Phew, what's that smell?

Personal hygiene issues at work

We probably all know, or have known, someone at work who’s personal hygiene is somewhat below standard. Over the years employers have approached me and asked what can be done about this particularly sensitive issue.

When I joined the Royal Navy 45 years ago, the need to be clean was paramount. Who wants to share a room with a smelly colleague when you’re sleeping on a mess deck with 60 other sailors in very close quarters? Back then a rating who neglected to shower every day would be set upon, covered in boot polish and thrown in the shower. That was a little archaic and it certainly did the trick, but obviously I wouldn’t advocate an employer do that if they have a smelly employee today!

Lack of personal hygiene can have a very negative impact on a business, whether it is because fellow employees are complaining or customers are being put off. It’s not just the unwashed that have an adverse effect on business. It’s also those who dress in dirty or inappropriate clothes and those that have bad breath and unkempt hair. Employers need to tackle the problem head on and the best way to do it is to have a dress and appearance code or policy.

The policy can set out what is considered an acceptable standard of cleanliness and dress and what likely sanctions are available if those standards aren’t met. Staff may be required to cover tattoos or keep hair tied or covered in order to comply with health and safety requirements. Similarly employers may want to restrict the amount and type of jewellery worn, particularly if staff are operating machinery. If they’re in contact with customers and suppliers it is only right that employers seek to ensure they are presentable and in some cases wear an appropriate uniform.

So how do employers approach someone with a body odour problem?