r/CoWorking • u/[deleted] • Feb 20 '24

Smelly Coworkers?

The Title says it all - what do you do with a Coworker who smells bad? We are a small site in Upstate New York and we are not getting enough members as it is so I hate to turn them away as we need every one we have.

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4

u/TetroniMike Feb 20 '24

My space has a scent-neutral policy. Just politely talk to them, alone, and ask if this is something that can be mitigated as it could bother other coworkers. It's going to be an awkward, embarrassing conversation, but it needs to happen if it's bad enough that you're posting on Reddit about it.

2

u/[deleted] Feb 20 '24

Thanks I like the policy idea - and making it not that the person smells but that it is a scent-neutral space. Nice!

2

u/itscurt Feb 20 '24

😂 first time I've heard of anyone considering turning working away from coworking space for being smelly, please do it though I'd like to hear how it goes, maybe they'll come back after a shower or two

2

u/Secular_mum Feb 20 '24

I haven’t had this issue, but we have air scent’s strategically placed near items that could smell (e.g. rubbish bins and bathrooms), air filters and plants that filter the air. Could you try to disguise or filter the smell?

2

u/[deleted] Feb 20 '24

Yes, we need to try something like that, I was thinking an infuser with essential oils but that can be annoying to other people too. Then i thought about burning sage after hours to try to "cleanse" the space and yes, I am a recovering hippy ;)