Boss speaks to me (and everyone) like a piece of chewing gum found on the bottom of his shoe.

[Backtoworknightmare]

I work in hospitality and my boss is a nightmare, basically. It isn't an environment that values icy professionalism, it's more off hand, fast paced, and people can be snappy, but he is insufferable.

He simply cannot manage his own stress and finds outlet in having a go at his staff. He flies and flaps around being shouty, dismissive and just really really unpleasant. It stresses everyone out and does nothing to increase productivity, but I've never seen anyone do anything other than accept his outbursts.

Is there anything I can do other than look for another job? I've never dealt with a boss like this before. How much scope is there for employees to be able to say politely that they're not prepared to be spoken to in such a manner? I did recently argue back over a point I believed he was wrong about and, to be honest, went away feeling I'd handled things badly.

You can't change people - look for another job - over and over I see people stay in unhappy work environments - unless you really can't get another job, move! You might have a chat - they might accept what your say, they might even be sorry, they might even promise to change, they might even mean it - for a short while but then you will be back to square one.

If there is anyone you can talk to about his behaviour I’d certainly consider this. He sounds unbearable and whilst I can understand you wanting to argue back, I’d not waste my time. He’s obviously a very unhappy person himself and I’d spend my energy on looking for a new job instead.

That's where his comfort zone is and it sounds as though this had been unchallenged for a long time. As already said, he might make an effort for a while but it won't last.

Yes I think you're all right. This is who he is. The one plus is that I don't think he really blinked an eye at me arguing back. Some might think it deserving of at least a warning regarding insubordination, but he's already on to the next thing.

We are reopening some more parts of the establishment after a long time in lockdown and it's going to be bedlam. He's going to be unbearable. I guess I just keep my eye out for something else.

It depends if you want to take a risk or not.

History tells me if you go to HR saying things and people say "we will back you up" = they won't. It'll be just you on your own and everyone else will sit in silence and watch you burn. Everyone just looks after themselves.

HR just protect management / the company, so if you go there complaining they will somehow end up turning it on you probably or you'd feel awkward.

If your boss has been there a while they won't leave so best bet is to leave yourself or an internal move. Otherwise it'll just lead to arguments then eventually you'll probably be booted out for something.

You could secretly record him going nuts each time and not tell anyone, should you ever need the evidence it could come in handy. If he does it that often then you'll have plenty of opportunities. You can't prove a recording wrong. Just incase.

Personally I'd be looking at the door though.