The Manufactured Housing Forums

Dear Chrissy
My office manager dresses sloppy, she does not wear makup or even appear to wash in the morning, when she interviewed she dressed different more professional, I need to dress semi dressed up because of the actual work I do in the community , I think she thinks it's all right because I dress casual more often , do you have a section I can refer to to read, I need to handle this one quickly, She always acts sick and constantly acts tired, A cold a cough a out of breath sound, She is over weight and a junk food junkie, I do not think over weight is bad if she appeared clean and dressed nice. Help me please I have never had to go here in the past very un comfortable for me to talk about, you have helped me in the past and I appriciate all your help.
Thank Marty Grace

Good morning, Marty. You are right, that is a tough area. Mostly it is tough for us to talk with another person about hygiene and appearance because it is something most of us take for granted. We feel it is not only professional, but just something you are supposed to do. When someone else does not, the thought of taking on the role of someone's mother is uncomfortable at best. I have a couple of solutions. First, you might think about buying a logo vest or sweater for her to wear. Talk about how you want to upgrade the appearance of employees. Or, you can get right to the heart of the matter. When she comes in, ask her if she was rushed getting to work - if she didn't have time to get properly dressed. Then say that looking professional is part of her responsibility. Hopefully this is in your employee handbook. If it is not, or if you don't have one, send her home to get re-dressed, bathed, or whatever needs to be done. You will most likely do this on company time the first time. Even if you must send her home three times, do not allow her to work unless she is professional in attire and appearance. Take a picture of her when she comes in looking less than what you want - this allows you to document it for the file, and also to share it with her. Sometimes people don't look in the mirror and honestly don't know how bad they look. Good luck - this is touchy.