BOSSES, BE NICE!

My late niece worked for a popular supermarket chain for years. She was overjoyed to get a well-deserved promotion. Soon afterwards a new manager took over and started making her life a living hell, embarrassing her continually in front of the staff and customers.

My timid niece was too afraid to seek intervention, fearing the loss of employment, until we assisted her to draft a letter of grievance to human resources. Unfortunately she passed away soon after from untreated diabetes before her matter could be dealt with.

My brother has also been unfairly hounded by his line manager, causing him untold frustration, and similarly he’s too afraid to take action against this undeserved treatment from his manager.

This employer tyranny probably occurs to someone somewhere on a daily basis. Managers, supervisors and bosses who get a kick out of humiliating staff in front of an audience must be dealt with before the situation becomes worse.

In memory of my humble niece who hated her last days at work, I’d like to encourage employees to confront issues as the workplace is no place to be miserable. REGINA, EMAIL S Without exception, all employees need to have their egos stroked. It’s like receiving healthy nourishment for the body.

From the lowliest person to the most senior manager, a kind word or a word of encouragement by the owner boosts the person receiving those words.

Some business owners are so taskorientated they forget the only reason they’re bosses is because of all those individuals who help make the wheels of those businesses turn.

It’s so sad that sometimes they’re so preoccupied they forget to greet their staff.

To those bosses I say take your blinkers off and spend time getting to know your employees. They all have dreams and aspirations and one kind word or a pat on the back will allow their spirits to soar. Show your humanity. It really isn’t difficult. PETER BACHTIS, BENONI