Fired for smelling bad

[ggsnmc]

What is the name of your state? FL

Is it possible to fire someone for smelling really bad? So bad that it turns customers/employees away??

 

[General Stoner]

What is the name of your state? FL

Is it possible to fire someone for smelling really bad? So bad that it turns customers/employees away??

It's very possible, especially if your employment deals with public interaction (department store, restaurant, supermarket etc.). If a person smelled like they haven't taken a bath or shower since 1981, they can expect their end pay to be a bar of Lever 2000 and/or a roll of Certs.

 

[Sockeye]

Is it poor hygiene or the result of a health condition recognized by the ADA?

 

[BlondiePB]

What is the name of your state? FL

Is it possible to fire someone for smelling really bad? So bad that it turns customers/employees away??

Take a shower and put on some deordorant prior to going to work.

Your right to have BO is not protected by law.

Where's IAAL?

 

[Veronica1228]

Where's IAAL?

That's exactly what I was thinking. Maybe he couldn't stand the smell!!!

 

[cbg]

Yes, the employee can be fired for this reason. But it should be the last line of attack, not the first.

Before going to a termination, the employee should have the matter brought to his/her attention as gently, but firmly as possible. They should be given the chance to correct the situation first. There are a number of different reasons why this might be happening, including the one Sockeye suggested, and a couple of them might offer the employee a certain amount of protection. (Note: If any of these reasons exist, it is solely the responsibility of the employee to raise the issue. It is not the responsibility of the employer to try to ferret it out.)

Only if the employee is unable or unwilling to take action to correct the problem, should firing be put on the table.

Blondie and Veronica, you would both be utterly astounded at how often this question comes up with HR. The only thing about this question that surprises me is that I haven't seen it on these forums before!

 

[BlondiePB]

Blondie and Veronica, you would both be utterly astounded at how often this question comes up with HR. The only thing about this question that surprises me is that I haven't seen it on these forums before!

You must have to mooooooooove really fast for the air freshner afterwards.

What's really utterly astounding is that someone hasn't the sense to use deordorant for one's scents. That's not rocket science here or like someone trying to find tits on a bull.

 

[cbg]

The last time I had to deal with the situation, it was due to a religious/cultural issue. The employee literally had no idea that he was offensive.

There are also medical reasons which no amount of deoderant will cure.

 

[Veronica1228]

The last time I had to deal with the situation, it was due to a religious/cultural issue. The employee literally had no idea that he was offensive.

There are also medical reasons which no amount of deoderant will cure.

My Manager smokes and drinks a lot of coffee which makes her breath smell like she's been eating dirty diapers. I wish there was something I could do about that. She doesn't get the hint when I offer her an Altoid.

 

[BlondiePB]

The last time I had to deal with the situation, it was due to a religious/cultural issue. The employee literally had no idea that he was offensive.

There are also medical reasons which no amount of deoderant will cure.

Medical reasons are also far and few. Sending you a copy of "Natural Remedies" for the next time it's because of religion.

 

[BlondiePB]

My Manager smokes and drinks a lot of coffee which makes her breath smell like she's been eating dirty diapers. I wish there was something I could do about that. She doesn't get the hint when I offer her an Altoid.

Overheard a person telling another person who needed a breath mint "when you are offered one, don't refuse". The person offering the mint was also having one at the same time. Perhaps trying that in earshot of your manager might work. You have nothing to lose except her bad breath.

 

[cbg]

I agree that medical, cultural and religious reasons are few and far between. That doesn't mean it's safe for the employer to assume the problem is bad hygiene.