Office hygiene. Help?

Hey Monkeys, I’ve been wearing the same shirt and socks for 5 days straight. Not on purpose at first, but once you’re deep into a live deal, it just kind of happens. Got home late, crashed in it, rolled out of bed the next morning, and figured, “Eh, no one will notice.” A few months later, this has unintentionally become a regular thing. I’m still cycling through clean shirts and socks occasionally, but when the grind’s heavy, it’s easier to just throw on whatever’s draped over the chair.

The only problem? I’m starting to think people are noticing. Lately, the bullpen feels a little roomier when I walk in. Associates seem extra generous with the personal space. I’m not sure if it’s in my head or if the 5 day shirt rotation is sending a subconscious “stay back” signal. So, is this actually that bad? Or are we all lowkey guilty of pulling some version of this during hell weeks?

Curious if anyone’s pushed the boundaries of office hygiene too, like skipping brushing your teeth for a number of days because you know no one will smell your breath through a Zoom call / neglecting to wipe, or is that just me?

10 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Hygiene is something you just DONT skip
It’s not all in your head—people are probably noticing it.

A two minutes shower in the morning will save your day even when the hours are the worst. Burst the minimum spare of energy you are holding on to

If you don’t have showers in your office sign up for a gym and use their facilities.

And seriously—brushing your teeth takes less than five minutes. You don’t want to be known as the smelling guy—what about clients and meetings with the MD?

 

Don’t skip brushing your teeth 2x day. And if you wear the same clothes then Febreeze shower.

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

Hygiene can seriously hold back your career. Don't overlook it daily unless you're mostly remote. I remember dressing up a bit more than buiness casual at a previous job. Head of department noticed and complimented my appearance. End up getting promotions in that department and he was part of the interview process. I feel it definitely helps to at least be at the minimum of your peers.

 

Just curious OP what hours are you working? 

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

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"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee

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