I need help, because I don't know what else to do.

[MickT]

I work in hospitality and am in my late 40's. My wife also works with me. Our General Manager has all the classical symptoms of a sociopath. Our staff are bullied and constantly abused. I have endured a fluctuating period that flows between being a respected member of management to being an employee who feels that their days are numbered. This is a weekly cycle that I have endured for over 4 years. I must add that my actual workload is stressful enough. My days off now find me confined to bed so as to escape the reality of my world. I drink too much alcohol and look at suicide as a credible option because I don't know what I can do to escape this lifestyle without sacrificing income and at my stage of life I don't know where I can source income for the future. I wonder if my circumstance is unique in this industry but sadly it appears that it is not.

[geoff]

dear Mick, hello and thanks for posting your comment but unsure what hospitality field you are in, so could it be a hotel, but you can let us know later on.
It sounds like your boss is a very unpleasant person to work for and not only for you but perhaps all of the staff, which would make it very difficult for you.
Is there someone else above him that you could contact or do you just answer to him.
I do hope that documentation has been noted on what he has actually said and done to you and the rest of the staff, because it would be helpful later on if something does happen and he is taken to court.
I know what you are talking about, because if any boss doesn't want to listen to a suggestion then your hands are tied and your frustration builds up to the point where only drinking alcohol helps.
I wonder if there has been an uprising against this person as all he is doing is making you all miserable, that's first, and second I would like to know where you live in a small town or big town, and once you cn get back to me then we maybe able to help you, incidently I've been in two pubs, which might make you feel more comfortable. Geoff.

[pipsy]

Dear Mick.  Do you have a regular Dr that knows you?  Workplace bullying is pretty common these days and if you have some sort of proof positive that you are being bullied to the point of possible self-harming you need to get to your Dr first.  If you can provide proof you can arrange for long term stress leave.  I would try to arrange a meeting with other staff members (you said you're not the only one), get someone to write a letter to the management where you work (remember, your G.M is answerable to someone higher).  Outline exactly what the problem is, don't threaten strike action, all you're doing is playing into G.M's hand.  Is the G.M female or male?  Because the G.M has been chosen for the job, ousting them is difficult, but achievable.  Perhaps as Geoff said, documenting each time abuse occurs.  If you can arrange stress leave, under workplace health and safety, you should receive some compensation.  Your G.M is contravening workplace health and safety regulations.  My ex was a prison officer for 25 years, he endured similar treatment during his last 2 years, he left under similar circumstances and was granted long term stress leave. You may have to fight, but with your fellow workers behind you, hopefully you'll be 'heard'.