Undercover Boss

Have you seen that show “Undercover Boss”?  Its a reality show that puts the head of the company back in the trenches alongside his or her employees.  If you watch the show regularly, you’ll see men and women who have long since climbed up the ladder to the executive suite, back at the bottom getting down and dirty with everyone else.  It’s worth a few laughs sometimes to watch these folks as they screw up menial labor.  I watched one guy, the CEO of Baja Fresh, practically get fired from his stint as a cashier in one of his stores.  Then there was another episode where this woman was back to waiting tables at a Great Wolf Lodge, forgetting orders and trying to give them their check before they got their food.  Classic.

The redeeming factor on these episodes was that in each case, the executive was somehow touched by the work ethic of his or her employees, and got to know the face and the story behind employee #12345.  In many cases, the CEO learns that their star performers are going through hard times personally, yet they are committed to their work.  Employees often deal with deal with major life issues outside of work that can negatively affect performance. 

As an “undercover boss” CEO’s have an opportunity to get to know the employees on a personal level and learn about the hardships they’re dealing with.  Issues can run the gamut, from health issues, disabled children, drug abuse, work/life balance and financial hardships.

Learning about these issues first hand gives the CEO a new respect and appreciation for the employee and a major highlight of the show is when the CEO makes it happen.  Like a big fairy godmother or genie in the corner office,  at the end of the show the Undercover Boss reveals his true identity and bestows raises, promotions, leaves of absence, schedule shifting on the tearfully grateful employee .  It’s a heartwarming moment, but before you go running back to your company expecting the same generous and heartwarming reaction to your personal plight:  Stop.  Don’t get it twisted. Your CEO may not be quite as willing to get down in the trenches with you; your boss may not want to hear it and your manager may be powerless to help.

But don’t give up hope.  Informed employers are well aware the happy employees are productive employees and productive employees are good for business.  So even if they’re not willing to go the reality show route, they may have other tools in place to help keep you on your feet.  Many companies now offer employee assistance program or EAP or employee wellness programs.  Employee wellness programs concentrate on health and overall wellness education. Through the EAP, some companies are able to provide that “undercover boss” service to help their employees through hardships. 

Programs like this will offer consultations with a lawyer, or psychologist, or financial planners, at no charge to employees.  Even better, there are no video cameras involved.  The service is completely confidential, and whatever you discuss with your counselor or therapist is completely confidential as well. 

So if you need help with a personal issue, before you run to your boss with your tearful story, check out the EAP poster on the company bulletin board and reach out for help.  No cameras required.