Breathing, as it turns out, is NOT overrated

[drunken_hedghog]

One of my coworkers is incapable of covering her mouth when she coughs. She sits opposite me. How do I gently (as she's my supervisor) ask her to cover her mouth, and point out that the cold she caught & passed on forced me to go to hospital for urgent treatment at the weekend?

Comments

[mad_jaks]

Stuff gently - invest in a hospital mask. For her. And strap it to her face next time.

Seriously... I have no clue how anyone does that tactfully.

[drunken_hedghog]

God the mask thing is tempting, but our office is really touchy about people not being 'inclusive'. I'd probably get told off for being insensitive.

Me either! Thing is, I'm sure she used to cover her mouth and I'm not sure what's changed.

[mad_jaks]

Yeah... bummer that. I don't know - if you share a desk maybe you could put a box of pretty tissues in the middle and offer her one (as pointedly as you like) next time the situation arises.

[hotclaws]

Sod gently,just tell her outright.Or show her this

[drunken_hedghog]

Oh I would love to show her that! I just feel uncomfortable, partly because our office is very sensitive about not rocking the boat, and partly because she's my supervisor.

[tourmaline1973]

If she's so open about sharing her germs I'd be tempted to yell in her face about her appalling hygiene standards, pointing out that children are taught such things so that when they start school they lessen their ability to spread germs.

Point out your urgent medical treatment and its cause, say the word 'Please' once and that should cover as not being impolite.

[drunken_hedghog]

I think that's what I'll do - point out that my weekend was pretty much ruined by me having breathing difficulties, and then having to go to hospital. It's just so awkward - like you say, this should be something she was taught years ago!

[aeron_lanart]

Large box of tissues on the desk and if she so much as *thinks* about clearing her throat, pass her one. Make a point of *obviously* leaving an inhaler beside you on the desk (doesn't have to be a blue one you're actively using necessarily). Oh and next to the tissues put some hand sanitiser...

Otherwise I'd say something politely and mention the hospital spell etc.

[karaokegal]

At this point I'm just glad that Steve & I essentially sit back to back. Our little closet is probably a cesspool of germs regardless, but at least one doesn't actually feel the spray of a sneeze landing on ones face.