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Original poster

Coworkers perfume is too strong

29 replies

Soubriquet · 26/02/2021 09:54

There is someone I work with who seems to bathe in her perfume before she comes to work

It’s so strong that it’s setting off my hay fever. I get itchy nose, watery eyes and a pounding headache

I already take an antihistamine before I start work as the dust can set it off, but her perfume just makes it worse

She’s an MLM hun too so I’m guessing she’s hoping people will ask so they will buy it, though I’m sure she enjoys it too.

I avoid her as much as I can during my shift, which isn’t too difficult as it’s a big place, but sometimes I have no choice and then I’m left with a pounding headache

I don’t feel I can talk to her about her perfume as I feel that it’s not my place to tell her, but could I speak to my manager or is that just stupid too?

What else can I do to try and reduce my symptoms?

OP posts:

HeyDemonsItsYaGirl · 26/02/2021 11:01

Yes, talk to your manager. Talking to staff about personal hygiene and inappropriate clothes/scents is one of the most unpleasant duties of a manager, but sometimes it has to be done.

murbblurb · 26/02/2021 11:09

yes, go to manager. Just because it is spray on odour doesn't make it any less offensive than body-generated odour.

back in the day you would have been able to say 'didn't you wash this morning?' at stinkers like this.

peak2021 · 26/02/2021 11:30

I am sure your co-worker is unaware of the issues it causes you. Talk to your manager first.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

General health

FedUpAtHomeTroels · 26/02/2021 11:45

Yuck this would trigger migraines for me. Talk to your manager she needs to stop this.

FourTeaFallOut · 26/02/2021 11:48

Oh no, I couldn't be doing with that. It gives me shocking headaches. Hope you get it sorted, op.

Pantsomime · 26/02/2021 11:50

Manager or HR definitely or ask that you or she be moved - it’s preventing you from working effectively

EventuallyDeleted · 26/02/2021 11:53

Yes, I'd speak to the manager, strong perfumes can give me a splitting headache too.

partyatthepalace · 26/02/2021 11:55

Talk to your manager so they are aware. Then they may suggest it's best to talk to your co-worker direct, with them as back up if she doesn't respond.

partyatthepalace · 26/02/2021 11:56

.... but only if you want to of course....

Original poster

Soubriquet · 26/02/2021 12:00

Thank you. I’ll have a word tomorrow

OP posts:

GeorgiaGirl52 · 26/02/2021 12:30

Ask your coworker what the fragrance is. If she responds that she is MLM and can sell you some, say "Oh no. I don't want to buy any. I just wanted to know what it was so I can avoid it. It is making me nauseous and giving me headaches and hay fever."

MrsMoastyToasty · 26/02/2021 12:34

Report it to a manager. I've done it before when a colleague smelled of weed.

Original poster

Soubriquet · 26/02/2021 12:43

@GeorgiaGirl52

I don’t really want to do that...

We aren’t friends as such but we do talk.

I don’t want to start anything with anyone and would rather tolerate someone than start any agro

OP posts:

Jackie2022 · 26/02/2021 13:11

Do you have a diagnosed allergy OP? If so, this would be considered a reasonable adjustment to allow you to work. I have a fragrance allergy but luckily 99% of products don’t bother me, I always wonder how to approach this conversation if necessary though

Original poster

Soubriquet · 26/02/2021 13:31

No I don’t which is why I was wondering if it was ok for me to talk to my manager about it

OP posts:

murbblurb · 26/02/2021 13:33

She smells. She needs to smell less. Involve your manager.

If she has fallen for MLM she is not very bright so needs to be told.

Riapia · 26/02/2021 13:54

Yeah “Please sir, she smells sir. Tell her off sir.”

CandleWick4 · 26/02/2021 14:39

What’s an MLM hun?

murbblurb · 26/02/2021 14:54

Ah, the MN playground mentality.

If the other woman had a brain she would not need to be told that she stinks.

CatSickYellowSocks · 26/02/2021 15:06

I don’t think it’s unreasonable to let her know that it’s giving you a headache. You don’t have to say it in a nasty way, just more like Sorry Coworker I know you’ve got that new perfume that you really like but it’s actually giving me a migraine, I’m quite sensitive to things like that sometimes. Good luck!

Chipsahoy · 26/02/2021 15:14

Definitely say something. I’d stop wearing the scent if it were me and o knew it was bothering someone else. I’d be mortified to be making someone ill

Original poster

Soubriquet · 27/02/2021 09:31

So...I didn’t need to speak to manager as she came into with much less perfume on.

So if your name begins with an N and you was at work this morning, thank you!

OP posts:

EventuallyDeleted · 27/02/2021 09:32

Ah, that's good. Maybe someone else mentioned it.

MinnieJackson · 27/02/2021 10:41

Omg my aunt is the same. She gets through a bottle of perfume a WEEK! They are all just so so strong and they're expensive designer ones not Avon or anything. If she's been to our house you can smell her perfume for about an hour after she's left and being in a car with her is really bad. I mentioned it to my mum and she said my aunt had an abusive relationship before she married my uncle. Her bf used to be vile and tell her she stunk. She never has, she's very glam and always well put together. They saw the ex bf in a cafe once and she froze then took her perfume out and sprayed even more, then got angry at herself for doing it
I think you should mention it to your manager, I'm sure they'll be very kind and as tactful as if she had B.O. or awful breath etc

MinnieJackson · 27/02/2021 10:43

Sorry I missed your last update! That's good

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