Dear Prudence, There’s no polite way to say this: We have a co-worker in our open-plan office who picks his nose and eats the result. Very visible and very often. What makes this even worse is the fact that he has grabbed and eaten food with his hands in the shared kitchen afterward. How can I address this professionally? I have played out all the unprofessional scenarios, but I need a cooler head.
—Booger-Eater
There’s something brisk and bracing about coming across a clear-cut problem with a direct solution, like jumping into a glacial lake. There is no way to address this professionally, because this is not a professional situation. You, a human adult, are going to have to use the word booger in the workplace, and I am sorry for that. But the time for delicacy has passed. Take your co-worker aside and tell him that his daily nose-picking regimen is visible, unsanitary, and unappealing, and that he needs to stop it immediately. There’s nothing keeping him from keeping a box of Kleenex at his desk or dipping discreetly into the restroom, just like everybody else. If he continues it even after this, talk to his boss and to HR—this is not a situation that calls for suffering in silence.
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It is a good answer, except is it her place to say something? i worry about what I can and cannot say to co workers these days. Plus, would it do any good? He has a habit, habits are hard to break as an adult.
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This cannot be for real. At least I hope it isn't. How did this guy get to be a professional with a habit like that? Surely his college roommate or other friend would have called him out on this long ago.
It is a good answer, except is it her place to say something? i worry about what I can and cannot say to co workers these days. Plus, would it do any good? He has a habit, habits are hard to break as an adult.
I'd have him wear a surgical mask in the office, except for the bathroom. A month should be enough.
__________________
The Principle of Least Interest: He who cares least about a relationship, controls it.
I would literally throw up. I would throw up in a bucket and put it on his desk
Same here. Just start gagging every time he does it. And stop tip toeing around the issue. "Ugh, that's disgusting!" as you run out of the room, should hopefully shame him into stopping.
