Workplace harassment remains a persistent challenge in many professional environments, often affecting employees’ mental health, productivity, and career growth.
Experts say harassment can arise from power imbalances, toxic work cultures, poor leadership, or lack of clear workplace policies.
It can involve verbal abuse, intimidation, bullying, discrimination, or unwanted advances that create a hostile working environment.
In many cases, victims suffer in silence, fearing retaliation, job loss, or damage to their professional reputation.
Human resource specialists note that when harassment goes unchecked, it can erode trust within organizations and lower morale among staff.
One worker in a private office in Nairobi recently shared his experience in a candid conversation with this publication, revealing how workplace harassment pushed him to a difficult point before he sought help.
The 32-year-old administrative assistant said his problems began when a new supervisor joined the company.
According to him, the supervisor frequently criticized him in front of colleagues, assigned unrealistic deadlines, and publicly questioned his competence.
“At first I thought it was normal pressure at work,” he said. “But it became personal. I was constantly being shouted at, humiliated during meetings, and given tasks that were impossible to finish in the time provided.”
He explained that the situation gradually affected his confidence and mental health.
The pressure became so intense that he began experiencing sleepless nights and anxiety about reporting to work each morning.
“I reached a point where I dreaded going to the office,” he recalled. “My productivity dropped and I started making small mistakes because I was constantly stressed.”
The employee eventually decided to seek professional help after a close friend advised him not to suffer alone.
He consulted a workplace counselor who helped him understand that the treatment he was experiencing qualified as workplace harassment.
However, accessing professional support came with financial challenges. The counseling sessions required regular payments that he initially struggled to afford.
“I had to look for financial assistance from a small support group and a relative so that I could continue with the sessions,” he said.
With counseling and guidance from labour professionals, the employee eventually gained the confidence to formally report the matter through internal company channels.
Labour experts say such cases highlight the importance of strong workplace policies, accessible reporting mechanisms, and support systems for employees facing harassment.
They also emphasize that seeking professional and emotional support can help victims regain confidence and find constructive ways to address workplace challenges. Get The Full Story Here