Dealing With A Stinky Situation: Addressing A Coworker's Cologne

How to Tell a Co-worker Their Cologne Stinks

It's never easy to tell a co-worker that their cologne is too strong, but it's important to address the issue if it's affecting your productivity or well-being. Here are some tips on how to approach this sensitive topic:

1. Be considerate: Remember that your co-worker may not be aware of the issue or how it's impacting you and others. Approach the conversation with empathy and respect.

2. Choose an appropriate time and place: Find a private and quiet moment to speak with your co-worker. Avoid discussing it in front of others or in a public setting.

3. Be direct but kind: Use straightforward language to express your concern. For example, you could say, I wanted to mention that your cologne is quite strong and it's affecting my concentration. Would you mind toning it down a bit?

4. Offer alternatives: If possible, suggest alternative solutions or compromises. For instance, you could recommend a different cologne with a lighter scent or propose designated areas where cologne use is limited.

5. Involve HR or a manager: If the issue persists or you don't feel comfortable addressing it directly, consider seeking help from HR or a manager. They can mediate the situation and provide guidance on company policies related to fragrances in the workplace.

6. Focus on behaviour, not personality: Frame the conversation around the impact of the strong cologne rather than making it about your co-worker's personality or hygiene habits. This can help keep the discussion professional and constructive.

7. Be open to accommodation: If your co-worker has a valid reason for wearing strong cologne, such as cultural norms or medical conditions, be willing to explore reasonable accommodations. This could include adjusting workspace arrangements or ventilation.

8. Follow up: After your initial conversation, check in with your co-worker to see if the situation has improved. If not, you may need to escalate the issue or explore further solutions together.

Remember, it's important to maintain a respectful and professional work environment for everyone. By addressing the issue of strong cologne use, you're not only looking out for your own comfort but also contributing to a more pleasant workspace for all.

Be direct and honest

Being direct and honest is the best way to address the issue of a co-worker's strong cologne. It can be a difficult conversation to have, but it is important to remember that you are not alone in this situation. Many people have had to deal with a co-worker's strong cologne, and there are ways to address it without causing offence. Here are some tips on how to be direct and honest when telling a co-worker their cologne is too strong:

• Speak in private: It is important to have this conversation in private, as it can be embarrassing for the co-worker. Find a quiet place where you can talk without being interrupted.
• Be direct: Be honest and direct about the issue. Say something like, "I wanted to talk to you about your cologne. I've noticed that you tend to wear a lot of it, and it can be quite strong. I'm sensitive to strong smells, and it's been affecting my ability to focus on my work."
• Show empathy: Remember that your co-worker may be embarrassed or defensive about the situation. Try to show empathy and understanding, while still being clear about the issue. You could say something like, "I know it's personal, and I'm sorry to have to bring it up, but it's been bothering me and I wanted to address it directly with you."
• Offer solutions: If possible, try to offer solutions or suggestions to help resolve the issue. For example, you could suggest that they try a lighter scent or apply less cologne. You could also suggest alternative products that are less strong, such as cologne-free deodorants or body sprays.
• Be open to feedback: Remember that this is a two-way conversation. Be open to hearing your co-worker's perspective and be willing to compromise or adjust your own behaviour if necessary. For example, if they explain that they have to wear a strong cologne for cultural or religious reasons, try to be understanding and work together to find a solution that respects their needs while also addressing your concerns.
• Follow up: After your initial conversation, check in with your co-worker to see how things are going. This will show that you are still concerned about the issue and are willing to work together to find a solution. It also gives them an opportunity to provide feedback or suggest alternative solutions.

Remember, the key to being direct and honest is to approach the conversation with empathy and respect. Strong cologne can be a sensitive issue, and your co-worker may be embarrassed or defensive. By showing empathy and offering solutions, you can help address the issue in a positive and constructive way.

Reserve judgment

When you are telling a co-worker that their cologne is too strong, it is important to reserve judgment. This means that you should not assume that they are aware of the issue or that they are doing it on purpose. It is possible that they are not aware of how strong their cologne is, or that they have a different idea of what is considered acceptable in the workplace.

When addressing the issue, try to be as tactful and non-judgmental as possible. For example, you could say something like, "I wanted to mention that your cologne is quite strong and can be overwhelming for some people. I'm not sure if you're aware of this, but I thought I should bring it up in case it might be helpful for you to know." This approach shows that you are coming from a place of concern and respect, rather than judgment or criticism.

It is also important to have this conversation in private, rather than in front of other colleagues. This will help to ensure that the conversation remains respectful and sensitive.

Remember, the goal is to address the issue in a way that is constructive and considerate. By reserving judgment and approaching the conversation with empathy, you can help to resolve the issue while maintaining a positive and professional relationship with your co-worker.

Open the conversation

Be direct

It's best to be direct and honest when telling a co-worker that their cologne is too strong. You could say something like, "I'm not sure if you're aware of this, but your cologne is quite strong and it's affecting my ability to focus on my work."

Reserve judgment

Try not to make assumptions about why your co-worker is wearing too much cologne. For example, you could say, "I don't know if it's from your clothing or a personal hygiene issue, but I think it may be distracting to others and could make people reluctant to work with you."

Focus on the impact

Explain how their strong cologne is affecting you and others in the workplace. For example, "I find it hard to focus on my work, and it raises my heart rate when I feel like I can't escape this physical sensation of strong cologne."

Be empathetic

Remember that this conversation may be embarrassing for your co-worker. Try to be empathetic and sensitive to their feelings. You could say something like, "I know this might be uncomfortable, but I wanted to bring it up because it's affecting my productivity and I think it could be impacting your relationships with others as well."

Offer solutions

If possible, suggest some solutions or alternatives to help your co-worker reduce the intensity of their cologne. For example, you could recommend a different type of cologne that is less strong or suggest they apply a smaller amount.

Involve HR or a manager

If you don't feel comfortable speaking directly to your co-worker, consider involving HR or a manager. They can help mediate the conversation and ensure that everyone's needs are met.

Don't soften the blow

Be Direct

It's best to be direct when telling a co-worker that their cologne is too strong. You could say something like, "I'm not sure if you're aware of this, but your cologne is very strong. I think it's distracting to others and could make people reluctant to work with you."

Reserve Judgment

Try not to make assumptions about why your co-worker is wearing too much cologne. For example, instead of saying, "You need to shower more often," say something like, "I don't know if it's from your clothing or if it's a personal hygiene issue."

Focus on the Impact

Explain how their strong cologne is affecting others in the workplace. For example, you could say, "Your cologne is making it hard for me to focus on my work, and it's giving me a headache."

Be Honest

It's important to be honest with your co-worker about the impact of their strong cologne. Don't try to soften the blow, as this can make it seem like a bigger deal than it is. Be direct and non-judgmental in your conversation.

Have a Private Conversation

It's best to speak to your co-worker in private about their strong cologne. This will allow for a more discreet and respectful conversation.

Be Specific

When discussing your co-worker's strong cologne, be specific about what you want them to do differently. For example, you could say, "I'd appreciate it if you could reduce the amount of cologne you wear to work."

Follow Up

If the issue with your co-worker's strong cologne continues, you may need to involve your manager or HR department. Document your conversations with your co-worker and any steps you've taken to resolve the issue.

Be empathetic

It's important to be empathetic when you're telling a co-worker that their cologne is too strong. You don't want to make them feel ashamed or scared to express their opinion. It's also important to remember that some people are more sensitive to scents than others.

If you're going to talk to your co-worker about their cologne, it's best to do it in private and be direct. You could say something like, "I wanted to talk to you about your cologne. I'm sensitive to strong scents, and I find it hard to focus on my work when I smell it. Would you be willing to wear less around me?"

It's also a good idea to involve a third party, like HR or a supervisor, if you don't feel comfortable talking to your co-worker directly. They can help mediate the conversation and ensure that everyone's needs are met.

Remember, the goal is to find a solution that works for everyone, not to shame your co-worker or make them feel bad. Approach the conversation with empathy and understanding, and be open to compromise.

Frequently asked questions