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This is an interesting one - I know when I launched an office this was part of our etiquette since it’s an open concept office and there is nowhere to hide from smells.
Granted we haven’t had an issue, and if it was the odd time maaaaybe you’d let it slide. But every two hours is frustrating at a minimum.
I would document complaints before your implement it, at least there is a paper trail. Complaints leading to policy changes are justified, and then you have documented complaints and a policy to reference.
So unfortunately some leg work needs to be done IMO to make the change. Otherwise have a conversation with the employee and maybe there is a middle ground?
What if the food the person can eat is cultural, or they have health concerns that means they can only aet specific foods? Rather than forcing a policy, I think it's better to send a general email about being mindful because it's an open office concept some foods that may emit strong odors should be avoided if possible as opposed to "restricting" it. Some people also have health issues that require them to keep their blood sugar up so they do have to eat more frequently...
Senior corporate recruiter -- what??? How on Earth does the ADA even remotely have anything to do with this situation??
This is a troll right? You can not set a policy about what people eat.
thats what i said. This sounds so ridiculous.
You (company) supplies the microwave. He (employee) supplies their own food. End of discussion.
Why do you have the microwave then?
Is it in the company breakroom? If not, maybe it should be. If it is, maybe consulting executive leadership and move your offices to a more conducive environment.
He will then file for workers comp during the reason as "forced starvation"
I am surprised this is really a question, you can send out a communication or speak to the individuals!
Wow at a director level? This question is astounding.
Eating plan
Go one step further and fire him
Approach if as you would if an individual had hygiene issues. Get his manager involved and make sure he/she has the correct language to use so you eliminate the need for a follow up complaint to HR from the body builder. The right method of communication will make the difference and determine if he complies or complains.
I would not jump to banning it. I would try setting boundaries first before making it a strict rule.
I once worked at an office where you specifically could not heat fish or popcorn (too many people would burn it). People will adjust. You can get a portable electric lunch box for your vehicle in most cases to heat your lunch.
But I do agree that you have to be careful not to single out cultural meals.
Yes you would be.
I think this is an issue of respect. HR or Manager or Co-Worker it makes no difference Respect your employees enough to address it with them in a polite way. Has anyone told him this is an issue? He may have no clue, "hey, "body-builder-guy" are you aware that the smell of your meals isn't pleasant to the other employees?" " Maybe we could come up with a compromise since we want to respect everyone in the office? " Ask him for suggestions or offer suggestions for alternatives. It isn't an HR issue until he has been informed and solutions have not been found. No need to assume he doesn't care.
This has zero to do with policy. Tell the man his lunch smells and employees are complaining. Do it in a thoughtful and tactful way. But have a conversation- you can’t policy a smell