How do I get my coworker to stop picking his nose?

[user1471867483]

He started working in our office August last year.

He's 40, picks his nose and rolls the 'offending article' in his fingers and doesn't wash his hands after. He does this about 7 times day and he's sat right next to me. I haven't the heart to tell him outright to stop, but I'd like to word it to him in a nice, gentle way as it affects me the most being sat next to him. I could tell my boss, but she'll just tell me to tell him myself.
He brings in biscuits to hand out, but yesterday, he dropped most of them on the floor and put them back in the packet and then handed them out to everyone.

Îd ask my manager if I could change seats.

I just wanted to thank you all once again for your great help. I'd just like to share the latest. He is now shelling 5 boiled quail eggs daily at his desk for lunch and, of course, leaves behind a stench and also it has to be me he's sat next to! I really, really think he does this to get a rise/for effect.

Again, thank you all so much for your advice and for making me laugh also 😉. I've had to 'tell him off' a few times with windows open next to me when it's been freezing outside. However when he is 'reprimanded' this way, he goes back to his old ways again, so really, there is just no telling him.

Ok - you've mentioned it to him on a number of occasions - time to bring in the big guns, a.k.a. Your Manager!

Have a word with your manager saying that you are now finding it impossible to work beside this particular staff member and you have tried to do something about it without having to involve your manager but now with the food and the smell, it's gone beyond a normal working environment and you would hope that said manager could have a word with the staff member.

If your manager said that food should be eaten in a break area or in a canteen might stop the egg issues. You still have the nose picking issue but I'd raise both with the manager and say that you don't know what else you can do but you'd really appreciate them doing something about it.

Good one!

As if this is a thing? What kind of company do you work for?!

🤢 Ask your manager to have a word and tell him not to do it. You shouldn't have to put up with that 🤢

Buy a pair of blinkers.

Yes, it’s often difficult to raise things like this, but it’s so OTT in this case that I’d not be worrying about the usual niceties.

Nor would I be making light of it or trying desperately to spare his feelings. This isn’t like someone having BO or bad breath and not being aware of it. It’s actively doing something bloody disgusting when someone else is sitting right there. As for tissues, no - if someone really has to pick their nose, they can do it in the toilet.

If it doesn’t work, I’d be demanding a desk move in your shoes. It’s not on to have to sit next to this all day.

Wonder what under his desk looks like 🤮

If it is me i would just say it rightaway when he does that. But if you dont want to say it in front of him just write an anonymous notes on his table