Should we push him to get treatment?
My 60+ male coworker smells like death and I can’t handle it. He’s anti-modern medicine, he refuses any kind of treatment no matter how bad things get. Last year, he got so sick he was practically septic. Now he’s got Lyme disease and diabetes but still won’t see a doctor. He looks terrifying like a walking corpse. A few years back, someone died in my house and I’ll never unlearn that “death smell.” My nurse bestie confirms it too.
That’s exactly what this coworker reeks of. Just knowing what that smell means makes my stomach turn. I’ve been dodging him like crazy, holding my breath whenever we have to talk. The whole office is freaked, we’re worried about him, but also lowkey dreading walking in one day to find him gone in his desk.
I feel terrible for him but the smell? It’s so disgusting I can barely stand it. Can we (or should we) do anything?
Dealing with a coworker who refuses medical treatment despite serious illnesses presents a complex challenge, especially when their condition visibly affects them and their workplace environment. The smell described, often associated with severe infection or sepsis, is alarming and can understandably cause distress among colleagues. It’s important to balance compassion with caution. Firstly, understanding the coworker's perspective is crucial. Their anti-modern medicine stance could stem from personal beliefs, fears, or past experiences. Approaching them with empathy rather than judgment opens a door for dialogue. Expressing concern without pressuring can sometimes encourage reconsideration of medical care. At the same time, workplace health and safety cannot be overlooked. If the coworker’s condition poses potential risks, such as infection or severe health deterioration, it may be appropriate to discuss the situation with human resources or occupational health services. These teams can provide guidance on how to support the individual and ensure a safe environment for everyone. If direct conversation is difficult, encouraging support from close friends or family might help. Sometimes, hearing advice from trusted loved ones can sway a person's perspective on treatment. Additionally, sharing information about alternative or complementary health approaches could also be less intimidating for those wary of conventional medicine. Importantly, the presence of chronic illnesses like Lyme disease and diabetes requires management to prevent severe complications. Ignoring these may lead to life-threatening situations such as sepsis, which is indicated by the described 'death smell.' This odor results from decaying tissue or infection and signals urgent medical attention is needed. Ultimately, coworkers are not medical professionals and must tread carefully to respect privacy and autonomy. However, showing concern and encouraging the person to seek help, especially when symptoms become severe, is both compassionate and responsible. Incorporating knowledge from medical professionals and workplace resources can guide this delicate situation toward a safer and more supportive outcome for all involved.
Bring it up to HR as a genuinely concerned coworker. If he’s an older adult who is neglecting to take care of his own basic needs, then I would also recommend calling adult protective services for a wellness/welfare check.