Comments on: How to Talk to Someone about Their Poor Hygiene

By: Rohan

Rohan — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 03:05:09 +0000

In reply to Diana Hutchinson. great way of handling!

By: JennyG

JennyG — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 02:11:42 +0000

Yes, to Diana. And yes! to a specific, clear policy for all to follow meeting industry standards. Only then is it fair to require compliance.

By: Basheer Mohamad Hanifa

Basheer Mohamad Hanifa — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 01:42:40 +0000

Thanks Ryan & Diana. I ponder upon both of your writings/comment on this hygiene issues. Felt benefitted from it as guidelines for other issues too.
Appreciative Regards.

By: Shelly

Shelly — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 18:34:39 +0000

In reply to Diana Hutchinson. Diana, I was thinking the same thing. Long fingernails are unhygienic on males or females. I’ve been a nurse for 30 years. I remember the days when our nails needed to be trimmed, clean, and absolutely no gel/acrylic allowed (due to bacteria and mold). Now, I work with nurses who have inch long fingernails. Thanks for pointing out how honesty is the best policy.

By: Charles Charman

Charles Charman — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 15:52:24 +0000

This is an excellent real-life application of the Crucial Conversations skills. Thank you Ryan!

By: Anna

Anna — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 15:44:26 +0000

In reply to Diana Hutchinson. Diana Hutchinson: Agree! My exact thoughts when I read the response. Since there is not a "like" button for comments, consider this comment a thumbs up to your insight.

By: Ryan Trimble

Ryan Trimble — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 15:43:13 +0000

In reply to Diana Hutchinson.

I like that, Diana, thanks. I must’ve misread the bit about fingernails. And my example “I don’t have a personal problem…” is based on the assumption that the questioner wouldn’t after mastering their story. But in the case they did, there’s no reason they couldn’t communicate it. Great approach.

By: Barb

Barb — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 15:22:21 +0000

This is a correct approach. Working at a large community hospital, some employees that did not use deodorant and had direct contact with patients. Staff also complained about the odors. I approached one to use deodorant and the response was that “they shower daily” to which I responded that it wasn’t enough – “our patients already do not feel well and the odors may upset them.” This worked. I had another who was unkempt, poor hygiene, very smart but resistant and reassigned the person to the front desk.I like the suggestion of a policy.

By: Diantha Litwer

Diantha Litwer — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 15:19:31 +0000

In reply to Diana Hutchinson. Excellent response.

By: Milo

Milo — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 14:51:31 +0000

As a member of a community studio, we occasionally get global emails about expectations. Being a small group, we all know the background story, and no one likes the group blasts. It’s embarrassing and occasionally humiliating. I highly encourage a one-on-one talk with the person about the laundry. Also, maybe they don’t know how to get odd stains out of their clothes. Maybe gentle coaching on products or techniques to get rid of stains would help?
Regarding fingernails: leave fingernail brushes at all sinks. I could understand this topic as a group email easier than the laundry stains. If people are uneasy about sharing a fingernail brush, get different color ones for everyone. If there are more staff than colors, add a wrap of color tape on the handle so you now have red-with-yellow-tape, etc. This seems like an easier fix than the laundry.
Then there’s deodorant use, or lack thereof… good luck!