In this ad: A returning employee sneezes in the office. Suddenly, everyone freezes. What used to be a normal moment now creates tension. ClickUp uses this awkward scene to highlight the strange new norms of post-pandemic office life. The message? ClickUp helps teams manage change with ease.
The Formula (That Works at Any Budget)
Shared Experience + Light Humor = Strong Connection
The ad shows a simple moment that many can relate to—sneezing at work in a post-COVID world.
→ Lesson: Use familiar, real-life situations to connect with your audience.
Awkward Moment + Product Value = Clear Message
The discomfort of the sneeze sets up the need for better workplace systems. That’s where ClickUp comes in.
→ Lesson: Show how your product helps with real, everyday challenges.
Short Scene + Visual Storytelling = Lasting Impact
No words. Just one sneeze, some awkward glances, and a clear point.
→ Lesson: Keep it short and visual to hold attention.
Humor Breakdown
The comedy comes from the exaggerated reactions. A simple sneeze creates silent panic across the office. It reflects how much norms have shifted. The humor is clean, relatable, and based on a common situation. That’s what makes it effective.
→ Lesson: Use humor to highlight the small tensions your product helps solve.
Final Verdict
The ClickUp returning to work ad titled “The Sneeze” is short, smart, and spot-on. It captures the weirdness of going back to the office after remote work. With just a few seconds of video, it shows why teams need tools like ClickUp to stay organized and adapt to change.
BRAVE-o-meter Score:
B-8 | R-8 | A-7 | V-8 | E-6
BRAVE – 7.4/10
Watch the full ad & learn more:
Website: clickup.com
LinkedIn: ClickUp on LinkedIn
