News

The Question

As a manager at a small bank, it's important for me to keep my staff happy and even more important to keep our customers pleased with the service they get. Well, we've just had an employee transfer in from another branch and, while he's very professional in his business dealings, his personal hygiene is another matter entirely. In the two weeks he's been with us, I've fielded a half-dozen complaints about his body odour, most of which were from customers who just came in to do a little banking, not gag on the aromas of our staff. Is there a delicate way to broach the subject without humiliating him or running the risk of legal action?

The Answer

If it were me, I'd want to know. I don't think I have this particular issue but I am paranoid about bad breath. I'm constantly chewing gum at work and I hope I'm always minty-fresh, but hey — I'm stressed and drink a lot of coffee so who knows? If it were a constant problem, I'd rather someone told me than be called "dog breath" behind my back. And I'd like to be told very quietly, by a friend.

So if the new guy has an ally at the office, get that person to take him aside and tip him off. If he doesn't have any friends (and if he's new and letting off Rice-a-Roni-like odours, he may not have made any yet), you may have to suck it up and do it yourself, Mr. Manager. But don't be officious. Don't say, "I've been getting a number of complaints about your malodorous fumes and unless you do something I'm going to have to take it up with HR." Rather, say, "Listen, you've been doing a great job, but I've noticed something you may be unaware of and I wanted to let you know about it." Then pay him another compliment, thus making his B.O. the meat, so to speak, in a "praise sandwich." That'll help soften the blow.

It could actually be a medical condition he is aware of and already treating (hyperhidrosis, athlete's foot, liver disease, diabetes and yeast infection can all cause body odour), so bear that in mind. But chances are he doesn't know about it and will (in time) appreciate getting the heads-up.

Obviously it'll sting at first but, if done right, it should be a clean wound that heals quickly. Net result: He'll be happier, more popular and get to play in all the reindeer games. As always, approach with compassion.

We all have problems from time to time — dandruff, weight gain, divorce, loneliness and so on. Be kind and gentle so you can expect the same when your time comes.

It's called karma, baby, and it really does work.

David Eddie writes for TV, magazines and the silver screen, and has published two novels, Chump Change and Housebroken: Confessions of a Stay-at-Home Dad. He lives in Toronto with his wife, three sons, a dog, a cat and a long-suffering snake

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