Handling hygiene issues in the workplace

Posted by Kevin Benjamin on October 25th, 2019

Hygiene in the office is more important than many people would think. Generally, it is also something that many workplaces take for granted. Often (if not always), there is a dedicated cleaning team that comes in and takes care of cleaning the office. However, office cleaning melbourne can only take care of so much. Workplace hygiene is just as much the responsibility of employees and head office, as it is the cleaning services that keep the office looking and feeling clean and tidy.

Sometimes, personal hygiene can be a particularly large and difficult issue, because it can be hard to address this particular issue without causing discomfort or unintended blame. Addressing hygiene issues with affected individuals is never easy, but it is necessary for a healthy, productive workplace. This is especially true if the workplace in question is relatively small. So, if you are facing this issue in your workplace, how can you battle it?

Having private discussions with affected individuals

There is something to be said for discretion in the workplace, and it could not be more important than when discussing issues of personal hygiene. This is obviously a topic that can be quite sensitive for some people – especially when you consider that you do not actually know what the cause of the personal hygiene issue is (i.e. if it is medical, for example). Considering the sensitivity of this topic, it is best to pull individuals aside for a private discussion away from the rest of the office. This way, they do not feel ridiculed and made uncomfortable in front of their colleagues and friends.

Approach the conversation reserving judgement

It is easy to go into this type of discussion with a simple plan of approach in mind, but the reality is that every individual is different, and until you sit down with that person, you have no idea what is causing the issue. So, when you sit down to have what can be a difficult discussion, reserve judgement. This way, you can enter the conversation from the offset with an air of support and understanding, rather than an uncomfortable judgement. This will in turn make the individual feel more comfortable being honest and open about the issue, which makes it easier to discuss potential solutions.

Be polite but honest

Of course, you should always approach topics with this sensitivity in a polite and respectful way, but it is just as important to ensure that you are honest and upfront about the issue, once the discussion has been breached. If you dance around the topic for fear of hurting their feelings, you are only causing a pile up that could be more hurtful later down the line. Sometimes, the person might not even be aware there is an issue, and they will be thankful you have brought it to their attention. Other times, there is a legitimate medical or otherwise unavoidable reason for it, and you can let the office know in a discreet way, so as not to cause any further conflict. And then, of course, they might get offended and go on the defence. No matter which way it goes, it is important to be honest. Remember: honesty is the best policy.