Delicate subject - smelly co-worker

[kittykitty]

I have a delicate issue that I'm not sure how to raise in the office. I have a work experience person working for me for the next four weeks. The problem is that there is a distinct whiff when she's sitting next to me. Do I just ignore it, put more perfume on and wait out the next month, or is there a way to solve this without being hurtful to the person involved?

How old, and what does she whiff of?

keep windows open, and get some of those airfresheners about the place. If that doesnt work. you will have to say something.

Young - and it's a sort of smelly trainer type smell. We're in a large open plan office miles from any windows, so I can't do that. What could I say?

I think if by young you mean under 16 then I think you just need to take her aside and just say

"listen, sorry if this is a bit embarassing for you, but I have noticed that your trainers are a bit smelly and it might be an idea to put them through the wash."

Smile and be lighthearted about it.

"Don't be embarassed, my niece (spurious other made up person you pretend to know) who is the same age as you is just the same - she bloody lives in her trainers, but it's not ideal in a small office like this.Now let's just forget we had this conversation - do you fancy a cup of tea?"

Bustle bustle back to work as normal.

Years ago I saw a training video about how to deal with a similar situation.

The advice was to take the person to one side and say that you wondered if there was a medical problem as you had become aware of body odour. Apparently you should emphasise that no-one else had noticed yet but you thought you should let her know (ie, minimising any embarrassment). Offer a practical solution if possible in case there really is a medical problem or difficulty in being able to keep clean (eg, poor accommodation)

I've never had to use that advice tbh but it sounds ok to me.

I know you're absolutely right - but I'm dreading having that 'talk'. It sounds so easy to talk about doing it, but I'm just useless at that sort of thing.

Are you this person's line manager? Are you the only person sharing sniff space with them?

I have had experience from both sides!
when I was younger I was spoken too about smelly feet by a colleague she was really nice to me about it and I did something about it!
A few months ago we had a lad start working with us who had bad BO and I suggested that as he was doing long shifts it might have been an idea to keep some deodorant in his bag, he was fine and was pleased that I had said something!