By Zainab Al-Mashoor

KUWAIT: In the realm of employment, some individuals find themselves tied to oppressive workplaces, compelled to endure mistreatment out of fear of jeopardizing their livelihoods. Workplace bullying, harassment, and discrimination manifest in various forms, ranging from isolation to verbal threats, leaving victims with anxiety, depression, fear, physical and social harm. Dina sought therapy, Qadir was deported, Esraa was humiliated, Sara was bullied, Sumayya was threatened, and Zeina was overworked. Kuwait Times heard from individuals that have undergone employers’ abuse of power and took legal expert comments on employees’ rights.

Dina’s struggle for recognition

"I ended up at a therapist”. Dina endured two years of unfair treatment, stereotype, jealousy, unappreciated compared to her co-workers at her workplace by her manager. Being treated as she did not belong or accepted. With no guidance nor support. Despite her the attempts to be accepted through gifts and contributions, she faced isolation, aggression and mistreatment.

"Spending days crying at the washroom, eating alone, depressed, and being mistreated did not only affect my working hours but also my personal life, I couldn’t even smile at home.” Being emotionally and mentally devastated, Dina sought therapy which empowered her to value herself, to fight for her rights to able to deal with workplace challenges and to not expect much. Dina adds, "If others mistreat you or show a sign of jealousy doesn’t mean you aren’t good enough, but they are scared of your success.”

Qadir’s deportation

Qadir, employed for nine months, endured overtime without compensation. Upon refusing unpaid overtime, he faced termination, non-payment of salary, and an absconding case filed against him. Qadir then pursued legal action to secure his rights but was left unemployed as they didn’t allow him transfer his residence which led to its expiring. At a random police check, he was imprisoned for 15 days and deported to his country.

Esraa’s humiliation

Esraa has undergone a harsh experience by her boss, "He involved himself into tasks for which he lacked experience and knowledge, consistently demeaning me by asserting that I knew nothing. His behavior escalated to bullying, notably during a meeting with clients where he publicly embarrassed and insulted me, dismissing my input with a harsh ‘shut up, you know nothing.’ He went further, calling me shameless and questioning my self-worth. When I showed distress and shed tears, he cruelly dismissed my emotions, stating that my tears were as insincere as crocodile cries. His insults extended to mocking my intelligence, deeming my master’s degree useless. His mistreatment affected me, making me feel insignificant and unintelligent. Faced with this hostile environment, I felt compelled to leave the job. It became apparent that his dislike to me was from my friendly and cheerful character.”

Discrimination and bully

Sara faced discrimination and insults despite disclosing her English language proficiency and educational background during the interview. "He embarrassed and humiliated me in front of my co-workers and clients highlight them.” Above that, the lack of motivation and acknowledgment for her efforts led to frustration and demotivation. Sara’s decision to resign underscored to her boss the importance of working in environments that value and respect individuals.

Sumayya’s probation threat

Sumayya, during her probation period, worked for 12-13 hours daily without overtime payment nor breaks. "All my boss cared about was for the work to be finished at any cost” and the cost could be the employee. Her boss closely monitored her every move via CCTV, and questioning her about the minutes she took using the washroom. The overwhelming pressure led to her being hospitalized for (IBS). Upon resigning, Sumayya faced verbal abuse and blackmail on not paying her salary from her boss. Sumayya advocated on the need for a respectful and appreciating work environment and highlights, "We work together for each other, we aren’t "owned” by a higher party”.

Overwhelming responsibilities

Zena’s initial job as a fresh graduate didn’t go as expected. She didn’t what she was going through. Joining as a secretary but worked as Secretary, Receptionist, Translation, HR, PR with minimal compensation and no extra benefit. Overworked and handling diverse responsibilities, Zena felt mentally and physically drained, prompting her decision to leave for the sake of her well-being.

In context, Legal researcher Atef Mohi Eldeen emphasizes that employers have no right to treat employees inappropriately, affirming that Kuwait is a state where rules apply to all. Addressing employer abuse of power, he notes: Employees can refuse overtime unless a contract stipulates an agreement for such work. If an Employee is subjected to bully, threats or harm at work, a legal action can be taken leading to a punishment by paying fine or imprisonment for 1–3 years or both, depending on the severity the case.