NICOLA HORLICK: A colleague stinks and it's costing ME business

Navigating the complexities of modern working life presents numerous evolving challenges and potential pitfalls. Among these, questions around office etiquette and interpersonal issues frequently arise. Is it acceptable to pursue dating a co-worker? Can employers mandate a full-time return to the office for their teams? For individuals across generations – from baffled Baby Boomers to muddled Millennials and confused Gen Z – seeking professional advice to navigate these murky waters is increasingly common.

Columnist Nicola Horlick offers her expertise to guide you through these contemporary workplace dilemmas.

Seeking Workplace Clarity: Dear Nicola,

I am finding it difficult to initiate a conversation with a member of my team regarding his personal hygiene. To be blunt, his body odour is quite strong. He commutes to the office by bicycle and does not shower before commencing work. In fact, I am starting to question whether he ever showers at all.

He embodies the stereotypical middle-aged cyclist in Lycra, clearly proud of his physical fitness, yet seemingly completely unaware of his offensive smell.

The rest of the team members are complaining, but even his closer colleagues feel unable to broach the subject with him directly.

I dread to think what our clients perceive. I am concerned this issue could negatively impact our business relationships. As his manager, I recognize it is my responsibility to address this problem, but I am wary of potentially encountering difficulties with human resources. What course of action do you advise?

Yours sincerely, Felicity

Expert Guidance: Dear Felicity,

I understand your predicament entirely. Dealing with such sensitive issues is indeed challenging. I once experienced a similar situation with a housekeeper who had noticeable body odour, and I admit I was too apprehensive to address it directly. Eventually, our nanny took the initiative to speak with her, which led to a significant improvement.

The dynamic is different in a professional environment, and therefore, I suggest consulting with human resources to formulate a strategy.

I assume your office provides shower facilities. Not all workplaces do. If showers are unavailable, where would he be expected to freshen up upon arrival by bike? Is there a nearby gym he could utilize? These are pertinent questions to discuss with human resources.

Preventing your colleague from cycling to work could be problematic if shower facilities are absent, particularly given the widespread encouragement for improved public health and fitness. If a shower isn’t available, perhaps consider providing washcloths, shower gel, and towels in the restrooms to facilitate a basin wash.

As the team leader, resolving this matter definitively falls under your purview. If it is affecting team morale and potentially stakeholders, acting promptly is essential. With the guidance and support of human resources, you should be able to find a resolution.

I wish you the best in resolving this delicate situation.

Sincerely, Nicola