Biggest PR Blunder in Back to the Office

If you’re challenged to get your team together more often, here’s an example from WebMD of how NOT to do it.

Tip 1: Don’t create an awful video ordering people back to the office

WebMD, probably better known as Doctor Google, is a site you’ve probably visited when you tried to self-diagnose if your last ache, fever, rash, snuffle or headache is malaria, measles, menopause or migraine.

The employees at WebMD write articles, sell advertising, ensure the website works, and analyze statistics.

And they don’t come to the office to work often enough – according to the CEO.

So, they created a video to bring people back to the office.

Tip 2: Then do not upload the video to Vimeo

In a PR Blunder of 2023, it’s accidentally shared on Vimeo and ends up on X (Twitter).

You can watch it here and judge for yourself (2:13 minutes)

Tip 3: Do not talk down to your employees like they are naughty children

Did it make you cringe? The stock video, stiff acting, and unenthusiastic dancing... ick

The words are worse…

The CEO says

We aren’t asking or negotiating at this point. We’re informing

And VP of HR

Your manager will be in touch shortly about how this will be implemented and tracked

And SVP of Consumer Services

We are better when we are together, and we need to be our best to crush our competition – followed by a Coke can being crushed

Imagine if you were an employee of WebMD. Would this bring out your

❓ inner 2-year-old where you just want to say “no” and throw your toys out of the cot?

❓ inner 4-year-old ask “why?” multiple times?

❓belligerent teenager “show me the evidence that we work better in the office”?

Alternative:  Treat Employees like Adults

The way organisations distribute power often results in what is a parent-child relationship (ie we know what is best for you so you must do it) instead of treating people like….

 …..ADULTS….

 ❓What would that look like?

-        having a conversation with people

-        Exploring different solutions

-        Listening to different points of view

-        reaching some compromise agreement

And then change may happen willingly.

If you Treat them like Children, they’ll Act Like Children

A two-year-old tantrum is not behaviour most people show at work, though I’ve seen some exceptions (material for another newsletter).

However, teenage behaviour of

-        doing the bare minimum

-        Shrugging the shoulders, sighing and saying “whatever”

-        Picking a fight

-        muttering, grumbling and complaining

All of the above describes what is known as DISENGAGEMENT.

Is it time to find a workplace culture that is less like kindergarten and more like a university? Give me a call here.

Remember, Work like a Human until next month

Want more?

If you enjoyed this, then subscribe here to this newsletter.

Follow me by clicking the bell 🔔 at the top right of my profile

Want a weekly newsletter Work Like a Human direct in your inbox?

DM with your second-best email.