Think about your favorite TV shows that have fictional workplaces - how does any work ever get done at these companies? Realistically, how are these businesses even functioning with all the shenanigans that occur on a regular basis? I'd like to list the Top 5 most unproductive fictional TV companies of all time, as well as some suggestions for restructuring the companies.
Planet Express from "Futurama" - Planet Express is constantly facing threat of extinction from the leader in interplanetary package delivery - 'Moms Friendly Delivery Company.' Planet Express needs to create a niche by differentiating their services from their giant competitor. Perhaps they could concentrate their delivery route to specific planets, form a partnership with Zapf Brannagan or only specialize in transporting certain goods. In addition, CEO Farnsworth's disregard for safety and minimum wage laws need to be brought to intergalactic standards before the company is brought under more scrutiny.
Barney Stinson's Company from "How I Met Your Mother" - No one really knows what Barney Stinson's company, Altracell, does. Some clues point to the company dealing with oil rigging, logging, automatic small arms production, tobacco manufacturing and producing the yellow fuzzy stuff on tennis balls.
Branding seems to be a big problem with the company. It first might be helpful for Altracell to improve and simplify their branding, as the average consumer or business customer might be confused as to their sell. Second, the company should jump on the Social Media bandwagon before its too late (BP anyone?). Creating a Twitter and Facebook account would be a good start to take control of their online PR.
The Nuclear Power Plant from "the Simpsons" - Mr. Burns' nuclear power plant is a classic example of an unproductive work atmosphere. Homer is often caught eating donuts on the job, Larry and Carl constantly bicker, and Mr. Smithers' is pretty much a glorified secretary.
Don't they actually need some engineers and scientists to run a nuclear power plant? I'd suggest hiring Professor Frink first, and also considering repositioning Homer to a less technical position where he could use his social skills (human resources?)
Dunder Mifflin from "The Office" - Although the Scranton branch of Dunder Mifflin ends up being one of the sole surviving offices in the corporation's downsizing, there are quite a few things they could do to improve productivity.
One would be to improve their website as a whole, in particular their Careers Page. The page is quite basic and would not serve to attract the top talent in the country. Dunder Mifflin could make use of an Applicant Tracking solution to manage their hires, while also providing the functionality to create their own careers pages.
Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce from "Mad Men" - So you're thinking: "Wait a second, Don Draper is super productive. What gives?" Well, as much as Draper and crew seem to get stuff done, they could still make some organizational changes that would lead to better productivity.
First of all, as much as those guys like to drink during the work day, they probably would be better off leaving the drinking to client lunches and dinners. Not only would Draper spend less time sleeping on his office couch, there probably would be less drama in the office overall minus the whiskey.
Another thing that went out the window after the 60s were personal secretaries. Cost-wise, it doesn't make sense for every person with an office to have their own personal secretary, especially if much of what those girls are doing isn't even work related.
Got any more fictional companies that are extremely unproductive? Suggestions for improvement?