| Topic Name: |
Odorous Employee: HR Guy 9/12/00 |
| Message Name: |
Any Suggestions? |
| Date Posted: |
09/20/2000 |
| In Reply To: |
I've run into this more than once in my HR lifetime, and it is NEVER easy. One fellow who was particularly heavy had a terrible odor problem. People around him were spraying air freshener, and burning little potpourri pots. One person even turned on a fan and aimed it at him. I finally had a male counterpart tactfully approach him and tell him that his body odor was a problem. The man said that he had some kind of medical problem causing this and didn't know what to do. My counterpart suggested that he sponge-bath in the men's room at lunch and bring an extra shirt to change into. It was kind, and helpful, and improved the situation considerably. |
| Message: |
I am witness to a similar situation where an employee working in an open area has an obvious odor problem that is getting worse. The co-workers are aware it is due to a medical problem and the employee has been seeing doctors for a while with no answers. This situation is uncomfortable to all involved with no solution in sight. Are there any grounds for medical disability in these cases? Can an employer fire this person on other grounds and be free of a lawsuit? Maybe someone knows if the employer is in the position to offer a work-at-home program or telecommuting that would solve the problem, would this be discriminating against others wishing to telecommute? This person is older but eligible to retire and needs to support themself. Any suggestions?
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