How can I address body odor issue with our nanny in a legally and emotionally acceptable way? #NannyCare #BodyOdor #WorkplaceEtiquette
My wife and I have a nanny that recently began working for us after our last nanny found another job. Two weeks in and she's great, but starting this week we began noticing bad body odor. Its so bad that we need to air the house out at the end of the day and can smell it on furniture hours after she leaves.
Seeking Advice
Not having an HR department, were trying to figure out how to navigate approaching this with her in both a legally and emotionally acceptable method. Can anyone on here offer advice? Thanks in advance.
Approach with kindness and sincerity. Tell her that you’ve noticed an odor that lingers after she’s left the house.
Often, it’s just hygiene, but sometimes it’s medical.
Since she’s working in your home, are you aware of her living situation? She may not have access to regular showers or may be struggling to keep her hygiene practices if she’s been between jobs and haven’t been able to purchase products that we all take for granted.
I say this because those in childcare aren’t typically folks with a lot of disposable income…
It’s a sensitive conversation that you want to approach with kindness and compassion if you wish to approach it with your employee.
Are they a different culture?
You aren’t an llc so there’s nothing that’s going to affect you as far as eeoc or something goes
Was she sent through an agency? Contact them and let them know but if you feel this person would understand, then try to explain it to them form a cultural pov…I know when we work hard or just genetics we tend to get ripe…some people may not notice their own funk so there’s that…but I would really come at it culturally and considerately…
Ie someone from india may not have access to deodorants so helping them by giving them a basket of toiletries from their place along with clinical deodorants would be a subtle way of helping…like I’d probably make a basket with ayuervedic soaps like chandrika or himalaya brands, they love sandalwood powder throw in a razor, shower gel, face wash and deodorants and you gotta gift basket…idk but the subtlety leads to the obvious… lume is a decent product to consider…
Consider that some people may just have hyperhydrosis or hyperthyroidism which can cause excess sweat and funk, maybe they’re nervous in their job…idk but it’s your job to have an open relationship with them as they are caring for your children and you plan on keeping them around for a while…
Just be straight up with her , maybe put together welcome kit to that includes hygiene stuff .