Employees at QuickMart’s Ruiru branch are speaking out against their branch manager, Madam Ann, accusing her of creating a hostile work environment.
They describe her as arrogant and dismissive, often ignoring staff concerns and treating them with disrespect.
When employees approach her with customer requests or issues, she reportedly walks away, leaving them feeling undervalued and unsupported.
Staff members also report difficulties in obtaining time off.
Requests for leave are frequently denied or met with threats of cancellation.
Even when granted, employees are often called back to work before their leave ends, disrupting their personal lives and preventing adequate rest.
The manager’s actions at closing time further exacerbate the situation.
She often makes personal purchases just before the store closes at 10 PM and then spends up to 45 minutes in her office, delaying the end-of-day briefing.
This results in employees leaving work late at night, facing challenges in finding transportation home, and incurring additional expenses for motorbike rides due to the late hour.
Shift scheduling practices at the Ruiru branch are another point of contention.
Employees report being assigned consecutive long shifts, sometimes starting early in the morning after working late the previous night, leaving little time for rest.
Those who express concerns are allegedly told to leave if they cannot comply, with the manager asserting her untouchable status by claiming, “You won’t take me anywhere; I’m deep state.”
Production staff face additional challenges. They are held accountable for unsold goods dispatched to other branches, with the cost of these items deducted from their pay.
This practice places an unfair financial burden on employees for factors beyond their control.
These issues at the Ruiru branch are part of a broader pattern of employee grievances across multiple QuickMart locations.
Reports from other branches highlight similar concerns, including extended working hours without overtime pay, favoritism, harassment, and a lack of support from the human resources department.
Employees have described the work environment as toxic, with some experiencing significant stress and health issues as a result.
For instance, at the Embakasi branch, the manager has been accused of exploiting female staff members, demanding personal favors in exchange for promotions.
Such behavior contributes to a culture of fear and mistrust among employees, further deteriorating morale and job satisfaction.
The cumulative effect of these practices has led to widespread dissatisfaction among QuickMart employees.
Many feel overworked, underappreciated, and unfairly treated, with little recourse to address their concerns.
The lack of effective communication channels and fear of retaliation prevent employees from voicing their grievances, perpetuating a cycle of mistreatment and neglect.
In light of these allegations, there is a growing call for QuickMart’s senior management to investigate and address the reported issues.
Implementing fair labor practices, ensuring respectful treatment of all employees, and establishing transparent communication channels are essential steps toward improving the work environment.
By taking these actions, QuickMart can foster a more positive workplace culture, enhance employee morale, and ultimately improve service quality for its customers.
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