Staff at a new B&Q store in East Kilbride have been told to sing a Muppet show song when they greet customers; the song say managers will motivate employees.
Following a brainstorming session, B&Q managers decided that the ‘Mahna Mahna’ song should be adopted as the morning greeting. The Muppet Show, the popular television series aired in the 1970s featured characters including, Kermit and Miss Piggy.
Reported in the Scotsman, one member of staff, who did not want to be named, said: “East Kilbride managers were at a training day when it was announced they would replace good morning with Mahna Mahna.
“The staff had just returned from lunch and all the managers were in a training room, sitting in a semi-circle and looking really pleased with themselves. Then one of them blurted out ‘Mahna Mahna’ at us without warning. We just stared blankly back at them.
“Then another manager repeated the phrase, and asked what our first reaction was when we heard it. When someone mumbled back ‘do doo be-do-do’, they all burst out laughing and were nodding at each other, saying, Told you so.”
While new employees are sceptical of the benefits of singing the Muppet show song, a B&Q spokesperson defended the off-the-wall approach and enthused: “An ice-breaker, such as a different way to say good morning, is a great way to energise staff first thing and get everyone working together.”
The store will employ 250 staff.
HRZone invites you to share your experiences of whimsical and quirky motivational approaches and methods. Use the comments box below.
