Dealing with Hygiene Issues in the Workplace
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There are little more things difficult to talk about than hygiene issues. This can be especially true in the workplace. Most common, is the issue of body odour. When body odour is strong, it can result in co-workers not wanting to work directly with, or even communicate with, a person. It can affect individuals, teams and entire workplaces.
However, it can be addressed!
Here are our dos and don’ts for addressing the issue of body odour.
Do
Set expectations
Have a policy in place that addresses hygiene standards. Whether it’s a Uniform and Dress Code Policy or a Personal Presentation Policy, it is important to set expectations.
Address the issue sooner rather than later
The employee may be totally unaware of their impact on others. By addressing the issue quickly, you can avoid potential ridicule from other employees and spare them being the focus of gossip.
Have the right person address the issue
Often these types of conversations are best coming from someone in a HR or leadership role. Peer-to-peer conversations can be less effective in these circumstances.
Take the time to prepare for the conversation
Think about how you would want to hear this, how it might make you feel.
Treat the person with dignity
Have the conversation in private. Give the person an opportunity to respond. It is likely to be very embarrassing, be empathetic.
Be tactful but direct
Let them know you want to discuss something that is difficult and may be uncomfortable. Provide them with specific information about what the issue is.
Be supportive
Work together to set future expectations and find an appropriate solution. Some actions that we have found to be successful include, provision of additional hygiene products in the workplace, provision of additional uniforms (to allow a change mid-shift) and provision of additional short breaks to ‘refresh’.
Set expectations
Let the person know what you expect from them in the future. Document the conversation and the expectations.
Don’t
Ignore it and hope it improves
You cannot expect something to change if it is not addressed. Ignoring the issue may leave the person vulnerable to gossip, bullying or exclusion.
Jump to conclusions
Have all the facts, don’t go off hearsay.
Place blame or assume you know the cause
Hygiene issues may be caused by a variety of factors, including, medical issues, cultural differences, mental health issues, personal problems, and poor grooming habits. Don’t attempt to diagnose the person.
Assume the person is unaware
The person may be aware of the issue an actively working to resolve it.