I would go to my supervisor and explain the situation and let them handle it. Usually the supervisor will call a meeting with the entire staff and suggest that the use of perfume can be offensive to others and ask that nobody wears it. Another route to go is to just start sneezing repeatedly every time she comes around. That will give you the opportunity to suggest that maybe its her perfume that you are allergic to and then she very well might stop using it as a courtesy towards you.

Very gently. What might smell foul or strong to you obviously doesn't to her. I actually was asked once by my assistant to quit wearing perfume, but there was a good reason for it. She was pregnant and everything from microwave popcorn to perfume triggered nausea. She was very sweet about it and after she had her baby, she bought me a bottle of my favorite as a thank you. Perhaps you could ask your supervisor for some office space further away from her, so that she can keep wearing her scent and you don't have to smell it. An idea anyway. Tell a little white lie. Explain to her that your allergies are bad and that it would help if she lightened up on the perfume. Or if you know her fairly well, just take her aside and explain that her perfume is nice, but a bit overpowering for an office setting. Or as Jack said, you could explain the situation to your supervisor and see what they can do to help. This is a touchy situation. Most Human Resources and/or company policy memos address hygeine. So, if somebody comes in smelling bad because they do not shower regularly, it may be against compnay policy. Most do not cover smelling good (i.e., wearing perfume or cologne). Again, "good" is a subjective term. Be nice and professional. Don't tell her that her perfume smells "foul". I don't know what else to suggest. This is a really tough one. Good luck!

What I did in a similar case (my co-worker used an overwhelmingly strong perfume): I took some time to talk to her about other things so that I could sense what tone would be appropriate and also to create a friendly vibe between us. Then, a few days later I asked if I can share something and said that I am hypersensitive to scents. I said that her perfume is a little overwhelming for me and was wondering if she could do something about it. I also made it clear that it bothers me (again, not her fault!) and that I would be looking for a diferrent sitting arrangement if she believes she can't do anything about it.

Yes. I train managers at all levels and this is one of the biggest issues they face (or can't face) at the office. It is never an easy conversation and it can cause tender (as in ouch) feelings for a short time. However - if the behavior is a distraction, you have to weigh the potential benefits against the potential risk. REHEARSE this conversation with someone outside of the office first. It will make a huge difference in your delivery. Hope this helps! Let's pretend your co-worker's name is Jane Step 1 - Prepare her for what you want to say. This acknowledges that the subject is uncomfortable to bring up and prepares her to her something personal. "Jane, we need to discuss something I feel awkward in saying and I think you might find just as awkward to hear" Step 2 - Be direct but kind. Avoid judgemental or evaluative terms (like foul) and go straight to the issue. "There are times when your perfume is noticebly strong. It becomes a distraction." Step 3- State your request (if you are a supervisor - state what needs to happen) "What I am asking is that you use less or another fragrance." Step 4 - Be prepared for a defensive response - it's normal "Jane, I don't mean to offend or embarass you. I bring it up because I enjoy working with you and the perfume is a distraction." Step 5 - Reaffirm the value of the working relationship "I know this was uncomfortable to hear and I apologize again if I've offended you in any way. I hope we can continue to work together without this distraction."

Frankly, no one should work in such an environment. Many workplaces have guidelines concerning the use of any type of perfume. Many people (myself included) are sensitive to the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contained in commercial perfumes and other products. Since manufacturers refuse to label their products, I cannot determine what I am or am not sensitive to. Therefore, any perfume is a potential health hazard. I really do not enjoy having sudden and severe asthma attacks. If your co-worker does not co-operate, take the matter up with your supervisor. It is their responsibility to manage a safe workplace. Besides, applying perfume with putty knives is no longer considered appropriate for the workplace.

The other answers are very technical...they seem to be making a big deal out of nothing. Look, If i worked with someone like this, i would very nicely say the following: "Hey Jane, can we talk for a second? This is a little weird, but I am very sensitive to perfumes and I was wondering if you could lighten up your perfume. Its really pretty and all but strong scents give me horrible headaches"

Other poeples' odours are delicate matters in the workplace. Nonetheless, everyone has the right to be comfortable in their own space. When that personal space is invaded by some other's odour, then it is right and proper to take action. I can understnad that you would not wish to offend your co-worker, although you may ultimately find that she feels the same way. I suggest that that you tell her that her perfume is irritating your nasal passages and would she mind wearing some other when she is at work. She would have to be completely self-absorbed to ignore a plea ssuch as that.

I worked with a prissy woman named Marie D. She gargled in some crap called "Escape" by Calvin Klein. The name was fitting. One day when a pregnant friend of mine asked her to "tone it down" a fight ensued. My boss didn't like my fragrance a few weeks ago and I won't wear it again to work. Unlike Marie, I actually care about other people's comfort.

That happend to me...and there's a simple solution to it but it will only work if you have a fairly good relationship with the person....bring in a new bottle of perfume doesn't have to be expensive; according to your question ANYTHING must smell better. Deliver the line "My mother gave me two bottles of this perfume i thought you'd like it doesn't it smell great?! I think you should try it, it's always nice to try something new." It worked for me, hope I helped!

Now, at christmas is the time to act, buy her something that smells nice and not so dramatic, and when she wears it tell her her wonderful it smells on her..

I have a strained relationship with a loud obnoxious brassy woman at work. We have had issues in the past and I am in no hurry to have another. However, her perfume is soooo flipping strong I can taste it. My eyes are irritated and red. I am male and this makes it even more difficult. I have opened the window and brought in a fan. You can smell it the moment you walk into the building. I think it is Charlie (a real winner that can be purchased at any cheap drug store chain). It smells just like Lysol... I can stand it any more, I think I will leap to certain harm from my desk... Good bye cruel world... *THUD*. Ugh she didn't get the hint. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT WILL CUT THE SMELL??? How could a person do that to themself? Does she actually thinks she smells good? Jehosaphat. I bet it could strip paint & polish brass. How can she wear anything that smells so incredibly toxic without corroding her skin off? Oh Dear Lord in Heaven, the wind shifted and I got a toxic waft of it. THE PLANTS ARE DYING. Flies are dropping right out of the sky! OH THE HUMANITY! I want to cauterize my nasal passages. PLEASE HELPPPPPPP MMEEEEEEEE...

I have a strained relationship with a loud obnoxious brassy woman at work. We have had issues in the past and I am in no hurry to have another. However, her perfume is soooo flipping strong I can taste it. My eyes are irritated and red. I am male and this makes it even more difficult. I have opened the window and brought in a fan. You can smell it the moment you walk into the building. I think it is Charlie (a real winner that can be purchased at any cheap drug store chain). It smells just like Lysol... I can stand it any more, I think I will leap to certain harm from my desk... Good bye cruel world... *THUD*. Ugh she didn't get the hint. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT WILL CUT THE SMELL??? How could a person do that to themself? Does she actually thinks she smells good? Jehosaphat. I bet it could strip paint & polish brass. How can she wear anything that smells so incredibly toxic without corroding her skin off? Oh Dear Lord in Heaven, the wind shifted and I got a toxic waft of it. THE PLANTS ARE DYING. Flies are dropping right out of the sky! OH THE HUMANITY! I want to cauterize my nasal passages. PLEASE HELPPPPPPP MMEEEEEEEE...

Very gently and gingerly say : You smell like something that fell off of a gut wagon. Just Kidding !!!! The truth is, there really is no gentle way of telling her that her scent is making you sick. You are either going to have to just come out with it and be honest or hold your peace .I do have one diplomatic idea you could try. You COULD buy her a really nice perfume/cologne as a gift . Then when she wears it, you could say something like, "That smells wonderful on you." "It smells beautiful on you." "You should really wear this scent. " "It's heavenly". Etc. Build up her confidence with something else that smells nice. Maybe you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar. so to speak. LOL

You could buy her some sweet-smelling perfume and encourage her to wear it. I did that with an ex with bad sense of everything. It worked well.

Tell her you have allergies to perfume :)

I have the same issue but this girl calls it deodorant - what do i do about this because now, i have to assume the BO is so bad that it needs a half bottle of product every morning

Tell her that her perfume is too strong and is over powering the space and that in some countries using a lot of perfume is customary as a cover up because of their aversion to soap and water.