Barbie lessons | Culture needs to be good all the time, not only during times of success

By now, you probably know all about Greta Gerwig’s box office hit Barbie, which came out in cinemas last weekend. Upon its release, a viral TikToker came out to explain what it’s like working in the offices at Mattel, the multinational toy company and creator of the iconic doll brand.

Largely as a response to the negative way that Mattel is portrayed in the film as male dominated, the TikToker explained that it’s actually “the opposite of what it was like working there” and, in reality, the Mattel offices boast themed Barbie and Hot Wheels offices, with it being a positive work environment for employees.

The user explains that the majority of management roles are filled with women, and Mattel’s workplace culture is one to be celebrated. “To this day I maintain, (that Mattel) was one of the best workplace cultures I have ever experienced,” the user explains.

It’s certainly reassuring to hear that Mattel’s workplace culture isn’t anything like how it was portrayed in the film. Especially from a brand perspective, with all eyes on the company at this moment in time, it’s been particularly important for the business to paint itself in a positive light.