Undercover Boss Australia Season 2 Episode 8 Hutchinson Builders
- October 31, 2011
In this episode of Undercover Boss Australia season 2, the CEO of Hutchinson Builders, one of the largest privately-owned construction companies in the country, goes undercover to work alongside his employees. Greg Hutchinson disguises himself as a recently laid-off construction worker named Mick, hoping to get an inside look at how his company is really doing on the ground.
The episode begins with Hutchinson meeting with his executive team to discuss the challenges facing the company and the need to improve communication between management and workers. He's clearly concerned about the impact of recent layoffs on morale and wants to see firsthand how his employees are coping.
As Mick, Hutchinson begins his first day on the job as a general laborer at one of Hutchinson Builders' construction sites in Brisbane. He's paired up with a young apprentice named Andy, and the two begin preparing a site for the foundation of a new apartment complex. Hutchinson struggles to keep up with Andy's pace and quickly realizes how physically demanding the work is. He's also impressed by Andy's positive attitude and eagerness to learn.
Next, Hutchinson is sent to work with a team of formworkers, who are responsible for creating the framework for the building's concrete foundation. He's paired up with a seasoned formworker named John, who's been with Hutchinson Builders for over 30 years. John is skeptical of Mick's abilities and soon takes over the job, leaving Hutchinson feeling humiliated. Later, John opens up to Hutchinson about the difficulties he's had over the years, including a recent cancer battle that forced him to take time off work. Hutchinson is moved by John's courage and grateful for the opportunity to get to know him better.
For his final assignment, Hutchinson is tasked with delivering supplies to a different construction site. Along the way, he meets several other workers, including a young electrician named Eric, who shares his concerns about the lack of communication from management. Eric confides in Hutchinson about his dreams of starting his own business someday, and Hutchinson offers him some advice and encouragement.
At the end of his weeklong undercover mission, Hutchinson reveals his true identity to the workers and thanks them for their hard work and dedication. He also takes their feedback on board, vowing to improve communication and address some of their concerns.
Overall, this episode offers an interesting look at the world of construction and the hardworking men and women who make it all happen. Hutchinson's journey as Mick highlights the importance of empathy, communication, and understanding in any workplace, and his interactions with his employees offer some valuable lessons for managers and leaders alike.