We are all different and so is our reaction to certain chemicals. In most workplaces there are employees who react to fragrances. Employees who like to wear perfume may not realise that they are triggering headaches, wheezing or allergic reactions in fellow employees. You don't have to grin and bear it though, because there are steps you have the right to take to protect yourself at work.

Consider a Relocation

If you're not the type of person who enjoys confrontation or just don't want to ruffle feathers in your office, avoiding the smelly colleague can lessen or remedy the issue. Check to see if your office has a surplus of empty workstations and then speak to your supervisor and request a move. You don't necessarily have to explain your reason for wanting a relocation; if an empty desk is beside the window or in a quiet area of the office, for example, stress those benefits when you make your case.

Talking to the Colleague

In many cases, people don't realise that their perfume is too strong. They get used to the scent and don't notice it. If you know the person pretty well and have worked together for some time, it's appropriate to approach your colleague and talk about the issue. We suggest you make the problem about you rather than about your colleague. For example, let her know that her strong perfume gives you a headache or makes your asthma flare. In many cases, she probably doesn't even realise that her perfume is noticeable to others at a distance.

Research for Answers

Before you take the issue through the proper channels, do a little researching to determine your company's policy on scents. Many businesses have specific scent policies and request that employees abstain from wearing fragrances that impact the comfort of other employees. Check your company's website or employee handbook for this information or speak to a human resources representative. Some companies might prohibit perfume entirely, while others often request that employees exercise moderation when applying scents.

Taking it to a Supervisor

If approaching your colleague yourself doesn't work or it makes you uncomfortable, take the issue to a supervisor who works above your strong-smelling colleague. Let the supervisor know that you're having difficulty working near the person because of her fragrance. Your supervisor can then approach your colleague and talk to her about wearing less of the perfume or another lighter scent. If you fear the repercussions of such a talk, it’s better to ask your supervisor to keep your request anonymous.

Source