Cube neighbors with an extremely pungent perfume wearer

[Anonymous]

My cube neighbor doesn’t wear perfume and has a strong body odor. I complained to HR and they did nothing. A coworker told me that this may be their natural body odor. I wish they were wearing perfume.

[Anonymous]

Are you a perfumer hater in general or just that one? Ya it might have an ingredient you’re sensitive too. Wouldn’t hurt to tell her. I love many perfumes but did ask a male colleague to stop wearing one that bothered me and he was ok with it - l asked nicely.

Do not tell her you’re “allergic to fragrance”. There is no such thing a being allergic to all molecules with scent, and she might just dismiss you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OMG. It's not good perfume, either. I can smell it through the cubicle. It's a little better when she's not there but still. But she's new. And I'm only a few months in. So it seems odd to say something. But I can't breathe. The headaches are bad.

WWYD?

I also am affected by those who use too much perfume. OP, this is a serious matter which likely will have a negative effect on your work product.

Can you ask for a cubicle change ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oh the drama. Headaches, eyes watering, can't breathe. You all would be a lot more credible if you were honest.

I don't like it when someone wears too much perfume either, but I certainly don't dramatize it like this.

NP. I love perfume and cologne. I love the way it smells, but no drama, with prolonged exposure then I get a headache and I can’t breathe.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My cube neighbor doesn’t wear perfume and has a strong body odor. I complained to HR and they did nothing. A coworker told me that this may be their natural body odor. I wish they were wearing perfume.

Some cultures don't shower as much as we do. Cultural training would be helpful for them, but we are not allowed (culturally) to offer this advice. We are supposed to shut up and take it.

Just request to change seats. Tell them it's a ergo thing - the air isn't flowing correctly, which is true.