Labour ministry formulates policy to manage bad bosses

By Luke Anami

There is no specific formal training for employees on how to handle difficult bosses, even though there are numerous training programmes on how to manage difficult employees.

Nothing is more destructive in the workplace than difficult bosses, with some employees quitting because they can no longer work with them, even though they like the company and enjoy their jobs.

But now, policy makers in the ministry of Labour are formulating a document that will protect employees from difficult managers.

Further, human resource experts and management trainers are working on the modalities of providing formal training programmes to help employees address poor working relationships with their bosses.

“The ministry is in the process of identifying a policy that will address the whole area of industrial relations, which will include how to handle bad managers,” Director of Labour Sammy Nyambari said.

“We are currently handling many cases of bad bosses, and we encourage Kenyans with any complaints to seek help from the ministry.”

The policy will advocate counselling among options of redress, but if one has evidence of being threatened or harassed, they can take their manager to the Employment Court established under the Constitution. 

“We have been advising employees to focus on their tasks and perform their duties well, but there are still many grey areas on how to manage a bad boss,” Charles Bosire, a management consultant, said.

He, however, advises workers to confront a difficult boss and be persistent in calling out his or her bad behaviour.

“Follow the proper procedures and maintain a calm demeanour — don’t get into a shouting match or let your emotions get out of hand. Don’t resort to name-calling, but be straightforward,” he said.