UKG’s “Fairytale Workplace” ad takes a lighthearted approach to address workplace challenges by presenting a fantastical world where everything works perfectly — employees are always happy, tasks are completed effortlessly, and everyone works in perfect harmony. The ad contrasts this idyllic fantasy with the reality of many organizations, where things aren’t always so smooth, and UKG offers a solution to create a more balanced, supportive work environment.
The Formula (That Works at Any Budget):
Fairytale Setting = Immediate Engagement – The ad kicks off in a fairytale world where everything seems perfect. The vibrant, whimsical setting grabs attention and draws the viewer into a dreamlike scenario where work is fun and stress-free.
→ Lesson: Start with an engaging, unexpected setting to quickly capture attention and spark curiosity.
Relatable Struggles = Humorous Contrast – The fantasy world is juxtaposed with real-world struggles: employees juggling stress, managing workloads, and balancing work-life demands. This humorous contrast adds relatability to the otherwise dreamy setting.
→ Lesson: Use contrast to show how far from reality the situation really is, highlighting the need for change.
UKG as the Solution = Real Workplace Transformation – As the fairytale world unravels, UKG steps in, offering real-world solutions to help create a more balanced and efficient workplace. This ties the fantasy world back to a tangible, actionable offering.
→ Lesson: Position your product as the bridge between fantasy and reality — solving what seems impossible.
Exaggerated Humor = Increased Appeal – The absurdity of a fairytale workplace setting adds humor, making the solution presented by UKG feel even more valuable and necessary.
→ Lesson: Use humor to soften the impact of serious workplace issues, making the solution feel more approachable.
Humor Breakdown:
The humor comes from the exaggerated and idealistic portrayal of a fairytale workplace, where everything is perfect — but it’s so unrealistic that it becomes comical. The exaggerated contrasts between the dreamy world and the actual challenges employees face make the ad both fun and relatable. This humor draws in the audience while reinforcing the message that UKG can make a workplace better, even if it can’t create a fairy tale.
Final Verdict:
UKG’s ad cleverly uses a fairytale setting to make a point about the complexities of modern work life. By contrasting an idyllic fantasy with the realities employees face, the ad makes a compelling case for the importance of solutions like UKG in transforming the workplace into something better and more sustainable.
Brave-o-meter score:
B-9 | R-8 | A-9 | V-9 | E-8
BRAVE – 8.8/10
Watch the full ad & learn more:
Website: UKG
LinkedIn: UKG
