My Boss has Gross Habits! How do I tell him??

Okay I just started working at this hotel. My boss is a super nice guy. But he has this disgusting habit of applying his chapstick by hand. (it is a stick, so he could just rub it on but I guess he chooses not to) Not only does he rub his finger on his lips, but all around his mouth too. To the point where the skin on the outer part of the lips looks red and raw. Eww. Then he'll start using common things like the computer mouse or the keyboard and the phone. Things that other people, like myself have to touch.


Like I said, he's really nice, so I don't wanna come across rude. But I am thouroughly disgusted when I see this happening b/c all I can think is "great, now I'm gonna have his crud all over my hands too"


How can I suggest him to stop or use sanitary wipes or something? but in a nice way and not get fired?

My Boss has Gross Habits! How do I tell him??
The hotel industry is typically filled with very understanding and "hospitable" people. I honestly believe that if you asked him for a private chat and then told him how you feel he will understand. He probably isn't even aware that he could be spreading germs and grossing out you guys in the process. I think he'll be very understanding if you approach this is the right way!


Good luck!
Reply:Whatever you do just remember he is the BOSS! What he says goes, maybe even you if you say something. Just carry around disenfectant and use it after him. If he sees you doing this he may get the hint, or he may just fire you.
Reply:I agree with the person above that probably he doesn't even realize what he is doing.





Talk with him. Tell him you appreciate him as your boss and "it's no big deal but i thought i should tell you..." etc.





As far as germs go, c'mon. Germs aren't going to wade around in the chapstick. There are lots and lots of germs on the keyboard, chapstick or not. But you probably are just grossed out about the greasy feel....Until he changes, just use sanitary wipes yourself after using the keyboard... that's a good habit anyway...





god bless
Reply:First, are you the only one who sees him do this? If yes, then obviously, he will know that you have an issue with it. If no, then there are a few options.





Is there a suggestion box at work? You could discreetly put a note in there. This is the least awkward way to address the situation, as it's possible a guest saw him do this, and was disgusted by it.





Also, do you have an HR department? If so, you could talk to them about it. It's not just an issue for you - it's a hygenic issue for all employees.





To avoid potential unpleasantness, you could just clean the keyboard and mouse a few times a day, and perhaps clean the front desk or area surrounding the computer too. If he asks why, you could tell him you noticed some people not washing their hands after they put their fingers in their mouths, and you don't want to get sick, so you'll take it upon yourself to clean the area. Also, you could throw in the comment below too, about the waxy marks.





More risky, but more to the point, you could mention to him that you noticed some kind of waxy marks on the mouse and keyboard, and you aren't sure what it is, but think it's gross. Again, if he knows you see him do it, then he might put two and two together, and be angry at you. Or, he might realize what he's doing and stop.





You could go directly to your manager and say that you aren't sure what is going on, but the keyboard and mouse seem to be constantly covered with some type of finger crud, and you would like his advice on how to handle it. If he asks for more detail, you could say that it seems waxy or sticky, and maybe he'll understand that it's him doing it.





If there's a consensus among you and your co-workers about his gross habit, you could all approach HR, so it's not pinned on any one person, and maybe HR could take care of it for you.





It's a difficult situation when the boss has a nasty habit. Another option is for you to leave, and honestly, I would be prepared for the manager to be uncomfortable.





I don't think you'll catch anything from what he's doing, but it's really very disgusting and unprofessional.





I hope it all works out. Good luck! Let me know what happens, if you want to! helptohire@yahoo.com