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| We are dealing with a situation within our company about employees that based on cultural beliefs do not wear deodorant. We are now receiving complaints from others based on the warmer weather. Has anyone dealth with this situation or can you provide what we can and cannot do?
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I have recently addressed this issue. Here's my communication to 200 of our employees:
Subject: Personal Image
With the onset of summer’s raising temperatures and with our increased outdoor physical activities, we must maintain a professional image during our work hours. This includes our attire, grooming and personal hygiene. These standards contribute to the morale of all employees and affect the District’s image to visitors.
Please remember the Central Region office maintains a “Fragrance Free” workplace. Although the use of perfumes, scented lotions, colognes and aftershaves are prohibited, this does not exclude the use of bathing with soap or the use of antiperspirants and/or deodorants.
We must be conscious and responsible for our own personal image and hygiene. To help maintain this personal hygiene standard, this office is equipped with showers for employee use. We would like to remind you of this amenity should your physical activities before work or during your breaks warrant its use.
Thank you for your continued cooperation.
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We had an issue where a female employee had a particularly bad body odor and obviously dirty hair. Several employees complained to me and some refused to sit near her. In the end, I sat down with her and, as sensitively as possible, I told her she needed to take a little more care. It was very difficult to talk to her this way. However, she was very open to the comment and things have improved slightly.
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| I don't feel I can sit the "offending" person down for a talk without her becoming defensive. Short of a personal hygiene clause in our handbook, is there a way to deal with this on a one-on-one basis without getting sued. Thanks.
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