Speakerphired

These are scary, but exciting times in the ad biz. So many new formats. So many new media opportunies. So many new ways to piss off consumers.

For agencies, it's a brave new digital world and marketers are only beginning to realize the potential of this new, fractured media environment. As a result, agencies are experimenting like never before. And no doubt they are learning a lot in the process.

Lost in this endless on-demand, "consumer is in control" hoopla, however, has been the HR professional, who has been soul-searching ever since Fast Company ripped him a new one in its August 2005 cover story.

Well, apparently HR has also been experimenting within this new technological landscape, exploring new ways to demonstrate their usefulness and ingenuity.

The latest example of this new era in HR comes courtesy of Publicis Groupe's Optimedia, who (several days before the Xmas holiday) reportedly gathered a half-dozen or so employees from its Seattle outpost over the speakerphone to inform them that they were being canned.

Yeah, you heard that right. They were fired over the speakerphone. They were speakerphired.

According to inside sources, the experiment is being hailed as a monumental triumph, although further market testing is required. An initial cost analysis of the tactic was dubbed "a rousing success" by one official who wished to remain imaginary, "since we didn't have to put anybody on a plane to fire people in person. Plus, canning someone over the phone a few days before Christmas is just a lot less awkward."

Without question, the future of HR appears bright. Already, some within the industry are discussing the possibility of firing employees via podcast. Others are even rumored to be exploring the text message as a viable, even more spineless means of termination.

Very exciting stuff, indeed.

Comments

[sfpdx]

That's absurd! It's slightly amusing that they market tested the idea. I'd like to market test a similar approach. Wonder what they would think if someone in a bunny costume turned up holding a sign that says "You people are assholes."