Do I Have a Bad Boss?

In a month of monsters, horror, and all things creepy, we thought we’d revisit this chilling topic: bad bosses. Our research shows that the number one cause of employee disengagement is managers, managers, managers.

Now, they don’t always wear fangs or carry a broomstick, but if you’ve ever left work feeling drained, anxious, or even spooked, you may be working for a real-life monster in disguise. It's that time of year, and to have a little fun, we thought we'd bring back the "monster boss" post. And though it's fun to write about, it's not so much fun to work with.

Here are six terrifying archetypes of bosses:

The Dracula Boss

• You leave meetings feeling emotionally or mentally exhausted.
• Your achievements are quietly siphoned off and presented as their own.
• They demand loyalty but give little back.
• They never go outside during the day.




The Zombie Boss

All Work, No Spark

The Zombie Boss is technically alive…but just barely. They shuffle through tasks, react instead of lead, and bring a contagious lack of energy to the team.

Warning Signs:
• Zero vision for the future.
• Endless, mindless busywork with no clear purpose.
• A team that mirrors their apathy, slowly losing motivation.
• Their lunches have only meat tartare, and they walk ridiculously slow.




The Werewolf Boss

Friendly Until the Full Moon

One moment, they’re your best ally—approachable, funny, even supportive. The next, they transform into a raging, unpredictable terror.

Warning Signs:
• Explosive mood swings that leave the team walking on eggshells.
• Harsh outbursts followed by sudden apologies (or worse, no acknowledgment at all).
• Policies and priorities that change overnight without explanation.
• They have that tell-tale unibrow and low-set ears.




The Ghost Boss

Now You See Them, Now You Don’t

Need a decision? A signature? Direction? Good luck. The Ghost Boss is rarely present and nearly impossible to pin down.

Warning Signs:

• No feedback or recognition, even for major projects.
• Radio silence during critical deadlines.
• You’re left to make major calls without guidance or authority.
• It’s remarkably cold wherever they are – unexplained “cold spots” at the office.




The Mad Scientist Boss

Always Experimenting—On You

This boss treats the workplace like a personal laboratory, constantly testing new “ideas,” shifting strategies, or reorganizing the team just to see what happens. Behind the mask of innovation is a need to control every variable—especially you.

Warning Signs:

• Sudden changes in processes or priorities without explanation.
• Constant restructuring and shifting priorities with no clear reason.
• Expectation to work overtime to fix their “experiments.”
• No accountability when their ideas fail—blame is shifted to the team.
• Very messy hair, like they’ve just walked out of a wind tunnel.




The Evil Clown Boss

What lurks behind the happy mask?

This is the boss you know nothing about. They wear a smile all day, staying safely removed from their abhorrant actions.

Warning Signs:

• They aren't held accountable for their actions and words.
• They smile in your presence, but attack your work and reputation as soon as you leave the room.
• They are jokey and "fun" and make decisions based on employees' reactions to them,not the company good.
• They practice balloon art during break time.




How to Survive a Bad (Monster) Boss


If you recognize your boss in one (or several) of these Halloween characteres, don’t panic—but don’t ignore the signs either. Your wellbeing and sanity at work might depend on these following recommendations.



Here are some survival tips:



• Document concerns
• Set clear boundaries
• Seek support from HR or a trusted mentor
• Focus on what you can control.
• Communicate effectively and clarify expectations.
• Understand what motivates your manager.
• Don't take it personally.


If you've exhausted all of your resources to make positive changes at work, and nothing changes, it may be time to plan your escape.

Because while (most) Halloween monsters disappear with the sunrise, a bad boss can haunt your career year-round.