Strong Perfume in the Workplace. Make it STOP!

Dear Bubbie:

You were referred to me by a friend who is on Facebook. I hope you can help our entire office (of five women, two men) out. We have a co-worker who has always worn a lot of perfume. Two months ago, there was one day when it seemed she had on more perfume than usual.

Unfortunately, two women confronted her, she got defensive and it turned nasty with everyone. One of the employees then went into the boss - who has his OWN office, and he said he likes it. Our office just has one huge window in the front that doesn't open and, of course, the door. I take aspirin. And forget about eating lunch in our little lunchroom when she walks through. We all feel like she only cares about herself at the detriment of others' well-being in the workplace. Our boss isn't the confrontational type and he does like that woman. She's kind of a Jeckyl/Hyde. Any suggestions other than quitting? Robbie

Lisa
If you complain your boss must do something about or he is liable. It is that simple. He cannot just brush off your complaints. All of you need to lodge a complaint so that he sees it is not just one of you but all of you w/a problem. You might also want to consider putting it in writing. Word it appropriately non-judgemental (leave out the Jeckly/Hyde comment and the we feel she only cares about herself comment) More likeDear Mr.BossmanPlease be aware that many of us in our office are having some issues with Mrs Perfumes habit of wearing an overabundant amount of cologne. While the purfume is pleasant smelling in the beginning, it quickly becomes overwhelming in its intensity. Many of us are having negative physical reactions including severe headaches that if they continue might cause some of us to seek medical attention. Please be advised that we have attempted to discuss this with Mrs. Perfume on other occasions with no success and the resulting hard feelings were uncomfortable in our small office. We are requesting that you please speak with her about her cologne habit and ask that she either apply less or refrain from wearing any at all 'sincerely, oh my god whats that smell'. Keep a copy you may need it later. You also may need to request a fragrance free work place. It happens all the time. Good luck

DearBubbie
Excellent, Lisa!


Lisa
Thank you. One of the capacities I work in for my hubby is as human resource person. I have done a number of the unemployment interviews, and I use to be a vocational rehabilitation counselor- so have a working knowlege of employee rights regs and I supervised three different locations of an adult day care so I had to deal with similar stuff from employees. As an employer you just cannot ignore it when someone comes and says they have a physical reaction to something another employee is doing - like smoking or body odor of any kind. You can just go and talk to the boss but putting it in writing (since he has ignored you the first time) Covers your butt. You have proof that you sent something. Email is great for this because there is a time date/stamp on it, but I would email and then hard copy if the email doesnt get you anywhere.

Maria
well, said Lisa!!! it's hard to tell people these things and them not get defensive, i was a supervisor at one point inmy life and when my people came to me, with problems such as these it was hard to do but, i address them in a way not to offend anyone, it took a bit of work but, enough of that. Just well said Lisa and they should follow her advice.

David
One of the first early warning signs of Alzheimer's Disease is a decrease in sense of smell. Since men don't normally wear a ton of cologne (unless they're in high school and bathe in the latest version of "Axe"), it's not as prevalent. In women however, it is because they apply perfume until they can smell it, which means you and I can smell it 3 miles away. The study I'm referring to( http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/75986.php )Also mentions Parkinson's Disease as a possibility. In all seriousness if this woman is older (over 40), someone might want to suggest a visit to the doctor. Those nice old ladies in church that wear the stuff that seems to so thick you could eat it with a fork..........might be dealing with something far worse than they know.As for the co-worker becoming upset, I think the approach might be the cause. Instead of being harsh with her about it, perhaps a quiet off to the side conversation would have been better, explaining both the problem, and the concerns.

DearBubbie
Less is more.


Maria
i forgot one good point if you like to smell your own perfume, put a tiny dab under your own nose!

Michelle
I would ask her what kind of perfume she's wearing. More than likely she's going to ask if you like it and at that time take the opportunity to say, "Well, not really ... but if smells similar to something my Granny wears" or something like that. She will probably be embarassed and stop wearing it..if not you must write a letter to the Bongo in charge..You wouldn't light up a smoke in a oxygen tent or in the presence of a person with bronchitis or asthma, right? too much strong smell has that same effect on a person with a breathing problem, asthma, or migraines.

Chris
I grew up with asthma... nuff said. I detest most perfumes. There are some mild, earthy, fruity type smells that don't attack me! Vanilla is my favorite. In a workplace it is rude to wear strong perfumes like that and it may turn off customers. As an owner/boss of my own business, I had a no smoking/no perfume policy. There were a few girls that thought it was a silly rule, but your letter reinforces to me that it was the right thing to do. ESPECIALLY, since my business was a restaurant. Perfumes also change the taste of food. So if you are going out to a romantic dinner and think perfume might be nice, add it to your neck, ears or where ever, after the meal... maybe in the restroom as you are getting ready to leave.

Sara
Be careful what you wish for - You may prefer the strong perfume over the smell she is attempting to cover up. :)