By Lynda Macdonald
Addressing an employee’s personal hygiene issue is one of the most sensitive and challenging situations a manager can face, but handling it promptly and professionally is essential for maintaining a healthy, respectful and productive workplace. When concerns such as body odour, unclean clothing, poor oral hygiene or similar issues arise, avoiding the conversation can allow the problem to escalate, impact team morale and undermine confidence in management.
Taking early, supportive action helps prevent strain between colleagues and demonstrates a commitment to employee wellbeing and positive workplace standards. Whether the concern is raised informally by team members, through a formal complaint, or simply observed in the working environment, HR and managers play a crucial role in ensuring the issue is approached respectfully, constructively and with clear guidance.
In our guide, you’ll learn how to open the conversation effectively, structure the discussion with empathy and clarity, and agree on practical steps that help the employee address the concern and move forward with confidence.
In this guide, learn about:
- Open communication
- Discussion guidelines
- Action agreement
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About the author
Lynda Macdonald
Lynda Macdonald has worked for more than 20 years as a self-employed, freelance management trainer, adviser and writer specialising in employment law.
She regularly designs and conducts training courses on all aspects of employment law for a range of managers and supervisors in all sectors of industry.
Prior to setting up her own business in employment law and management training/consultancy, she worked as an HR manager in the oil industry for more than 10 years. She is also appointed as a panel member of the employment tribunal service in Aberdeen, Scotland.
Lynda is a university graduate in language and a chartered fellow of the CIPD. She has an LLM degree in employment law and practice.
Lynda has written numerous books on various aspects of employment law, all of which have been published by major national publishers. She has co-authored several other books, and currently contributes extensively to various HR and employment law hard-copy and online products.