Co-worker that stinks.

I'd have probably just ignored it,

I'd have done that at first, but I suppose if it got *really* bad I'd have done as I said above - had a conversation with Mr. Stink. I agree, though. It's all about getting a reaction.

I will disagree. This is what management is for.

I remember in some employee introduction class the material and the instructor stated that if someone sexually harassed you in the elevator you were to sit down with the perp and discuss it. That seems wrong to me. It is the employer's responsibility to make sure the workplace is kept free of harassment.

Start a log and put it in writing to the boss (paper trail).

I remember in some employee introduction class the material and the instructor stated that if someone sexually harassed you in the elevator you were to sit down with the perp and discuss it. That seems wrong to me. It is the employer's responsibility to make sure the workplace is kept free of harassment.

In the above situation, I agree. Sexual harassment is a serious matter and is against the law. Farting at your co-workers is not illegal (as far as I know!). This just seems like a silly attention-seeking prank to me. Involving management would be my last resort.

In the above situation, I agree. Sexual harassment is a serious matter and is against the law. Farting at your co-workers is not illegal (as far as I know!). This just seems like a silly attention-seeking prank to me. Involving management would be my last resort.

Well, these kinds of behaviors can be innocent or even maybe clumsy attempts at bonding - or they can be screens for aggressiveness and bullying. Bullies know this and it's why they often choose 'jokey' types of things so that they can excuse themselves if called out. Now instead of their behavior being in question, the blame is shifted onto the person who "can't take a joke".

It is in essence a power play more than anything - as is a lot of sexual harassment. I can do this or that to him/her and am important/powerful enough to not only get away with it but actually get the victim in trouble/fired if they complain too much.

It is perhaps better to speak first to the person - if only to make some attempt to see if they are really just sort of benign idiots.

It is the employer's responsibility to make sure the workplace is kept free of harassment.

This. I would advocate against confronting the person any further, because it could end up escalating, especially if the coworker is not a very nice person. I once managed a girl who kept sending me emails in ALL CAPS, so I explained it felt like she was yelling at me. What did she do? She actually started yelling at me and further harassment followed. As it turned out there was a much larger problem than emails and HR had to step in. But the stress it caused me in the mean time was unnecessary.

Dahmer, you've already asked the dude to stop and you've gone to your manager, who refuses to do anything. If he persists, it's time to visit HR. There are systems and processes in place that should prevent you from being targeted for grassing the guy up, in case that's how he sees it.

So I did complain to HR, and got yelled at by the manager for complaing... I said "You try working with him!, because I'm not"

And he did, and admitted what I said was true, and said he would try and find a good time to bring it up.... Doubt he ever will but at least he isnt my partner anymore! haha

Your'e in St. Neots....don't play bass or drums do you by chance? Trying to get the band back together...

Result! 

Your'e in St. Neots....don't play bass or drums do you by chance? Trying to get the band back together...

haha nope, sorry.  Are you in St. Neots?

Cambourne - centre of culture that it is (feel a little sheepish admitting that). But I get over to Tesco once and a while.

So I did complain to HR, and got yelled at by the manager for complaing... I said "You try working with him!, because I'm not"

And he did, and admitted what I said was true, and said he would try and find a good time to bring it up.... Doubt he ever will but at least he isnt my partner anymore! haha

High five!

So I did complain to HR, and got yelled at by the manager for complaing... I said "You try working with him!, because I'm not"

And he did, and admitted what I said was true, and said he would try and find a good time to bring it up.... Doubt he ever will but at least he isnt my partner anymore! haha

Good for you!  It will be interesting to see how he treats his next work partner, if he feels free to act like this around you and your manager.

Woohoo!  Nice job!   

I've had a couple stinkers at my last job.  I feel for you. Everyone could smell it, no one mentioned a thing because it was so awkward.  We all suffered in silence.  Glad you mentioned something to your boss though and don't have to work beside him any more.  Pew!

Cambourne - centre of culture that it is (feel a little sheepish admitting that). But I get over to Tesco once and a while.

I've gotten reeses pieces from Morrisons there.  We pass buy all the time to go to Addenbrooks. (My constant kidney stones, and pregnant wife)