Somebody Stinks: Perfume, Cologne, and Other Smells in the Workplace

Does Your Scent Enter the Room Before You Do?

Okay, friend, it's gone on long enough.

• You douse yourself with your favorite perfume or cologne. You add deodorant with a completely different scent, then use a contrasting hand lotion.
• You eat hard-boiled eggs and tuna sandwiches in your cubicle.
• You exercise at lunchtime but skip the shower. Or you don't believe in deodorant.

If you think no one notices, you have another thing coming. You aren't being "scents-itive" to coworkers, clients, and friends.

Friend, your office mates are suffering. They complain, struggle to ignore it or offer you hints that are apparently too subtle for you to comprehend.

But I'm giving it to you straight up: You stink. (No offense, of course.)

Sensory Overload: Fragrance Allergies and the Workplace

Before you get all puffed up and indignant, let me explain. A recent study found that 31% of the general population is irritated by the scented products that other people wear. And 19% experience negative health effects from air fresheners.¹

Thus, in your attempt to smell good, you may be annoying others. You may even be making them sick.

As a former HR investigator for two Fortune 500 companies, I've reviewed multiple cases involving this "scent-sitive" topic. I've found that when there are smell-related conflicts in the workplace, one or more issues are usually in play:

• lack of awareness: The offender is oblivious that their smell is overwhelming, offensive, or even harmful to others
• entitlement: Often out of embarrassment, they feel they have a right to their own personal habits and
• health problems: On occasion, personal hygiene is a symptom of a physical or mental illness.

Common Scent Irritants That Can Trigger Hypersensitivity

Fragrances Can Trigger Health Ailments

Odors in the workplace can trigger allergies and asthma, migraines, and other health problems. Worse yet, health symptoms don't always go away once the odor is out of range.³

Fragrances (such as the ones listed in the table above) can result in symptoms that include

• sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes²
• dizziness and lightheadedness
• nausea and vomiting
• fatigue
• weakness
• confusion and difficulty concentrating
• shortness of breath and wheezing
• depression and anxiety
• loss of appetite and
• skin irritation.⁴

Before you dismiss these health concerns as trivial or simply not your problem, consider this: fragrance sensitivities can be regarded as disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects employees who have a disability, a record of a disability, or are regarded as disabled.

Employers covered by the ADA are therefore obligated to take fragrance sensitivity complaints seriously. Some employers have even instituted scent-free policies as accommodations.

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The Nose Knows: Our Powerful Sense of Smell

Humans can detect an estimated one trillion odors, although there is great variability in individual performance.⁵ Many odors are detected through nerve endings that are associated with pain and temperature sensation rather than smell.

Women have a keener sense of smell, especially during their reproductive years. With repeated exposure to a substance, they become even more sensitive.⁶ (They're also more likely to suffer from asthma and allergies and nearly three times more likely to experience migraines.)⁷

We rely on our sense of smell to

• recognize one another
• interpret what we're tasting
• alert us to danger (e.g., gas leaks, fire, food spoilage) and
• recall emotions and memories (e.g., your grandmother's home).

Our sense of smell is so refined that we can distinguish old age through odor alone.⁸ (Yes, there is an "old person smell," and scientists believe it is the result of a breakdown of fatty acids in the skin.)

Research has also found that obesity is detectable by scent, as small amounts of methane are emitted through the breath of people who are overweight.⁹ (Intestinal microbes are the culprit.)

A wide range of medical conditions and substances can impact our sense of smell and, thus, how we experience the world. Between the ages of 65 to 80, approximately half of the population experiences some loss of their sense of smell.¹¹ After age 80, the proportion rises to three-quarters.

The loss of smell is a significant sign of possible neurological damage. For example, 90% of Parkinson's patients suffer olfactory loss. The loss of smell is also an early hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, and the number of brain lesions in patients with Multiple Sclerosis significantly correlates with loss of smell. Wearing too much perfume has also been found to be a sign of depression and deficiency in zinc.

Therefore, if you suffer at the hands of someone in the office who wears too much fragrance, consider that they could potentially have a medical reason they wear too much scent. That's all the more reason to approach the situation with care and avoid jumping to conclusions.

Factors That Can Impact Your Sense of Smell

5 Signs You're Wearing Too Much Perfume or Cologne

You love your signature scent, but do other people? Perfume and cologne shouldn't be so overpowering that others suspect you bathe in them.

Because you can easily become desensitized to your own aroma, learn to recognize when you're wearing too much fragrance. And if you know that you have one of the above medical conditions that can affect scent (see table), explore the possibility that you might be wearing too much cologne or perfume.

1. If you receive comments (even if they are meant to be compliments) such as "you make the whole room smell nice" or "I smelled that you were here," you're probably wearing too much. Someone should be within arm's length before they remark how nice you smell.
2. If you apply perfume directly onto your skin and the area remains wet a few seconds later, you've overdone it. Or, if you use more than two sprays, it's probably a bit much—especially for the work environment.
3. If more than one person has ever told you that you smell strong, ask a friend for feedback. Seriously, a little dab will do you.
4. If people sneeze, cough, or complain of migraines around you, or if they avoid standing next to you, that's a big clue. Your scent may be making them sick.
5. At the end of the day, if you can still smell your own fragrance, you've probably overdone it. A person's scent receptors become immune to his/her own smell.

How to Deal With a Smelly Co-worker

If you're an employee who is negatively impacted by a coworker's scent, here are suggested guidelines for coping.

• Consider involving HR or your manager—especially if there is a known medical issue involved.
• Although it is possible to send an anonymous text message or an anonymous e-mail, you're likely to receive superior cooperation if the situation is handled face-to-face.
• If you choose to handle the conflict yourself, address the situation with your co-worker privately.
• Be direct in describing the issue.
• It's okay to acknowledge feeling awkward about the situation. Understand that your co-worker may feel embarrassed and defensive.
• Know exactly what you are requesting (e.g., do you want co-workers to stop wearing all scented products or just a certain one?)
• Ask for their help rather than making a demand.
• Avoid making judgments. Describe behaviors rather than attitudes and motivations. It's entirely possible your co-worker is unaware. It is inappropriate to suggest that a medical condition may be influencing their scent choices.
• Treat your fragrant co-worker with the same respect and courtesy you want from him or her.
• Thank him or her for understanding.

An example conversation:

"Susan, I wanted to talk with you privately about something that's been bothering me. It's a little uncomfortable for me to share this. When you wear perfume and paint your nails at your desk, I find that the scents trigger my migraines. Would you be willing to help me out by avoiding scented products like perfume or cologne and painting your nails outside of the office? I appreciate your hearing me out."

Solutions for Dealing With Chemical Sensitivities at Work

In dealing with chemical sensitivities in the workplace, you will need to be creative as well as patient. Options may need to be tested via trial-and-error.

The Job Accommodation Network offers the following possible solutions for dealing with chemical sensitivities, aside from adopting a scent-free policy at work. (The Job Accommodation Network is a source of free, confidential, and expert advice on workplace accommodations.)

1. Change the location of your workstation. Move your work area away from the irritant. Being in contact with fewer people should reduce your scent exposure.
2. Work from home several days a week. Telecommuting can reduce overall exposure. It can also alleviate symptom severity during times when you must be physically present in the workplace.
3. Adjust your work schedule. Modify your work hours by going to work and leaving a few hours early.
4. Use a portable fan or air purifier. Fans can redirect offensive odors elsewhere. If you have an office, an air purifier with a good gas or carbon filter might help.
5. Interact with smelly co-workers via phone, e-mail, or teleconferencing as much as possible.

Quotes About Scent, Smell, and Fragrance

"I don't use deodorant. If you drink enough water, you shouldn't have to. I think I smell pretty good without it."

- Simon Baker, Australian actor and director

"The lovesick, the betrayed and the jealous all smell alike."

- Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, French novelist

"I judge people on how they smell, not how they look."

- Jennifer Lopez, American pop diva

"People who wear fur smell like a wet dog if they're in the rain. And they look fat and gross."

- Pamela Anderson, Canadian-American actress and model

"Smell is incredibly important and sensual. It communicates who you are."

- Sean Combs (P. Diddy), American rapper

"I smell of sweat. I don't like people smelling of all these weird things. I think deodorant is disgusting."

- Rupert Everett, English actor and writer

"The sense of smell explores; deleterious substances almost always have an unpleasant smell."

- Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, French politician and gastronome

"Smell is a long-distance sense, a way of stretching time and finding out in advance what lies ahead."

- Lyall Watson, South African writer and scientist

Notes

¹Caress, S. M., & Steinemann, A. C. (2009, March). Prevalence of fragrance sensitivity in the American population. Retrieved March 27, 2014, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19326669.

²Bouchez, C. (2008, January 11). Fragrance Allergies: A Sensory Assault. Retrieved March 27, 2014, from http://www.webmd.com/allergies/features/fragrance-allergies-a-sensory-assault.

³http://discovermagazine.com/2013/nov/13-allergic-life

⁴Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (2013, January 28). Scent-Free Policy for the Workplace : OSH Answers. Retrieved March 27, 2014, from http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/scent_free.html.

⁵Williams, S. C. (2014, March 20). Human Nose Can Detect a Trillion Smells. Retrieved March 28, 2014, from http://news.sciencemag.org/biology/2014/03/human-nose-can-detect-trillion-smells.

⁶BBC News (2002, February 4). Women nose ahead in smell tests. Retrieved March 28, 2014, from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/1796447.stm.

⁷Sember, B. (n.d.). HowStuffWorks "Why do women have more migraines than men?". Retrieved March 28, 2014, from http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/women/general/women-more-migraine.htm.

⁸Honeycutt, D. (2013, November 11). Science Confirms That Old People Really Do Have a Smell. Retrieved March 28, 2014, from http://gizmodo.com/science-confirms-that-old-people-really-do-have-a-smell-1472502978/all.

⁹Park, A. (2013, March 27). Can You Smell Obesity? Retrieved March 27, 2014, from http://healthland.time.com/2013/03/27/can-you-smell-obesity/.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

© 2014 Elaina Baker

Comments

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on March 22, 2018:

Acosta - I would hope that you could explain that you became nauseous at the smell of a scent that a coworker was wearing. There seems to be more going on in the story.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on March 12, 2018:

Violet - Ah, Canada. Ok then. So you can either attempt to stay with your current employer, working with them to the extent that they will cooperate, or look for other work. If you seek to stay, be forthright with HR that 1) this fragrance sensitivity stems from (asthma, allergies, chronic bronchitis, COPD, or whatever your diagnosis is ) and is a disabling condition that you did not choose to have and it's doctor-verified, certainly not a matter of your personal preferences of certain odors; 2) you are good at your job (assuming that's true), enjoy your work, and are committed to the company and serving your customers; 3) you want to simply do your job without being ostracized by coworkers for your medical condition and you need their help in making some adjustments so that you can do so. Suggest a number of possible accommodations in concert with your doctor. The Job Accommodation Network https://askjan.org/ lists a range of possible options, some of which may or may not help you or even be appropriate for your situation. If they don't want to work with you, think hard about whether you want to voluntarily resign. I don't know what options Canada has that are similar to unemployment, workers compensation, or short term disability but you may want to consider them instead of voluntarily quitting unless you can easily find a suitable replacement job. I assume you need some money coming in, right? In the mean time, you may want to start looking for another job. You may be pleasantly surprised. Small business owners may be more understanding regarding personal situations, especially if you repay their understanding with loyalty.

Violet Moscovici on March 12, 2018:

hello FlourishAnyway

Thank you so much for your reply- I believe completely failed to specify I am in Canada...probably nothing listed below applies here in Canada.

:(

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on March 09, 2018:

Violet - Depending on your medical details, this may very well be considered a DISABILITY and thus fall under the ADA. Assuming your employer is large enough to be covered by the ADA https://www.eeoc.gov/facts/ada17.html, the company needs to engage in an interactive process with you regarding your requests for reasonable accommodation. Make sure they know that and put your requests in writing (email), directed to HR or the assigned contact person. See the following link and its associated links for a relevant overview:

https://www.laborlawcenter.com/education-center/ne... Allowing co-workers to shun you is retaliatory behavior. Consider filing a new complaint about that and be ready to name names and provide specific examples. These folks need to grow up and just get to work. Just like you didn't get to pick your medical conditions, you won't get to pick the accommodation that your employer settles on. However, you can suggest any preferences you might have. Express a desire to work positively towards a solution. Engage and educate even though they are jerks. One never knows who will come down with migraines or allergies or need chemotherapy (which often makes people sensitive to fragrances). For all one knows, the company may have customers that are affected and they don't even know it! I wish you the best of luck.

acosta12 on March 09, 2018:

I have been accused of discrimination because a coworkers wears some oils that makes me sick. We were in a meeting and i was sitting behind her i started to feel sick so i went out of the room and pick up some alcohol wipes and started to smell them. I did not make a face or non of the above and moved my self from the area. Well someone saw me and accused me of discrimination. i was call into the office and told that. were are my rights? if something makes me sick I have to deal with it??? somebody please explain

Violet Moscovici on March 09, 2018:

I need help to deal with a "stinky" situation. I am working for an Ophthalmic Lab for the past 14 years. While I've never suffered of any allergies, I've developed a high sensitivity to fragrances and strong odors. I addressed the issue several times, first with my co-workers directly, my Manager, company's Management and ultimately with HR. It doesn't seem to help, and HR said would be impossible to be fragrance free environment. I quit the job a year ago because of that, however after 3 weeks I was reinstated. I started an allergy treatment back in September 2017 that would take 18 months. I started feeling better and have a good response to the treatment, however end of January 2018 I had a major setback and started to feel very ill. I addressed the issue with Management, and HR all over again however they seem not to have a solution for me, and I got a letter from my specialist where says that being exposed to fragrances the treatment won't help....My work colleagues are treating me as I have leprosy, not even talking to me and

W hat to do?

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on October 15, 2017:

Mel, That's a "stinky" situation for sure. If you are the owner of this business, obviously you can choose to either 1) keep her business/support but risk your comfort and health or 2) be frank and honest and risk the possible consequences of her being offended. If customers and employees are also complaining, that should help inform your choice. There are discreet and respectful ways to have this conversation, if that's your choice. A local dry cleaner in my community, for example, asks people not to bring in items with cat hair on them because the owner is so allergic that she was hospitalized. Both my mother and I were customers there and had cats. Although we were a little miffed at first, she does such a good job and her prices are reasonable that we do continue to go there, and we clean off all the traces of cat hair before we go. Kindness, respect, and providing adequate explanations pay dividends. Good luck with your situation.

Mel on October 15, 2017:

Can anyone advise on this sticky situation? I run a tiny spice & tea shop and we have a regular customer who uses an absurd amount of perfume. I can smell her before she even comes in the shop, and the scent builds up in the tiny room while she is here. It is suffocating...and it lingers in the shop for hours after she is gone. Even worse, she pays with cash and her cash reeks too! It really bothers me, it makes me feel dizzy and nauseous. I often get headaches on days she comes in. Not to mention, we sell spices and tea, so scent is really important here! But like I said, she is a regular customer--one of our biggest supporters--so I don't feel comfortable talking to her about it. Do I just have to suffer a few times a week?

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on May 10, 2017:

memyselfandI - To some they just smell bad while to others they induce migraines and other strong physical reactions. Go to any allergist (and some neurologists) and they'll have signs posted that require you not to wear any scented products while in their office for this reason.

memyselfandI on May 10, 2017:

It not that these things cause headaches, it that they just plain smell bad.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on November 13, 2016:

Olivia - Sounds like you have some stinky folks in your place of business. Thanks for sounding off. Wish you had shared more.

Olivia on November 13, 2016:

I feel you angry coworkers!

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on July 30, 2016:

Tired of Smells - Ultimately, it's YOUR house and you and your partner have the say as to who stays and for how long. Agree with your partner on your approach and create a united front.

Then matter-of-factly tell your unkind father-in-law via Skype well in advance of his visit that you are serious, that you do want him to visit, but there are key conditions and it's a medical matter. Give him no more than 3 alternatives. For example: Alternative 1: Don't visit. Alternative 2: He can leave the cologne at home and stay with you. Alternative 3: Stay in a hotel or another relative's house (decide who pays) and he can visit with your family on days when he's not wearing cologne.

Because this is your husband's father, he needs to step up strongly, supporting you and taking the lead in answering any pushback by his father. I had a similar situation with my husband's mother who was a chain smoker. She was rude about doing it anywhere she pleased -- in a car, in your face, in your house, etc. Giving someone choices is better than giving them a request or an ultimatum. Emphasize that you want to see him and love him and it's about the cologne and medical condition, nothing else. I hope this helps!

Tired of Smells on July 29, 2016:

Well what if it's my fil, not a co-worker that douses himself A FEW TIMES A DAY. Yeah you read that right. And get this, he puts it on HIS HANDS first and rubs it all over his body. Yea, I don't live with him, but he visited from abroad so he stayed with us for 6 weeks. That crap was everywhere. Then the breaking point- I noticed it was all over the washer and dryer, as in stuck! It took like a million loads of vinegar to get it out. And for the dryer it was a soak a towel in vinegar and let it run a million times deal. I was about to buy new ones! Listen if someone can PLEASE give me tips for prevention because he's supposed to come over again and I feel overwhelmed. And yes, we've already asked him not to wear it this time. His response was "hahahhahaha". The worst part is I have asthma and last time it even bothered my baby's skin. I didn't really even want him to hold her (which is sad because he's not a bad guy otherwise). Any ideas folks? Thanks!!!!

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on July 22, 2016:

Jenni - The most obvious and congenial method of solving the issue is talking directly with the co-worker, but if that and going to management have failed, then you might try the Americans with Disabilities route. Check first that your workplace is covered by the ADAAA (see the EEOC website). Work with an allergist or other medical specialist to get a diagnosis first (e.g., asthma, multiple chemical sensitivities, COPD). An impairment such as asthma that is episodic or in remission is a disability if it would substantially limit a major life activity such as breathing when active.

Get your diagnosis and talk with your doctor about your work environment, other triggers, and severity of your reaction. Ask the doctor for his/her take on recommended accommodations (which you will use when you approach HR). Assuming you have a qualifying disability, then approach HR again with your medical diagnosis and a request an accommodation (e.g., to be moved, to require the coworker to cease use of the oils, etc.). If you have a disability, the accommodation request should be an informal interactive process between you and HR. They may request documentation, and their final accommodation may not be what you requested (e.g., they may want you to do something silly like wear a mask). Here is some basic information that may be helpful: http://research.prudential.com/documents/rp/RP-Nee... Best of luck to you.

Jenni on July 21, 2016:

There is a person at work who uses these oils on their hands. I must be allergic to it because when she gets with in 2 feet of me, I LITERALLY cannot breath. Apparently, her hands are more important than me being able to breath because HR, my boss and the controller refuse to say anything to her but can say something to another co-worker about her diffuser giving someone a headache. This can't be legal. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on June 30, 2016:

Special Counsel - Sorry to hear you have such an extreme reaction to fragrances. Your story -- and thanks for sharing it -- is an example of how what is pleasant and soothing or exciting to another can be dangerous to another person. I wish you health and happiness.

Special Counsel on June 29, 2016:

This goes maybe a quarter of the way for my fragrance/chemical allergies due to Mast Cell Activation Disease. Not many physicians know about this testing and all, I suggest any person getting sick around with fragranced/chemical laden people tell your physician about Dr. Lawrence Afrin's work. There's a white paper on this disease that can be accessed online. The numbers of people not being able to handle fragrances is rising rapidly. Who knows, you could be next... I have not been able to work for years due to my condition. Going out to dine is very risky and we might have to move to other tables, I can't sit in the middle of a restaurant, I need to be by walls, to protect myself from having a reaction.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on May 28, 2015:

Ann - Good point. Allergists actually have signs indicating such.

Ann on May 28, 2015:

please leave your perfume at home when you visit your doctor. its rude not to.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on March 15, 2015:

ezzly - Oh that is terrible. I hope you survived that exam. Chicken noodle soup and not in a yummy way. Bleck!

ezzly on March 13, 2015:

LOL chicken noodle soup, too funny ! I was in university with a guy who smelled like that all the time and when I was doing my exams I had the misfortune of sitting near him , I felt like vomiting and got a pain in my stomach !

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on March 13, 2015:

ezzly - Yeah, B.O is awful -- smells of chicken noodle soup. Thanks for stopping by and for voting!

ezzly on March 12, 2015:

Voted up, I love this., it is so anti social to wreak of anything especially dodgy cologne or even worse B.O. !

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on November 18, 2014:

savvydating - Ooooh, there's nothing like a good smelling man.

savvydating on November 17, 2014:

I might be the "odd man out" here. I love cologne and perfume. But I agree that "stinky" is definitely a bad thing. However, two sprays of fantastic perfume/cologne to the stomach, such as Marc Jacobs or Cartier are divine. I want to eat a man up when he smells that good. But, you did recommend two sprays, so we're on the same page there.

Anyway, your hubs are always great. It's true. No one should stink!

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on November 17, 2014:

ologsinquito - And strong smelling foods -- double yuck (unless, of course, it's on my plate, haha). Thank you for commenting and sharing. Have a terrific week.

ologsinquito from USA on November 17, 2014:

I think I'm becoming increasingly sensitive to cologne and perfume. At one time I liked these smells. Now I think these chemicals just stink. Yuk. Shared and more.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on August 25, 2014:

favored - Thanks so much for visiting. Glad you stopped by.

Fay Favored from USA on August 24, 2014:

Your topic fascinated me so I had to come visit. Glad I did. Some people do wear too much perfume, but some of the other things you mentioned are a problem at times. You presented this in a fun way, thanks.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on August 07, 2014:

Sami - Body sprays with a light scent are a good idea. Thanks for reading and weighing in.

Sami from Kansas on August 07, 2014:

I must say that I am a smoker, and so applying perfume is my way of freshening up so that I don't completely reek of cigarette smoke. I get comments that I smell nice when in close contact with other people (which for me is a relief that it's a nice smell versus smelling like smoke). Normally I stick with body sprays because they are not as overpowering as perfume. Great hub, as always!

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on August 05, 2014:

Thelma - That must have been some strong and memorable stuff. Many a migraine have started from someone's desire to get noticed.

Thelma Alberts from Germany on August 04, 2014:

Great and useful hub. You remind me of having headahe every time somebody passed near me with a pachuli containing perfume. It really made me sick. Unfortunately it was a passers by.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on July 26, 2014:

Raul - Thanks for reading. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Stinky customers are certainly a job hazard. I'd suggest springing for Glade or another alternative air freshener. I hate the smell of Lysol, too. Blek.

Raul Sierra Jr from El Paso, Texas on July 25, 2014:

Funny. Love this post!

Unfortunately for me, it's not my co-workers that smell. It's the customers. The worse they smell the closer they get when talking. I can handle the conversation with a co-worker, but I have to be less forward with the customers.

The other consequence of the smelly customer is the stench of lysol, sprayed by the associates once the customer is gone.

Thanks for the laugh, flourish.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on July 17, 2014:

Peg - I almost wish there were little leave behind cards that said, "Excuse me but you have wretched breath." or "Dude, you're killing people with the cologne. Dial it down. Will ya?"". My luck and they'd see me as I was heading out the door.". Chances are if you thought that, others did too. Thanks for stopping back by.

Peg Cole from North Dallas, Texas on July 17, 2014:

I came back to check this one out again, Flourish, and watched that funny video, "Mr. Way Too Much Cologne Wearer". Some of the new liquid body soaps that men are using have an overpowering smell that can take your breath away. I got a huge whiff of someone at the local home improvement store and I wanted to say something to the store guy who was politely trying to help me order a toilet. Aaargh, it was burning my nose to stand nearby while he tapped away on the computer keys. It nearly lost him the sale.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on July 01, 2014:

Anonymous - I'm sorry you have to deal with this unpleasantness. I do worry about whether your father might be dealing with a medical condition. I encourage you to mention it or have another family member mention it to both him and his family doctor.

Anonymous on July 01, 2014:

I have to deal with this at home. My father bathes himself in cologne. He's not the type to just apply it to himself. He showers in it. What I mean is he sprays a ton of it into the air and then passes through it, so now he as well as the ENTIRE house smells like it. No matter how many times I ask him to stop putting so much on he doesn't care

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on June 21, 2014:

Peg - Yes, in the end I think you have to balance your health and comfort day in and day out vs. the risk of alienating a coworker. It could be a tough call for some people. Thanks for reading and commenting. It's a very touchy subject!

Peg Cole from North Dallas, Texas on June 21, 2014:

Good suggestions for handling this touchy workplace subject. The confronting a teammate video was well done. I've been on both sides of the stinky issue - as the offender and as the person with allergies. It really can alienate someone to basically tell them they stink - even when it's said in a politically correct way and you, "Frame it as a favor". Oh, so touchy.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on June 21, 2014:

Mj - Now you have me wondering how those waitresses are transferring their perfume to your coffee. Hands touching the rim of the cup perhaps? Yuck. Thanks a bunch for reading and commenting.

Marcy J. Miller from Arizona on June 21, 2014:

Flourish, this is just excellent all the way around. It took me right back to those days in the office (gee, thanks). As a manager I had occasion to counsel people at various times regarding stinky issues -- scented candles, perfume, body odor, halitosis, and the famous tuna lunches. Somehow, even second-hand smoke smells worse when it's emanating from one's breath or body.

One of the few allergies I have is to certain perfumes. Not only does it choke me up and make my eyes stream, but I cannot stand the smell of heavy perfume. Yesterday my physical therapist had a bit much on and I went home smelling of it after she worked on my shoulder. I've decided that second-hand perfume is as bad as second-hand smoke.

Finally, one more perfume pet peeve -- those waitresses who wear so much that it transfers to the coffee cup they put on your plate. Now, how they manage to pass their perfume on to a cup that they hold in their hands, I'll never figure out -- maybe I don't want to know. Nothing like a cup of Eau de Java. Coffee with an identity crisis -- no thanks.

The joy of being a derelict of sorts, now that I am self-employed, is that I have traded workplace perfume felons for fresh air, open windows, and the occasional stink bomb dropped by one of our two kitties, reminding me to stretch my legs and clean the letterbox. I won't trade it for the office filled with people who chewed spearmint gum, popped popcorn all day (that constant aroma is tedious even to fellow popcorn lovers) and bought White Shoulders by the gallon!

Love the hub!

Best --- Mj

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on June 21, 2014:

Peggy W - Thank you for commenting and sharing. Have a great weekend! Take time to smell the roses!

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on June 21, 2014:

Working in HR you have undoubtedly come across many interesting stories and circumstances which need to be handled properly. Overpowering scents of just about any kind are offensive to many people but for those who suffer ill physical effects such as migraine headaches, etc, it can be devastating. Well written hub offering good advice and spiced up with cute photos. Up votes, tweeting, pinning & sharing. More people should be aware of this!

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on May 30, 2014:

Shanu k - Thanks for stopping by. Have a good weekend.

Shanu Kothari from indore, India on May 30, 2014:

haha

have experienced such smells..lol

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on May 27, 2014:

Deb - You are very scent-sitive. Thank you for sharing your experiences so that others can understand what it is like to live in a world where others can make you miserable just by splashing on cologne or other smell-good products. I'm sorry you suffer from this so much.

Deb on May 27, 2014:

I can't tell you the entire story of my life, but perfumes and colognes trigger my asthma. It's so bad for me, that it can last for days with one "whiff." I used to love perfume, and I wore it everyday, no matter what. Now Perfume Karma has me in it's gripe. I had a cold/flu like virus that left me this way, an adult onset asthma issue. I'm always dodging scents, everywhere! Church even (worst place). Currently I'm not working but when I was, I posted a sign by my desk, and I would not allow others to enter my office space. I also ran a large air filter. Since i was the boss, I laid down laws about no scents, and being in a doctor's office, I spun it to mean, "it's bad for the patient's lungs," and it is! The problem is this... people identify their scents with themselves...as in it is THEM, so if you say, don't wear it, they're offended. Also, they have worn it so long, they don't "smell it," and often they apply more! People who "layer" are the worst offenders. For me it's spray perfume that kills me, lotions are not too bad, or natural scents. Young men today do NOT know how to wear cologne. Most women are taught by their mothers how to apply...in my day, it was dabbed on and only meant to be smelled when someone was snuggling with you. Young men think cologne is aftershave, and they splash it on, or spray it on. Another thing, is fabric softener. I can smell it on their clothes and it makes me sick. My neighbor uses Suavitel, which was bought by P&G from a Mexico and it was not tested here. It clings to my entire house, yard, everything, and keeps me housebound. Perfumes and fabric softeners are products of chemical petroleum, and it's toxic. Most ingredients are cancer causing. Scented candles are also I've learned a lot, an done thing I know, is we can live without scents. Educate. And don't burn candles!

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on May 11, 2014:

Rachel - That is some story about your friend. An aaccurate self-perspective is so hard to come by. It sure didn't help her to disregard the feedback she was getting about the smell. I'm sorry she ended up with such a serious illness.

Rachael O'Halloran from United States on May 11, 2014:

I used to have this friend who was a smoker. She would stop smoking if she had company who didn't smoke, which was very considerate. However, she had one of those aroma machines sitting alongside her couch in the living room. Every time someone would walk in the front door, she'd reach down and flick it on. It usually had jasmine in it which by itself smells very very nice, but when it permeates a small living space like a 8x10 living room, it is overpowering. I always had to ask her to turn it off when I came in the door because it literally made my eyes water and my throat start to close over. You couldn't even smell coffee brewing, it was that strong.

Whenever she would go out socially, she didn't smell too good either with all that smoking going on and she literally bathed in cologne trying to cover up the cigarette smell. It didn't work. It made her more odorous.

She's gone now but in her later years, she got emphyzema and couldn't stand the smell of the aroma machine herself and had her son get rid of the machine. She always used to complain about my asking her to turn it off, saying she was just trying to make the air more comfortable for her guests since she knew her house didn't smell that good from her smoking in the house.

Sometimes it takes an event like hers to realize what smells do to other people. Ok, she got the point years after the fact, but her kids got the point early on when many visitors asked her to turn off the aroma machine. She thought she was being considerate but she never nipped it at the source as long as she kept smoking.

This was a good article and certainly should drive the point home to anyone reading it. If someone thinks they might smell bad, they probably do - because considering that they might is the first step in recognizing the fact. lol

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on April 30, 2014:

blueheron - Yes, I have a sensitive sniffer, too, and can pick up wheat people are wearing long after they cannot! Interesting comparison to Raid!

Sharon Vile from Odessa, MO on April 30, 2014:

Some fragrances are almost entrancing, the way they bring back memories. Then there are others...that smell like fly spray. (There really is/was a commercial fragrance that, to me, smelled exactly like Raid.)

I am sensitive to fragrances. My daughters have picked up my habit of smelling all the fabric softeners on the shelf before selecting one. This is so your wash doesn't come out smelling like fly spray.

To my nose, the best fragrances are the essential oils, or very simple perfumes made from them, like the ones made by Crabtree and Evelyn. I think my all-time favorite was their Passionflower--which, sadly, is pretty darned expensive.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on April 29, 2014:

ologsinquito - It's funny how what smells wonderful and light to one person simply stinks to someone else. There is one particular brand of deodorant that to me smells like Lysol -- nasty. I can smell who has it on in a crowd. Blek! Thanks for pinning, sharing, and commenting!

ologsinquito from USA on April 29, 2014:

Anyway, I forgot to say pinned and shared.

ologsinquito from USA on April 29, 2014:

I seem to be very sensitive to perfume smells, which really stink. A good alternative might be essential oils if you need a perfume.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on April 26, 2014:

vespawoolf - It's so hard to know who is chemically sensitive and with being in such tight quarters like elevators and some workspaces, it can signal a reason for conflict and health problems. Glad you stopped by. I was just thinking about you earlier today wondering where one of those good recipes are?

Vespa Woolf from Peru, South America on April 26, 2014:

I have friends who suffer from chemical sensitivities, so I am very careful not to wear perfume in enclosed spaces such as at work. I do wear it sometimes for a special occasion on the weekend, though. Yesterday I walked by a man on the street and his cologne was so strong I could smell it several steps away from him! Now that's too much cologne. This was interesting and the photos added humor. Thank you for sharing.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on April 26, 2014:

CMHypno - That would be awkward, but hopefully one conversation did the trick! My mom always says BO smells like chicken noodle soup. I cannot imagine smelling that 8 hours a day without saying something. Good for you.

CMHypno from Other Side of the Sun on April 26, 2014:

Interesting hub. I love perfume but some top notes give me a headache, so I have had problems socialising with friends who wore certain brands. But possibly the most embarrassing thing I have ever been asked to do was when the Director General of the company I was working for asked me to speak to a member of my team about their BO!

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on April 22, 2014:

Sparklea - What a great comment that provides a lot of perspective into scents and how people think and feel about them. Thank you for stopping by!

Sparklea from Upstate New York on April 21, 2014:

Thank you for this insightful hub and all the work you put into it: pictures, examples, research! Very important topic. I plead guilty to one who loves to wear cologne...I don't feel dressed without it. I have worn Odyssey by Avon for years. It is a lighter scent, and the other day at the vets, when picking up my cat, the girl at the desk asked if I was wearing Odyssey? She said her mom wore it and she loves the light scent. It's amazing how a scent can be a good or bad reminder of something good or something bad. Years ago I worked with a person who was moody and terrible to me...she wore white shoulders cologne. To this day I cannot stand the smell of it on anyone as it gives me PTSD. But when I smell other scents they often bring back good memories. No matter how you put it, SCENTS are powerful in many ways...positive and negative.

Thank you for this great write, and congratulations! Blessings, Sparklea :)

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on April 13, 2014:

Kmes - It's great to get your perspective! Thanks for stopping by!

Kayla Swanson from Dallas on April 13, 2014:

I actually love the various smells that people wear. I would hate it if people stopped wearing perfume/cologne. It smells so much better than B.O. I can see how too much can be overpowering though.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on April 07, 2014:

CristinS - Thanks for sharing your story. Aren't you glad your husband stepped up and told him to reduce it? He had probably become desensitized to his favorite scent over time and just wanted to smell good for you all when you visited.

Christin Sander from Midwest on April 07, 2014:

Glad somebody said it! :) I work at home, so thankfully it isn't a problem in office spaces anymore, but I am very sensitive to perfumes and colognes and I swear, every time I run errands or go out and about, inevitably there will be that person that you can smell two aisles away. It makes my eyes water and can even trigger asthma in me so I don't find it amusing. My father in law was one of those people who started drowning himself in Brut. It was so bad one time that his smell lingered in my clothing hours after he hugged me. My husband finally had to talk to him and tell him Dad, you're overdoing it. He's toned it way, WAY down since then. I loved him but always dreaded the visits because you could smell his cologne long after they left. ugh. Less is more people! :)

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on April 04, 2014:

Crafty - The greater the love for a scent, it seems the greater the tendency to douse. Have a great weekend. Douse yourself with happiness.

CraftytotheCore on April 04, 2014:

Great article Flourish! I have asthma, so I am super sensitive to fragrances. I love candles, but I cannot walk in to a candle store. People douse themselves with perfume and I can't breathe.

Bill De Giulio from Massachusetts on April 02, 2014:

Hi Flourish. Thank you for the heads up about the Hubpot Challenge. And congratulations to you for your selection also. We'll done.

Rebecca Furtado from Anderson, Indiana on April 02, 2014:

The only thing that could make this article better is if it were a scratch and sniff! I am sharing this one.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on April 01, 2014:

Rebecca - Wouldn't that be fun?

Rebecca Furtado from Anderson, Indiana on April 01, 2014:

The only thing that could make this article better is if it were scratch and sniff.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on April 01, 2014:

raymondphilippe - Yes, one with putrid breath is the absolute worst!

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on April 01, 2014:

Oh, Suzanne, bless you all. Thanks for reading and sharing your experience! I guess if everyone is doing the same thing it's probably not quite as noticeable.

Raymond Le Blanc from The Netherlands on April 01, 2014:

Lovely read. There's probably one thing worse than a smelly co-worker, a smelly boss.

Suzanne Day from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia on April 01, 2014:

I'm guilty of eating tuna for lunch in my cubicle, but I do put on a fragrance. I have a stingy boss who likes to allocate only 2 shirts per worker, which means on hot summer days, everyone stinks of BO because we all don't have time to wash the shirts. You'd think they'd consider that when purchasing work uniforms! Voted interesting.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on March 31, 2014:

Marie - Thank you for providing this perspective. For those of us who think we're doing the world a favor by smelling nice, it's important that you shared this.

mariewj on March 31, 2014:

I'm really sensitive to artificial smells and scents which I really can't stand. When I first met my husband, he had artificial scented products all over the home which drove me mad - he also loved his deodorant sprays too. Now the only scent in the home is good, old fashioned fresh air and he uses unscented roll-ons. I do struggle when I am near people who wear really strong perfumes - especially in a confined space.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on March 31, 2014:

Purpose Embraced - It was a cute, humorous video, wasn't it? There's nothing like making light of something and having a bit of fun.

Yvette Stupart PhD from Jamaica on March 31, 2014:

Thanks for your insightful hub, FlourishAnyway. I really think that most people are not aware of the possible negative impact their perfume/cologne could have on others at the workplace. I love the "too much cologne wearer" video!

Cherylann Mollan from India on March 30, 2014:

I agree with all that you've said. It is true that people don't seem to realize that the scent of perfume too, when applied in excess, can be annoying. Sometimes, co-workers go over-the-top in trying to smell good and they end up dousing themselves in a million different scents. It makes me nauseous! I really like your suggestions. Very thoughtful and useful hub. Voted up!

Faith Reaper from southern USA on March 30, 2014:

You're welcome! Lol you sound like me. I never know until someone tells me, and I think you were one of the ones to tell me. Lol Blessings

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on March 30, 2014:

Faith- That's the first I knew about it! Thanks for letting me know!

Faith Reaper from southern USA on March 30, 2014:

Congrats on being in the top ten again on this one! Awesome!

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on March 30, 2014:

Bill - It's hard to believe that there are those who do work out and choose not to shower. I mean, really? I've had a case or two that involved that same situation. The person was completely oblivious.

Bill De Giulio from Massachusetts on March 30, 2014:

Interesting topic Flourish. This is definitely an issue in the workplace. Too much of anything can cause a problem. I do workout sometimes during lunch but I always shower. There are some who don't and it is noticeable. What really bothers my nose is the perfume and cologne. Great job. Voted up, shared, etc.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on March 29, 2014:

Writer Fox - It does make you wonder whether they're confusing the office for a nightclub. Thanks for reading, voting, and commenting!

Writer Fox from the wadi near the little river on March 29, 2014:

There is such a thing as too much of a good thing! Personally, I'd rather smell something pleasant and I don't mind smelling a little perfume. It's men who wear too much after shave that irritates me! You've given a lot of food for thought on this issue. Enjoyed and voted up!

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on March 29, 2014:

Jackie - Yes, I have seen that posted in doctors' offices, too! It was prominently displayed at the allergy/asthma specialist I went to last year for my nut allergy and also my neurologist's office. I do recall Sweet Honesty ... and Sand and Sable (my favorite). Definitely throw backs, huh? Glad you stopped by!

Jackie Lynnley from the beautiful south on March 29, 2014:

I am seeing doctors offices asking people not to wear perfume and I am so glad. I cannot even wear it myself unless it is very very mild. Sweet Honesty is about the best there is if ypu want to smell nice but perfume bothers you. In years it is the only one I have found. Of course i would hate anyone to recognize me by my smell! lol

Great one!

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on March 29, 2014:

Zainab - I've worked with people who have used candles, air fresheners, heavy cologne/perfume, smoked in their offices, ate very fragrant foods in their cubicles at lunch, habitually burned popcorn in the community microwave, and habitually farted and took their shoes off thinking no one else could smell them. And this was in HR. Gag a maggot.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on March 29, 2014:

ologsinquito - I can imagine they would feel very trapped and probably angry.

Musu Bangura from Nation's Capital on March 29, 2014:

FlourishAnyway, this is a great topic. I've dealt with people who have severe asthma and cannot be around any colognes, room sprays, or candles. It can be a challenge in the workplace as a lot of people automatically wear cologne or perfume when they come to work. I even think there are OSHA laws associated with it. I'll look it up!

Me personally, I cannot stand the smell of cigarettes mixed with strong perfume. It's horrendous.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on March 29, 2014:

LaryssaGeorge - We're happy to have your input. Thanks for stopping by!

ologsinquito from USA on March 29, 2014:

Perfume can definitely be overpowering. Working with someone who's wearing too much scent, for eight hours a day, would be a form of torture.

Laryssa from Indiana on March 28, 2014:

Oh my...scents are a major issue for me. Due to health issues I am very sensitive to smell and can react horribly to perfumes. Thanks for spreading the word.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on March 28, 2014:

Jo - I'd take Chanel No. 5 over betadine any day of the week. I deplore the smell of that solution. Bless you for putting up with hospital smells. Thanks for sharing your story. I imagine your example says something about your love of that fragrance. I guess the mystery is figuring out what? You'll have to assume it was a good thing unless they speak up.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on March 28, 2014:

Nancy - Aww, I hadn't thought about our four-legged friends being overwhelmed. I bet they don't like it, given their sense of smell is often superior or comparable to ours.

Nancy Owens from USA on March 28, 2014:

I love the way you tackled this sensitive subject. It was news to me that we can actually identify an old person by smell! Can you imagine how overloaded our pets must be by the smells around them? While I like fragrance, I usually save it for special occasions. At work and meetings I don't wear it.