Cycling To Work? Armpits A Mess

Cycling to work is a great idea but, be considerate to people you work with, because you are sweating. 

Fitness centers have the stationary bike. Somewhere at home is a bicycle or bicycles. In cold countries, people who want to make a contribution to arresting further climate change, cycle to work as much as possible. They welcome the summer because there’s no impediment on the surface: snow.

Co-workers might applaud the effort to lessen emissions from cars, but dread personal hygiene. There is body odor which clings to clothes and wafts in when co-workers lean over during meetings. In extreme cases, somebody passing by results in nostril damage. That is not good for the company if clients also experience it.

That is why it is a good idea to keep a wash cloth, deodorant and a change of clothing in the office, if you cycle to work. Shirts and T-shirts can be peeled off and stored in a bag and emptied at home.

It’s easy if you have your own office. Workers that don’t, can change in the bathroom. Body odor, like bad breath is a sensitive issue and management avoids it. They don’t want to accused of all kinds of prejudice.

The primary goal is keeping fit, saving the environment second and a healthy work force is a plus for companies. That is why some pay for employees’ gym membership.

But few have staff showers. That is why cyclists should be considerate to co-workers and keep change of clothing like T-shirts, shirts and blouses at work.

By: Nonqaba waka Msimang.