6 respectful rules for telling a coworker about a hygiene problem

“An honest conversation that doesn’t require you being a monster.”

By

Mark Wales

Oct 21, 2025

By Mark Wales

October 21, 2025

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Photo credit: Photo credit Canva (AntonioGuillem) – Woman with bad breath talking to a friend at work.

Have you ever taken a deep breath at your desk and wondered if someone nearby had a hygiene issue?Poor body hygiene can make any workplace a very difficult to perform in. A person with body odor, bad breath, or messy, smelly unclean clothing can have a dramatic, negative effect on potential customers and the workspace.

Not every situation requires the involvement of the Human Resources Department (HR), but sometimes it will be necessary to speak with them. If you’re up to the challenge and willing to maintain a respectful and direct attitude, six steps can quickly resolve an inconvenient problem (more on that below).

employee relations, workplace conflict, personal hygiene, harassment, complaint, toxic work, work environment — Talking with a coworker about personal hygiene. Photo credit Canva (laflor)

A recent thread on r/AskReddit posed a somewhat uncomfortable yet sometimes necessary question: “How do you tell a coworker their personal hygiene is a problem?”

Redditors promptly began sharing some of their own personal stories about dealing with the unwanted situation. They offered humorous and helpful commentary on everything from health practices to direct approaches to the problem. There are some important things to consider when it comes to how we can best cope with and address unwanted odors and behaviors at work.

managers, hygiene talks, shaming, ridicule, direct, honest, smell, COVID — Offering up some uncomfortable news. Photo credit Canva (g-stockstudio)

How do people feel about hygiene problems at work?

You never know what someone’s circumstances actually are. User NOT-packers-fan2022 had an insightful excuse, writing, “I lost my smell due to Covid, please f*****g tell me ASAP!!! I can’t smell it myself.”

Offering some strong advice was user EternallyMustached, who shared, “You have to be simple and direct without resorting to shame and/or ridicule.”

User Dr-Figgleton captured the right tone, saying, Hygiene talks are brutal for both sides, so you have to come in with empathy, not embarrassment.”

Some fair advice from user Anonymoosehead123 was, “Are you their supervisor/manager? If not, I don’t think it’s your responsibility to have this conversation with them.”

User samuraiseoul offered compassion to the employee attempting to do something, saying, “Having any kind of sensory overload is a pain in the a$ to deal with and you deserve an environment where you don’t have to put up with that.”

“I worked with a guy who had grown up in a culture where bathing regularly wasn’t common, and apparently no one had mentioned the terrible BO to him in the several years he had been in the US,” said iamtheOtherOne, giving a reasonable excuse for the workspace scenario.

experience, solutions, respectful, bad breath, body odor, medical problem, responsibility, awkward conversation — Having a work conversation about hygiene. Photo credit Canva (Antonio_Diaz)

User Seven_bushes shared, “We had an engineer who stank at 30 paces. Turns out it was a medical problem he had no control over. Taught me to stop expecting that it was someone’s responsibility to make everything pleasant for me.”

Giving their own experience with bad breath was user Ridiculousmr, who wrote, “I have this issue every day, if it’s bad breath you offer them gum a lot and become the gum guy at the office.”

“Pull her aside and be honest but kind say there’s been a noticeable smell and you wanted to let them know privately in case they weren’t aware,” was solid advice from user nolniro.

rules, unnecessary interaction, language, embarrass, non-judg mental, tone, behavior — An important conversation between coworkers. Photo credit Canva (SDI Productions)

Six rules to follow when approaching a coworker over hygiene

Workplace hygiene issues are more common than you might expect. It’s essential to determine whether it’s in your and your coworkers’ best interest to have this conversation. An unnecessary interaction will create a challenging scenario that was never necessary. These six guidelines can help make this situation easier to deal with for everyone:

Is it a consistent problem? — One or two isolated instances don’t warrant a conversation. Be clear to yourself about what you’ve actually observed. A strong body odor affecting the shared workspace is different than you smell something bad. Also, there may be an underlying health or disability issue, which would suggest involving Human Resources.
Be aware of your tone. — There is no need to embarrass someone or yourself. Avoid raising the issue in front of other coworkers. Be calm and respectful, maintaining a non-judgmental attitude. An article by go2HR suggests choosing your language carefully and being clear, direct, and truthful.
Address the behavior, not the person. — Address the observable behavior without making judgments of the person. “I’ve noticed your clothes seem unwashed frequently.” Avoid assuming there’s a motive.
Allow for a conversation to understand underlying causes — Invite the coworker to share their own perspective. Ask if they are aware of the issue. A 2022 article by HR Grapevine suggests the conversation aims to find a resolution and change the behavior.
It’s completely fair to have expectations for change — It’s normal to want a workspace that’s comfortable for everyone. Expecting coworkers to wear clean clothing and deodorant, and to maintain reasonable oral hygiene, is normal. Offering support and a willingness to help them pick out items or discuss a routine if they’re up for it is a kind thing to do.
Be respectful and maintain confidentiality — It’s better to avoid making everyone aware of the issue. Saying others are complaining is only going to add embarrassment and make it a bigger problem than necessary. A 2024 article in Peninsula states the goal is improvement, not punishment.

cofidential, expectations, disputes, goal, improvement, punishment, disucssion, complaints, unprofessional behavior — Woman speaks aggressively into the face of a man wearing a mask. Photo credit Canva (OpenmindedE)

Remember that you’re trying to make a change before things escalate into a more serious issue. If you’re not comfortable saying anything, you don’t have to. If the hygiene issue is severe enough, it warrants involving a manager or the Human Resources department. If the coworker is aggressive and refuses to make any changes, it’s definitely time to involve HR. A 2024 academic article in the Journal of Organizational Culture reminds that HR will gather facts and aim for resolution rather than simply reprimanding. The goal is to improve the work environment and get the coworker on a better behavioral path.

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Photo credit: Canva – A new guide has been introduced on how to respectfully broadcast woman athletes.

Culture, Film & TV

European Broadcasting Union offers guide to reduce sexualizing camera angles of Olympic women athletes

Focus on the performance over the athletes’ bodies.

Erik Barnes

7/15/2026

Being an athlete is tough, especially if you’re an Olympian. They sacrifice their time and bodies in order to achieve peak physical condition. There is also the mental pressure to compete against the best. The last thing they should worry about is being objectified and sexualized online.

With this in mind, the European Broadcasting Union wants to help. They offered a booklet to broadcasters titled Raising the Bar: Guidelines for respectful media coverage in women’s athletics. The 23-page guide shows how camera placement choices and editing could potentially compromise an athlete. It also offers broadcasters guidelines for how to set up camera shots and show slow-motion replays that won’t sexualize or present athletes in undignified poses.

Screenshot

Focusing on the sport, reducing harassment

These guidelines come as multiple stories about women athletes being harassed online have surfaced. Many misogynistic posts about athletes have come from slow motion footage focused on certain parts of the athlete’s body.

“The sexualization of women athletes through selective camera angles and editing choices continues to be a significant concern across many sports broadcasts,” wrote Glen Killane, executive director of EBU Sport in the booklet. “Lingering shots on bodies, low-angle cameras that capture revealing views, and excessive slow-motion replays that serve no technical or storytelling purpose are among the issues observed in the media coverage of women’s athletics competitions today.”

These new broadcast guidelines and suggestions are backed by Serbian long jumper Ivana Španović, British Olympic pole vaulter Holly Bradshaw, and Croatian high jumper Blanka Vlašić. Vlašić has spoken out regarding the equal visibility of women’s sports. Bradshaw has spoken out against the discomfort and sexualization of Olympic women athletes due to their tight-fitting uniforms.

“I first-hand have received social media abuse and witnessed inappropriate videos online of myself and colleagues when slow motion content of us competing is captured,” wrote Bradshaw in the guide. “Athletes want to enjoy themselves doing the sport they love without feeling uncomfortable or anxious about the footage being shown live. Many athletes, myself included, have been in competitive scenarios where they are more focused on the cameras instead of their own performance.”

What the guide provides

The guide provides visual aids for broadcasters along with insights from the athletes to explain why certain shots would be preferred. Broadcasters are requested to avoid tight shots from the back of athletes. They’re also asked to avoid low camera angles from underneath. They recommend shots above the pelvis or ones that don’t linger onto commonly sexualized areas of the body. They recommend wider shots so the audience can see the technical ability being displayed by the athlete. Overall, the point is to focus on the athletic performance rather than close-ups of the athlete.

Currently, there is no enforcement of these guidelines or penalties if a sports broadcast doesn’t adhere to them. However, there is value in knowing which broadcasts will focus on the athletic contests rather than an athlete’s appearance. This will help the competitors focus on how they do rather than how they look when the cameras are on.

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Photo credit: Matthew Bolt // Icon Sportswire via Getty Images – ILLENIUM performs a free concert for fans prior to the start of Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Carolina Hurricanes on June 06, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Culture, Music

The summer concert state rankings: Which states pack more festivals, shows, and tours in 2026

These 15 states are dominating the 2026 live music calendar.

Good Partner

7/14/2026

Trevor Mahoney

Summer 2026 is shaping up to be one of the densest live music seasons in recent years. From packed festival calendars to a resurgent touring industry, a handful of breakout U.S. states are finally getting the traffic they deserve.

Not all states are created equal when it comes to live music density, though. ThatsThem has compiled per-capita concert data, venue infrastructure metrics, and festival schedules from leading sources including the Recording Industry Association of America, Pollstar, and the National Independent Venue Association to create a list of 15 standout locations this summer.

15 of the most concert-dense states in Summer 2026

1. Nevada

Las Vegas leads the nation in concerts per capita in 2026. According to an analysis on the website of Princess Polly, a clothing brand, nearly 3,500 concerts are listed in Las Vegas alone, translating to approximately 150.67 concerts per 100,000 residents. This is undoubtedly the highest concentration in the country. The residency model means the Strip always has something major running, regardless of the season, but the Las Vegas Summer Concert series is the standout event.

2. Tennessee

Nashville ranks second in concert density nationally, with 6.76 venues per 100,000 residents. This is the highest venue density among top-ranked cities and equates to 1,148 concerts in 2026. Bonnaroo’s return to Manchester, Tennessee in June anchors their summer calendar on top of nonstop club and arena action across the entire state.

3. California

California dominates by sheer volume alone. Research from the Recording Industry Association of America counts over 80,433 music establishments in the state, with music contributing more than $51.4 billion to gross domestic product. The summer calendar alone includes Outside Lands in San Francisco, a dense SoCal arena circuit, and Coachella’s long tail of satellite events that carry into the fall.

4. New York

New York generated $24.9 billion in music industry value and supports 210,878 music jobs in 2020, which is the highest job count among all states. The summer festival circuit reflects this depth. The Governors Ball, featuring Lorde and A$AP Rocky as headliners per Variety, is followed by a packed arena season through Labor Day.

5. Illinois

Chicago’s Lollapalooza remains one of the best-attended urban music festivals across the whole country, with around 100,000 people turning up per day. The city’s venue ecosystem, from the Riviera to the United Center, also keeps the calendar full beyond just a single festival weekend.

6. Texas

Texas punches well above its weight on music infrastructure, with over 127,993 songwriters and $26.6 billion in annual music industry economic output. In fact, it’s second only to California nationally. ACL Fest’s October dates are the main headliner event, but Austin’s live music scene means something notable is happening every weekend.

7. Colorado

Denver ranks fifth nationally for concert density, with 1,766 concerts listed in 2026 and 59.41 concerts per 100,000 people. The real draw, though, is Red Rocks. The event calendar of this outdoor amphitheater boasts a summer schedule that many serious concertgoers are planning vacations around this year.

8. Georgia

Atlanta holds the title of “premier U.S. city for music aficionados” according to one 2026 study highlighted by Spin Genie, scoring more than 8.74 points out of 10. The city boasts 188 upcoming events and 577 musical artists per 100,000 residents.

9. Florida

Florida’s music economy supports 169,706 jobs and adds $9.3 billion to the U.S. GDP, fueled by Latin, pop, and Southern rock scenes. Welcome to Rockville in Daytona Beach is their signature event, while the Latin and pop circuit continues to run year-round.

10. Washington

Seattle ranks 10th among top U.S. concert cities with 1,304 concerts listed in 2026. The city’s venue density, anchored by Climate Pledge Arena and a dense club circuit in Capitol Hill, helps to keep national tours running even in the summer months.

11. Louisiana

New Orleans ranks second nationally in SCCG Management’s live music city analysis, and The Big Easy plays host to three major festivals in 2026. With 302 concerts planned and an average concert attendance of 74, the city’s extensive live music culture is on full display this year, anchored by the genuine local community engagement as opposed to tourist capture alone.

12. Minnesota

Minneapolis ranks third among U.S. cities for live music in 2026 per the same SCCG Management study, with two major festivals, 1,055 concerts listed, and an average attendance of 52. The Twin Cities’ independent venue scene, most famous for First Avenue, is truly unmatched.

13. North Carolina: The first breakout state

Asheville has emerged as one of the most-cited breakout music cities in 2026, with more than 61 upcoming concerts and festivals listed on music resource Bandsintown alone, including AVL Sounds Fest in August and MAJACE Festival in July. The city is small enough that shows still feel like unexpected discoveries..

14. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania supports 114,731 music jobs and generates $6.3 billion in music GDP, ranking among the top six states nationally for music economic contribution. This is spread across Philadelphia’s festival-heavy summer season and Pittsburgh’s growing independent venue scene.

15. Idaho: The second breakout state

Boise is also one of the most-cited “rising” live music markets in the U.S., with 2025 setting concert attendance records and 2026 already tracking to match or exceed them. What makes the city notable isn’t its scale, but the fact that national tours are now coming through as a primary stop.

The music map is changing nationally

The traditional top tier states of Nevada, New York, California, and Tennessee are all holding strong at the top of the list of most-visited states for music. However, the story of summer 2026 is the states on the rise. Colorado’s Red Rocks circuit, Atlanta’s per-capita chokehold, and the emergence of Asheville and Boise as new hot spots show that the live music scene is shifting dramatically.

This story was produced by ThatsThem and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

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Photo credit: Holger Uwe Schmitt/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA – St. Paul is one of the many Christian figures whose paintings have made an appearance.

Culture, Internet

The church fathers of early Christianity are showing their swag – on TikTok

Sacred art meets social media swagger.

Good Partner

7/8/2026

Denva Gallant

It begins with the music: a late 1990s rap song. Then someone appears on screen, moving slowly into a pose that can only be called deeply, theatrically serious. Then comes the reveal: The video fades from the person into a medieval painting of a haloed man doing almost the exact same pose.

Videos imitating “church fathers,” bishops and theologians who helped shape early Christianity have been popping up across social media since late 2025. Several versions have drawn hundreds of thousands of views.

In part, they’re funny because of the incongruity: hoodies, bedrooms and phone cameras, suddenly paired with the solemn authority of saints. As an art historian who studies Christian images, I know that these types of paintings were carefully made to communicate holiness through visual cues like books, clothing, gestures and posture.

But the humor also comes from how current they feel. These paintings may be centuries old, but the visual language is timeless. The raised hand, the open book, the severe gaze – they all communicate power. On TikTok or Instagram, a gesture once used to symbolize doctrine or wisdom starts to look like confidence, coolness, even swagger. The captions say as much: “They had swag fr,” one reads – for real.

When the trend crossed my feed, I had to try it. What better way to show how these images work than by stepping into the pose?

Church fathers

“Church fathers” were not “founders” in the simple sense, but foundational authorities: figures whose writings later Christians returned to when debating central questions about doctrine, scripture and religious life.

Today’s social media trend uses the term more loosely. In addition to early Christian authors, many of the videos show later saints, monks, bishops and theologians, especially from Eastern Orthodox traditions. Online, “church father” becomes shorthand for religious authority itself.

The paintings circulating online range from Eastern Orthodox icons to Western European Renaissance and Baroque paintings. In most cases, they were made long after the saints had died, so they don’t document what the men actually looked like.

Instead, this style of art was meant to inspire awe, surrounding worshippers with a sense of religious authority. The saints’ books, rich vestments and formal poses were visible signs of holiness, symbolizing their learning, discipline and eloquence. Such images did not merely decorate sacred spaces; they taught viewers what closeness to divine truth – saintliness itself – could look like.

Man of books and learning

Several of the videos show Athanasius of Alexandria, a fourth-century bishop and theologian traditionally considered one of the church fathers.

Painted by the Italian painter Domenichino in the 17th century, Athanasius stands in “contrapposto,” a pose inherited from classical art and common in Renaissance and Baroque painting. He leans back with his left shoulder, causing the right side of his body to project outward toward the viewer. The saint is dressed in a rich damask dalmatic – a long, wide-sleeved robe – over a white silk tunic.

An image of Athanasius by the 17th-century Italian artist Domenichino on the walls of the Santa Maria di Grottaferrata monastery outside Rome. The Web Gallery of Art

Athanasius’ shifting stance and sweeping vestments create drama. They also direct attention to the open book he holds in one hand and points to with the other – a reminder of his place among the great teachers of the church. In religious art, books are not just props. They help the viewer recognize the figure as someone whose words matter.

The Greek text on the page begins with the words “Whoever wishes to be saved”: the opening of the Athanasian Creed, a statement of Christian doctrine long associated with Athanasius. In the fourth century, he became famous for defending the idea that Christ was fully divine, a fiercely debated issue at the time.

TikTokers recreating Athanasius’ pose today use a Bible or another thick volume, wielding the book with as much swagger as the saint himself.

They lose the luxurious vestments, trading Athanasius’ sumptuous robes for hoodies and jeans. Yet their captions recognize the force of the look: Church fathers “knew the fit was hard,” one video says. The language is modern, but the point is old: Clothing, books and posture make authority visible.

Charged with meaning

Another star in the videos is Gregory Palamas, a 14th-century Byzantine theologian and Orthodox saint – and he presents another type of authority altogether.

Palamas is best known for defending Hesychasm, a mystical tradition in the Orthodox Church that joins repeated prayer with contemplation. He represented holy power grounded not only in learning, but also in spiritual practice.

An icon of St. Gregory Palamas from the 15th century. Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts via Wikimedia Commons

Unlike Domenichino’s dramatic Athanasius, the painting of Palamas appears still and distant. He is not turning toward the viewer with theatrical movement, but formally facing outward, set against a plain gold background – a sacred figure, held outside ordinary time.

Palamas’ image is an icon, a sacred image used in Orthodox Christian worship and devotion. The saint raises his hand in the Orthodox gesture of blessing, with his fingers forming the letters “IC XC,” a Greek abbreviation for Jesus Christ.

In sacred art, hands are rarely idle. Christ and the Christ child often hold up their hands to bless the viewer. Mary and John the Baptist draw viewers’ attention to Christ through their gestures and sometimes their gaze. Saints lift their hands in prayer, teaching or intercession.

To some viewers online, Palamas’ raised hand may simply look solemn or strange, charged with an unknown or mysterious meaning. But that gap in knowledge, I’d argue, is part of what makes the “church fathers” trend work. On social media, a hand gesture doesn’t need to be fully explained to feel meaningful: a slow point toward the camera, a hand over the heart, a peace sign.

TikTokers today may be a great distance from the church fathers, but their images still resonate – even, and perhaps especially, on the internet.

This article originally appeared on The Conversation. You can read it here.

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