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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Colleague's hygiene

29 replies

Clairesafatgirlsname · 26/06/2014 23:36

I started a new job about a month ago, another woman (she's 20) started about a week after me. The job is retail, so lots of pulling cages around And shifting boxes, I've learned it's pretty heavy work, so keep deodorant in my bag for whenever I need it. The newer woman is lovely, but smells awful. It isn't bo, it smells a bit like old poo. Our supervisor is rubbish and not approachable, we're in the process of getting a new manager, but he's largely elsewhere. Not sure if I should talk to her directly (really don't want to) or go through our crappy management system. Btw we work in a Naafi so always the same customers, which is why I'm posting as I heard some lads mention a smell earlier. Would appreciate any advice, cheers.

OP posts:
PedlarsSpanner · 26/06/2014 23:38
Hmm
Original poster
Clairesafatgirlsname · 26/06/2014 23:40

Eh?

OP posts:
Fairylea · 26/06/2014 23:41

Perhaps she has a medical issue like ibs or crohns disease which might lead her to have smelly bowels or to "leak"? She might even have a colostomy bag perhaps sometimes they can be smell (not always however). Just trying to point out it might be something she doesn't have control over.

If it is a major issue for you I'd mention it to your manager who may know of any medical issues she might have and know whether to approach her or not. I wouldn't say anything directly to her. It could be very upsetting and embarrassing for her.

BobbyJones28 · 26/06/2014 23:42

I'm a TA in a primary school and there is a young boy that smeels like that in my class!! i feel bad for the boy

Original poster
Clairesafatgirlsname · 26/06/2014 23:49

I think you're right Fairylea, I really don't want to embarrass her. I'm worried our new manager may have no idea of medical issues as he doesn't officially work in our shop yet.everything is quite shoddy including our trainingATM (not well run at all) not sure who to bring it up with though as management is so crap, we really do have the same customers day in, day out. I don't want her upset by something they may say.

OP posts:
ConcreteElephant · 27/06/2014 08:12

Fairylea'speaks wisely.

I've nothing to add apart from I like your username. Great film.

comedycentral · 27/06/2014 08:30

Could you sort of moan about the work making you feel whiffy! Then spray yourself in front of her, maybe offer her some. She may not realise.

Onesleeptillwembley · 27/06/2014 08:31

A colleague smelled like that when having gastric problems and was severely constipated. A lot of it was their breath. It was very unpleasant but the poor thing couldn't help it, and was trying their best, coming to work, etc. your manager needs to deal with this.

PopcornFrenzy · 27/06/2014 08:57

I can see your problem and working with squaddies they won't be very tactile and she'll be known as the minger in the NAAFI which won't be very nice for her sadly.

wowfudge · 27/06/2014 09:15

I think you mean tactful Popcorn!

PopcornFrenzy · 27/06/2014 09:17

yep, that's what I mean either way they will take the piss mercilessly!

glasgowstevenagain · 27/06/2014 09:51

She could just be manky - and not wash or change clothes enough....

Old poo - sounds terrible

gotnotimeforthat · 27/06/2014 10:02

I would feel awful to learn that i smelt so bad my colleague had to go and get a manager to talk to me about it. I would find that so much more embarrassing than a kind quiet word in my ear.

CaptChaos · 27/06/2014 10:08

I second you talking to your manager. They might be ineffective, but if there are medical issues, they should be aware of them. You could probably go from the point of view that some of the more immature guys are starting to take the piss out of her and that the manager needs to have a word in order to help her.

If your manager won't help, is there a Naafi Max nearby where some more senior mangers hang out? The one in Sennelager for example? You might have more joy, if your direct manager can't help to take it up to HR and see if they can do anything.

CoffeeTea103 · 27/06/2014 10:09

I was on a course once with a lady who smelled so bad, she stank out the entire room Confused. It was so bad that the end of the first day, the coordinator had to mention to everyone that as we are working closely to each other can we be respectful of being hygienic. This lady did not catch that hint, the second day she spoke to her directly but privately. The third day, there was no smell! That lady was obviously not washing yuck. Some people just don't bother and it's all to do with hygiene.

mindthegap79 · 27/06/2014 10:10

What's a Naafi?

Greenandcabbagelooking · 27/06/2014 10:14

Shop selling British stuff for Army people stationed abroad Mind

PopcornFrenzy · 27/06/2014 10:21

Navy Army Air Force Institution basically a shop/facilities for forces personnel

bluebell345 · 27/06/2014 10:24

agree with comedy central. you could do that.
if she doesn't get it you can say 'oh it smells awful here, etc.'.
I find telling to manager first, quite behind her back job, that would upset her a lot, maybe more than you telling her yourself.

Original poster
Clairesafatgirlsname · 27/06/2014 10:32

Thank you for all the replies, I feel more confident about speaking to manager now. No Naafi max as there aren't any real Naafis in the UK anymore, most are owned by Sodexo Defence which is who we work for.

OP posts:
Chwaraeteg · 27/06/2014 12:46

Could you send her an anonymous letter, putting it as nicely as possible? Sounds like the management at your workplace arent up to much.tehere used to ba
E a boy who worked in Sainsbury near my work place who stank half of the shop out with B.O. I literally cannot believe he was allowed to continue working there because it was really off-putting for customers.

Nohootingchickenssleeping · 27/06/2014 13:02

Buy her a cheap shower gel gift set and have a gentle word. Ask her if she has access to a washing machine for her clothes. Don't start saying 'it smells whiffy in here' etc. If she has got a medical problem and she's already aware of a smell it could be seen as discrimination. If possible, get someone you trust to be a witness to what you're saying so you're not seen as bullying. It's a delicate issue and you have to tread carefully. I've been nominated to speak to staff occasionally at work as I can be good with peo

Nohootingchickenssleeping · 27/06/2014 13:03

(Sorry, hit send) -As I can be good with people. Good luck!

Onesleeptillwembley · 27/06/2014 13:36

Anonymous letter? Wtf is wrong with you?

TheCatsBollocks · 27/06/2014 13:44

I think by saying ' oh it smells awful in here ' won't help.

If she has a medical issue she can't help it.