Any suggestion on how to tell a co-worker that her perfume is bothering me?

i just don't know how to tell her nicely... any ideas please! we share a little office and i have asthma and her perfume is giving me a headache... not sure how to tell her nicely.

Just say" That perfume you are wearing is different isn't it? It reminds me of cats piss". I don't think she will wear it any more.

Why not try this, you can say that perfume that u are wearing is surely unique, however due to a medical conditon all perfumes make me unwell, I would really appreciate it if you could help me out by spraying less of your perfume. What u think? Report It

yeah thats what I would say too, I would walk around with a kleenex saying that I am allergic to perfume and wait for her to offer to cut down on it. Report It

Ey luv, you smell like cat piss. Go and have a wash

Just sit her down & explain that her perfume is affecting your asthma. If she is anything like a good colleague she will understand & not wear it again.

Take a can of Air freshener in and spray it around!

I had this problem a couple of years ago. I tried all sorts of hints etc. then eventually asked her if she wouldn't mind wearing such strong perfume as it was giving me a constant headache. She proceeded to wear even more and bi*ch to everyone about me. Luckily she resigned shortly after that. You're on a sticky wicket - be careful & good luck.

why dont you try suggesting some more subtle perfumes or get some perfume samples and ask her if she wants to try them. other than that just explain politely about your asthma and ask her if she has got some scents that are not as strong

maybe try buying her a perfume that doesn't flare your allergies and give it to her as a present.

Sometimes people wear the same perfume for so long that they get really used to the smell and so they spray more and more on because they can't smell it on themselves. Perhaps making a joke could be another route.

Just tell her you have asthma and that her perfume isn't helping it. I'm sure she would be kind enough to wear a lighter fragrance for your health's sake.

If you have windows in your office open them too, that might get some of the scent out and some fresh air in. x

just pretend to cough choke etc and pretend u didnt c her sprayin it and go 'ugh whats that smell? its givin me a headache'

yep pretend you got a headache when smelling that and show it before her! But always be NATURAL! that's important!

i think that you should just tell her that she has nice perfume and then should suggest that if she uses what you think is cormfortablr with you then she would even look more atractive and smell better.

Listen there is no one way to do it... you have to use your proper judgement and some polite hints like opening the door to the room or the window (even it is cold)... she would eventually ask why and you can tell her politely that you do not wish to disturb her but her perfume although is very nice but actually causes your asthma condition to increase... you can follow on that by apologising and tell her that your medical condition forces itself on you.

The best way is to tell her
however pleasant her perfume is you can't get on with your work because of it. Its affecting you because it sets off asthmatic symptoms.

For some people this is a sticky subject but it should not be but it is. However you tell her, Let her know of your conditions and then tell her in privacy that her perfume is causing you to have asthma attacks. By taking her in private and letting her know your medical condition she should respond in a business manner.

You could have another co-worker drop the hint? For example, I really love that perfume on you.... Does John (aka You) ever complain about it - he has really bad asthma.

Or you could bring in breakfast or flowers or something and just say it outright - I am so sorry but I think I might be allergic to your perfume. It truly smells beautiful on you but unfortunately seems to disagree with my asthma.

Lots of companies have policies on matters such as these so you should not feel guilty - you deserve to feel comfortable in your workspace.

You might try first mentioning that you had an appt. with your physician trying to pinpoint what was causing additional problems with your allergies and asthma and that he/she asked if you had been around any new perfumes. That you recalled her lovely scent and hate to have to ask but would she mind not wearing it for a few days to see if that makes a difference.

Tell her it's her fault all the bees are dying.

Tell her that is smells really good but the fumes give you a headache because you have asthma.

Ask her to stop wearing it and explain why. Do it in person, but also do it in writing (AFTER you talk to her in person). If she refuses, or starts to retaliate, you have proof on your side that you asked her to stop. If it continues, you'll need to contact your HR department. (And possibly get a Dr note explaining the problem.) Some offices have a no-scent policy now to protect those of us (me too) who have problems with strong smells.

Hey there - what a tricky question.

In my previous life as a manager I often had to explain to people that their body wasn't quite fragrant enough for the rest of us and it was important to realize that.

This is a bit more difficult as they are your co-worker (being their manager, whilst still awkward, is way easier!).

Thing is that it's always better to be honest, in as nice a way as possible. By explaining to them that the perfume is affecting you, your words might be the first time anyone has had the courage to let them know.

"I hope you don't mind me saying, but I'm having some problems with my asthma and I think it's the perfume you wear, it's quite strong and seems to set it off. Would it be possible to wear a little less perhaps or something different?"

That said, it might still go wrong and perhaps the best option, if that happens, is for them or you to move on - if it's that bad.

Regards

Martin H
http://www.howtolandyourdreamjob.com