Vest Combo

[Scanning]

I recently heard back from my open plan office that one of the veteran staff there has been having a clothing issue. Myself and collegues are rather perturbed at the individual in question has been wearing a wafer thin shirt with a vest "tank top" combo for the last 3 days.

It does appear that the special individual has no shame in the fact that he has worn this attire constantly for a number of days - I believe the shirt in particular doesn't look withstand another wash - do you think that could be the reason for wearing the attire to "death" so to speak!

I have heard stories that fungal infections on the body caused by lack of washing and indeed wearing primark "seconds" has become an epidemic in some third world countries - Does anyone have any suggestions on how to approcah this individuals issues directly without causing offence.

[sara3]

there is no way of doing this without causing offence, but you have to do it as a one-to-one, and as sensitively as you can. there may be all sorts of "reasons" for this behaviour so tread carefully.

I've delivered the same news to someone myself and it's not easy.. but it has to be done :o/

[puddicat]

He stinks just tell us like it it is, without the sugar coating!!!

[redcrx]

sara, you forgot "spotted"

scanning, have you been demoted in this current climate? you were so happy that you got promoted out of the open plan office and away from the comb over guy, the toenail clippings guy and the bloke that wore sandals

[Scanning]

Thanks for your comments sara -

redcrx: you'll notice the first line of my question states "I recently heard back from my open plan office...."

[cazzz1975]

shouldnt you be concentrating on your job instead of finding fault with everyone?

so what if he wants to wear a shirt to death, is it going to affect you or your family? well maybe it will, you will have no one to b!tch about for a day...

[chinadog]

Sorry but it seems like you're just nit picking Scanning.

[sara3]

I've obviously missed the run up to this!

[tamborine]

Ask him if he's sleeping on a horse-hair mattress.........'cause you can smell it ;)

[Eve]

Is it just the last 3 days?

I'd be concerned in case something was wrong and would approach it in that way.

[Scanning]

I doesn't effect my family no, nor do we "b1tch" about it - its a mere observation to which I am not the only one effected.

I don't feel im nit-picking, just feel that it should be addressed for the benefit of others that work closely with him.

Yes it's just been the last 3 days, he seems somewhat grey visually in general but this does seem a little more extreme.

[joko]

its none of your business what he or anyone else wears

[BigBishop]

Comment on how nice his shirt is, do this every day that he wears the same one. He'll know that you've noticed then.

[Mully79]

How do you know he doesn't wash this shirt / vest every night, even if it might appear dirty? Perhaps he doesn't have a ton of money to buy new clothes or repair any of his old ones? Or he's been staying away from his home and only has one lot of clothes?

I wear the same pair of jeans in a week, wear the same top or jumper twice a week (washed between) and know that a lot of men wear the same pants each day of the working week, and I don't see anyone batting an eyelid about that. Personally I couldn't give a damn, I go to work and do my job well, so if I'm not conforming to some personal views of other members of staff then they need to get a life and think about more important things!

[brenda]

If this persons appearance etc has just suddenly started to deteriorate,he may be having some serious problems at home,for example with his family , illness etc. Why don't you start talking to him and that way you may find out and could helpinstead of just being critical.

[cazzz1975]

how are you "affected" exactly? What a bizarre statement??

how is someone wearing a shirt affecting you?

[Mr Veritas]

Just WHAT is a "wafer thin" shirt?(new one to me) and HOW do you know he doesn't have several shirts of the same colour?
You don't say that someone has told you he smells?
When will epople learn to get on with their own lives and not interfere in others.
What do you know of his home life,has he a wife,does he live alone?all these could influence his dress and possible problems.
Let us hope nobody where you work is judging YOU!

[Lil O'lady]

Get yourself and all your staff in regulation company-issue outfits - one to wash and one to wear - with instructions and clear guidance for washing and ironing and clear stated penalties for not complying.
If your workforce put up with it, they deserve you.
If you can't talk to a guy who might be under stress and maybe having a breakdown, of course it makes it much better to write about it online and tell the rest of the office.
Hugely professional, meltingly human, don't want to be you thanks.