| Topic Name: |
Help! Do you have this policy? |
| Message Name: |
Is it a large company you work for? |
| Date Posted: |
04/11/2002 |
| In Reply To: |
I have worked 21 years for a Governmental agency (four in my current position). Since 2000 I have been experiencing problems at a increased rate and intensity to fragrances/colognes, chemicals, and various smells in our office. I am not the only one in this situation in our office, but the most sensitive. I have asked for a Job Accommodation for a Fragrance Free environment. While I am not asking my employer to become the first in the nation to offer this policy, they are telling me that they do not have a "right" to have this policy, or enforce it. They feel that they should talk to the known offenders (the perfume lingers for a long time after they have left the area) and see if they will voluntarily stop as a courtesy to me. They have been talking about speaking to staff since 2/02. However, they cannot enforce or punish anyone who does not wish to give up their fragrance or retaliates. When I became ill and left in early Feb. the HR person who needed to work on this, was also one of the people who did not want to give up her fragrance (which is a problem for others also), but was working on my accomodation request.
The Job Accommodation Network has numerous listings of various Fragrance Free policies that are in place, but of course the organizations are anonymous.
Could anyone in a Health related field share if they have any "written" policy that they can share? It probably would be best if your organization would be located in the midwest and have approx. 400 employees! My boss feels that I would have to start over at a very small organization, to have this type of accommodation. I don't feel I should have to give up 21 years because some of the newest employees do not want to be courteous, and give up their fragrance. As far as I am concerned my health is not a favor.
Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated! My employer really makes me feel that I am asking for the moon in this situation.
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| Message: |
If so, it won't change. Sorry to burst your bubble. I knew someone who was laughed at my her unit leader and manager because she was allergic to perfume. They tried to move her desk, etc... but the person's scent kept bugging her. I know this is real as I also have allergies. I'd recommend working for a smaller company. It's not worth it for the pay or insurance benefits to stay in a large company for a lot of reasons. My husband and I both hate working for large corporations because of how you are treated my management and the fact that HR does nothing about the problems. Someday, we will still have our problems. But we might actually be able to start a family and work in a smaller business where you are the customer in a sense and you are a member of their family.
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