Have you ever dreamed of seeing Gérard Mulliez, the big boss of Auchan, scanning your items at checkout or how Martin Bouygues would manage with a trowel?
This is now a dream that can be realized. Thanks to Endemol and TF1, we will soon see the French adaptation of the American reality show “Undercover Boss” on our screens. The purpose of the show is to follow the CEO of a major company as they anonymously join their own company in an entry-level position for about ten days. They must perform menial work, with the same hours they usually expect from their employees. The official purpose is explained by Virginie Camels, CEO of Endemol France: “It is about promoting the work done behind the scenes.” Indeed, it would be a beautiful way to pay tribute to low-income workers. But also to let big business leaders experience the reality on the ground. To show them the constraints that rarely fit the decisions made during a meeting in a four-star hotel. It is a good way for the big boss to see what is wrong in his company and to make corrections. To identify slackers to better dismiss them later. Because at the end of this immersion stay with the “common folk,” the boss will not question the work methods he imposes on his employees. It will be up to him to distribute praise to the most deserving employees and reprimands to the others.
Large companies will come out winners. It’s a safe bet that they will gain public sympathy and free television exposure. Serious savings! No need to hire a mole or invest in video surveillance. It will be possible to monitor employees oneself, with the benevolent endorsement of a television channel and millions of viewers.
Marine Glinel
