BO – take a deep breath and deal with it
The warmer weather has many positives – but one not so great consequence that Mint HR hears about is bad body odour at work.
Working next to someone with poor personal hygiene can be off-putting and make other’s daily working environment very unpleasant.
Handled well, a difficult but necessary discussion with the individual can protect their dignity while maintaining a comfortable workplace for everyone else.
The key is for managers to act early, kindly, and professionally.
- Address the matter in private.
- Use calm, clear language that focuses on workplace impact rather than personal criticism.
- Be sensitive – there may be underlying health, cultural, or personal circumstances affecting the employee.
- Give them the chance to respond, and avoid making assumptions.
- Keep the conversation confidential, document it factually, and follow up discreetly.
- If appropriate, share this info with them: nhs.uk/symptoms/body-odour
Are mobile phones distracting your team?
Do you have people in your office constantly on their personal phones or taking their mobiles to the toilet for long periods of scrolling?
Excessive smartphone and social media usage is increasing and for some it’s become an addiction which is affecting focus and productivity in the workplace and costing you money.
Research, including studies from King’s College London, indicates that over 20% of young people in the UK exhibit behaviours of ‘Problematic Smartphone Use’ (PSU) which includes excessive screen time and the inability to control usage.
This issue has been raised by Mint clients on numerous occasions now and our advice is to address it early, clearly, and consistently.
Set clear expectations around device use during working hours and apply policies fairly across the team.
A supportive conversation with individuals, paired with practical boundaries, is often the most effective action.
Regular follow-ups can also help employees rebuild healthier habits and stay present at work.
For support with this issue in your workplace, click Contact Mint HR below.
