S.O.S.

AGuest

This is totally out of my usual realm of posting but I really would like some input, please (may you all have peace!). I have supervised many employees over the years and have dealt with all kinds of issues, except this one... although I know it's not uncommon. I have a staff member who has the worst halitosis. The absolute worst. To the point that is the first and only thing one smells when entering our office suite. To the point that when he comes into my office, I feel compelled to bolt. Gag, then bolt. To the point of turning my stomach, literally.

He is a sweetheart. A really nice, kind, mild guy. So... I really don't want to offend him or hurt his feelings (not that I'd want to if he was a total jackass). But I put a bowl of candy and mints on his desk a few weeks ago... and even offered him a piece of each, which he politely declined. But I have to stop it. For my sake and our clients. It literally permeates the reception area (where he sits, for now)... and makes me feel nauseated. I have smelled bad breath before but absolutely nothing like this.

So, what would you say/do? Please give me your suggestions, especially if you've experienced this before, on either end. I will look your comments over for what I feel might work best. The winner whose suggestion is "chosen" (pun intended)... will receive... an additional wish for peace!

Seriously, dear ones... I can't even eat my lunch and its 12:30pm...

S.O.S.... and peace to you!

SA, a slave of Christ, but on her own here...

TD

Just a wild "shot from the hip" here:

Does your company have a dental plan? If so, would there be a gentle way to encourage him to actually use it?

Rotten teeth are often a major cause of that kind of halitosis

brotherdan

I had to handle this once myself. I brought the person into a private conference room and just talked to them about work and how things were going. I told them that I thought they were doing some fantastic work, and everyone really liked this person. Then I said, "There is just one issue that I need to talk to you about, and I don't want you to get embarassed. It's just something that I need you to work on so that we can provide the best level of service to people. I have noticed that sometimes you tend to have a bit of body odor. I'm sure it's something you can fix right away. I just don't want you to be embarassed by a customer/fellow employee bringing it up to you in a rude way. If you could just work on that one thing, everything will be great. I think you are a total asset to this company, and I really like working with you."

It's the whole "comend, condemn, comend" technique. I know that the person was embarassed, but at least it was done in a professional way and they didn't think that I thought they were gross. It's a lot better than saying, "Dude...you stink like butt!"

nelly136

you could ask him if he's had a gluco check lately or whether hes prone to diabetes,

its not always teeth that are the problem. at least you may be able to point him towards getting it checked out without actually hinting that its his teeth or mouth thats causing the prob.

Quando

Do you ever see him drinking any water?

Can you put an air freshner in the office?

Simply confront him and praise him on all the levels he is great at but tell him your concerned health wise about his halitosis, and from a healthcare pro it means not enough water and way to much protein in the diet, he is a great candidate for severe degeneration.

Let's all pray for proper cellular turnover

sir82

What would Jesus Jaheshua do?

wasblind

Wow Aguest,

I'm lost for words, I hate it for you. I know you believe in the power of

prayer and trust this is one time guhl you sho 'nuf in need of a prayer

Aguest, it could might as well be his teeth, or spicey foods he eats

or maybe he's backed up and need a laxative, take a day off and

clean himself out. He might need to go to the Dr.

GrandmaJones

I worked with over 200 people under my supervision. Brotherdan is giving the perfect advice. I had to handle that issue a number of times over the years. Be professional. (but be straightforward and kind)

OUTLAW

Hey Shelby!..

I`ve had lots of Staff over the Decades..This is an easy problem..

Talk to him Privately..

Say..

"I don`t want to make you feel bad,but you have Terrible Breath"..

"You need to do something about it"..

"Mouthwash..Gum..Candy..I don`t care..Please take care of this problem'..

An honest,straight forward,approach is always best..

That way there are no hurt feelings..

............................. ...OUTLAW

miseryloveselders

As a guy, and someone who prides himself on being a man, I don't get easily offended by constructive criticism. If my breath smelled like hot garbage, I would want someone to tell me that it did, tactifully, and respectfully. (Col 4:6) If he's an easy going guy like you stated, he'll take it in stride. He might already be aware that he has a problem of some sort, and might appreciate any suggestions you can offer. I worked with a dude who's breath was foul. My boss was a real heads on kinda guy. He used to play college football, and he was ex military. Some days you would open up his office door, and he'd be in hunched over in a linebacker pose, looking at you like fresh meat. If you flinched, he'd view you as less than a man. Anyways, my coworker had foul breath. My boss told him privately about it. It didn't really help too much, because this coworker was a gump, and his breath continued to stink. But he really appreciated our boss taking him to the side like that and giving him some advice on his breath. It meant alot to him that our boss would do that. In his own way, he viewed as the boss cared about him.

S.O.S.

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