Which sources of information did you find the most useful?
The differing viewpoints which members gave allowed us to make a balanced decision.
What would you have done differently with hindsight?
Nothing, I think we handled it pretty well.
Was the outcome satisfactory for all parties?
So far so good – it seems to have made a vast improvement so far, and we have had a good attitude to go with it.
Are there any other learning points?
Make sure you understand all the information before leaping in with a disciplinary – this would have demotivated the employee. We need to follow through with the disciplinary immediately if things slide (if they do).
How to deal with this problem – advice offered by members:
- Nik Kellingley tells Sally to “take action today and help them understand the problem and the effect of it”.
- Cathy Pinnock advises “straight talking” – if he doesn’t clean up his act (literally), disciplinary action should be initiated.
- Chris Hynd thinks disciplinary action will provide a “wake up” to the smelly employee, and this will prevent further crimes against cleanliness.
- Amanda Knight suggests the body odour reveals low self esteem – how about emotional intelligence coaching?
- Peter Stanway reminds Sally that this is the responsibility of the line manager.
- Trevor Durritt recommends considering the personal reasons why this employee may be as stinky as a skunk – he knew a worker who gave his salary to his father, so could not afford hygiene products. Somebody lend that man a fiver!
Other items in the What Happened Next series
- Getting management buy-in: How to persuade senior management that your strategies work
- Should a grievance be lodged? Dealing with a bullying boss
- Anyone been to clown school?: Fresh ways to motivate staff
Related Any Answers posts:
- Smelly colleague too popular to challenge: My co-worker has a bad hygiene problem but he is preferred by my bosses – what can I do?
- Personal hygeine at work: How to deal with complaints from staff about a smelly co-worker
Have you suffered a similar experience? Please post your comments about this member’s problem using the form below.
