My employee’s hygiene is next level bad

I’ve got an employee with terrible hygiene and it’s not just the occasional “forgot deodorant” smell. This is next level, like she never brushes her teeth, washes her work uniform, or even cleans herself properly. Within a couple feet, that odor hits you square in the face, it’s that strong.

I’m not the only one who’s noticed, other team members have mentioned it to me, too. It’s every single day she’s at work. Being in the same room as her is honestly tough because it’s so overwhelming.

As her manager, I know I have to say something but I’ve never had to handle this before. I can’t wrap my head around how she doesn’t notice it herself. How do I gently tell a grown woman she needs to step up her hygiene game without hurting her feelings or making her super uncomfortable?

#Letschat #Asklemon8 #Stirthepot #WorkplaceHygiene

2025/10/23 Edited to

8 comments

Dreammay

Have a meeting with them its not easy and make sure you have a witness

amyjwhite1151

is this a new occurrence or has it been this way with her from the start? if this is a new occurrence, then bring it up gently and say i have noticed lately that your hygiene is not what it was and ask if there is some way you can help. maybe she has fallen on some hard times financially or had something traumatic happen where she is just not all there mentally because of depression. maybe she lost her home, there are so many different things that could cause this situation. maybe when you have the conversation, have a small personal care package ready to go(soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc). you never know what someone is going through outside of work.

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