whole point of a manager is to manage. if you mention something it could be taken as bullying.

It might be she can't help it - there are some diseases that make you smell bad, but usually it's a very specific odour e.g. fish - if it smells like sweat and unclean clothes it probably is that, and could be that she doesn't notice it herself, if her whole house is similar. If she's in full time employment she should be able to afford to wash daily (even if 'just' a strip wash or a very quick shower), and buy a cheap dryer and some freshener.

FlutePlayer · 15/11/2024 20:50

Squirt some febreze around in her presence

John Witherspoon Fart GIF
rockingbird · 15/11/2024 20:50

I once worked with someone who smelt absolutely disgusting. A fishy damp odour that got worse as the week went on.. honestly that's all I remember of her - frigging vile. Me and many others mentioned it over time.. then one day she suddenly vanished 🤷🏼‍♀️

bifurCAT · 15/11/2024 20:48

What realistically can be done? It could be that she's really hard up at the moment and can't wash her clothes properly, or has bad ventilation problems at her place... how could a manager help with that?

I don't know, just thinking out loud.

MidLifeWoman · 15/11/2024 20:46

As unpleasant as it is, your boss needs to step up and have a conversation with your colleague.

Sportacus17 · 15/11/2024 20:43

I have mentioned to the boss but nothing has been done

mention it again. Multiple people. In private.

TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 15/11/2024 20:42

Buy her a basket of hygiene goodies for Christmas?

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