A healthy workplace is built on respect, professionalism, and fair treatment of employees, regardless of their position within an organization. Whether a business is a small enterprise or a large establishment, staff members are entitled to work in an environment free from harassment, intimidation, and abuse. When employees begin to fear management more than they respect it, workplace morale often collapses, productivity suffers, and staff turnover increases.

The hospitality industry is particularly demanding, with employees expected to work long hours, handle difficult customers, and maintain high service standards under pressure. In such environments, leadership matters. Managers and directors are expected to guide teams, resolve disputes professionally, and create a culture where employees feel valued rather than threatened.

Unfortunately, many workers remain silent when faced with workplace mistreatment because jobs are difficult to find and speaking out can come at a personal cost. Fear of victimization often prevents employees from reporting conduct that would otherwise warrant immediate attention from management and labour authorities.

Hello Nyakundi,

Kindly hide my identity.

I would like to raise concerns regarding what I have personally witnessed at Jacaranda Sports Bar and Grill in Nakuru.

There is a director known as Waruru whose conduct has become a major source of frustration and fear among many employees.

From my experience working there, I have seen staff members being harassed, intimidated, and treated in a manner that I believe no employee should be subjected to.

Many workers have either left or considered leaving because of the environment that has developed under his watch.

What concerns me most is the way managers and supervisors are allegedly treated.

I have personally witnessed situations where they are shouted at, insulted, and embarrassed in front of customers and junior staff.

Instead of being treated as professionals tasked with helping run the business, they are often subjected to verbal abuse and constant threats of dismissal.

The humiliation does not happen behind closed doors.

Customers sometimes witness these incidents, making the affected employees feel degraded and powerless.

I have also heard complaints from colleagues who claim that some employees have been physically confronted during disagreements at work.

While such allegations deserve independent investigation, they have contributed to an atmosphere of fear among staff.

The result is that many employees no longer feel comfortable speaking openly about their concerns.

Most of us remain silent because we need our jobs.

With the current economic situation, many workers cannot afford to lose their source of income, even when they are unhappy with how they are being treated.

As a result, people endure situations they would otherwise report because they fear retaliation.

I am not writing this because I want anyone to lose their job.

I am writing because I believe employees deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

No worker should report to work every day fearing humiliation, intimidation, or threats.

I hope the owners of the establishment, labour officials, and relevant authorities can look into the concerns being raised by employees and establish whether there is a need for intervention.

Sometimes all it takes is for someone to speak up on behalf of those who feel they cannot.

Concerned Employee.