Coarse and inappropriate behaviour in the workplace

Grim.

My first thought too was is this a new thing or have they always been like this and I can see that they have indeed always been like this, so as the new HR person people are crying out to you for help as nothings been done about it before (effectively) I assume?

If they have had words with the person before it makes the opening conversation *for their manager* a little easier to approach. In your shoes I'd guide their manager through opening the conversation again, referencing previous discussions, nothings improved etc, are there any underlying issues do they think that they need support with etc - if no, then a very firm "these are not what we feel are socially accepted workplace etiquette practices, especially as they are impacting on others and some have potential to stray into sexual harassment (with the inappropriate comments being mentioned before and continuing to make others uncomfortable) so address this immediately to avoid it having to go any further."

Grim.

My first thought too was is this a new thing or have they always been like this and I can see that they have indeed always been like this, so as the new HR person people are crying out to you for help as nothings been done about it before (effectively) I assume?

If they have had words with the person before it makes the opening conversation *for their manager* a little easier to approach. In your shoes I'd guide their manager through opening the conversation again, referencing previous discussions, nothings improved etc, are there any underlying issues do they think that they need support with etc - if no, then a very firm "these are not what we feel are socially accepted workplace etiquette practices, especially as they are impacting on others and some have potential to stray into sexual harassment (with the inappropriate comments being mentioned before and continuing to make others uncomfortable) so address this immediately to avoid it having to go any further."

Samantha's plan gets my vote, especially that the appropriate person to do this is the manager's manager. That is the person who should be addressing conduct issues with their direct report.

Agree with is ordinarily a line manager issue... to be escalated with HR support if necessary.

Clayre... how long has this employee been with the business?

Out of curiousity Clayre, how well was that informal discussion received by the employee you were referring to?

I think Samantha's approach is spot on, but I'd also be preparing the manager to think about an occupational health referral if there's something that feels not right here. The fact that the behaviour change has become markedly worse in recent months is a slightly red flag to me - is there something underlying that change that might explain things?

I would like to know what the outcome of the process was? I would think dates and times of observed behaviours and some reference within the company handbook and policies and procedures would assist the discussion ensuring that you can elicit from this employee what they understand the accepted policy is on personal hygiene levels. Of course some companies do not reference this in the handbook.

Hi Katrina, the issue was raised informally with the person who took the comments in a constructive manner and although it was a difficult conversation, it was resolved amicably, I am pleased to say. Thanks to everyone for their input.

Glad to see it ended satisfactorily, and many thanks for keeping us posted!
Ray

Sorry for delay in responding. They were embarrassed but received the informal discussion in a positive way and has improved their personal behaviour etc.