When a nurse places a plastic lobster on a hospital table and the internet lights up with 31 million views, it’s not just a moment of internet silliness, it’s a lesson in modern marketing. What looks like a goofy TikTok challenge is quietly rewriting the rules for how brands show up in people’s feeds.

 

Meet @macysimmons, a nurse whose take on the “random objects at work” trend turned into a viral masterclass. Her video didn’t need polish or planning, just good timing, real reactions, and a workplace that didn’t mind a little laughter.

What’s the Deal With the ‘Random Objects at Work’ Challenge?

The formula is straightforward. Bring in something totally unexpected from home, place it on a table, and try not to laugh as coworkers react with cheeks full of water. That’s all. No music cues. No fancy gear.

 

And somehow, that simplicity is the secret sauce. It works across offices, industries, and cultures. Unlike the Tortilla Challenge from 2022, which was more about reactions and slaps, this one leans into shared moments. It’s not about competition. It’s about collective comedy.

 

There’s something instantly funny about serious professionals losing it over a rubber duck or a ceramic squirrel. That balance of the absurd and the relatable is what makes people stick around and share.

Why This Trend Isn’t Just Funny, It’s Smart Marketing

It looks like a bunch of coworkers having a laugh, but behind the scenes, it checks every box marketers care about.

  • Zero barrier to entry: Anyone can join in. There’s no script, no studio, and no media spend.
  • Built-in authenticity: These aren’t actors. They’re real employees being themselves.
  • Massive reach potential: When a BMW dealership pulled it off, they got 1.6 million likes. That’s not a fluke, it’s proof this format plays well across industries.

 

It also nails a bigger shift: the rise of employee-generated content. Data shows that people engage way more with posts from real workers than from official brand accounts. Trust levels spike, shares multiply, and the content feels more like a conversation than a campaign.

How One Nurse Turned a Joke Into a Marketing Blueprint

@macysimmons didn’t plan to make a marketing splash but the outcome speaks for itself. Her video soared because:

  • The setting worked: Viewers are curious about hospital life, and the unexpected humor cut through the usual seriousness.
  • It felt unscripted: The reactions, the objects, the setup. Nothing felt polished or pre-approved.
  • Timing hit the sweet spot: People were in the mood for something light and relatable. She delivered.

 

Her 31 million views didn’t just boost her personal reach, they showed how a playful moment could spark serious engagement for a whole profession.

 

Want to Try It? Here’s How to Avoid a Cringe-Worthy Misstep

Not every office is built for public laughs, and that’s totally fine. The trend works best when it fits naturally. Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Check your culture first: If jokes don’t fly in your workplace, don’t force them.
  • Let employees lead: Give basic boundaries, but let the creativity come from the people actually doing the work.
  • Keep your tone consistent: If your brand is usually buttoned-up, jumping into something wacky might throw people off.
  • Slide your product in (if it fits): Don’t jam it into the scene. Let it show up the same way a stapler or snack might.
  • Think multi-platform: A video made for TikTok can still work on Instagram or LinkedIn with the right caption.

Turning One-Off Laughs Into a Long-Term Game Plan

Great humor content doesn’t happen by accident. The best brands build a plan that keeps things consistent and sustainable.

Step 1: Gauge Your Internal Culture
  • Spot employees who already love making content
  • Lay out clear do’s and don’ts
  • Give them room to test things out
Step 2: Build Repeatable Formats
  • Align videos with your brand’s vibe
  • Make reusable templates
  • Edit lightly without killing the vibe
Step 3: Share Smart and Learn Fast
  • Let employees share first, then amplify on brand channels
  • Track performance by content type
  • Watch what gets shared, saved, and commented on

The Real Power of Humor in 2025

Humor is doing more than making people smile. It’s changing how brands earn attention and loyalty.

  • EGC delivers 10x more engagement than traditional posts
  • Employee content is reshared 24x more often
  • 82% of customers trust companies more when employees post on social
  • 71% of consumers remember funny brands and are more likely to buy from them

 

Beyond the stats, this kind of content shows off company culture, improves recruiting, and helps people feel connected to the faces behind the brand.

Keep It Funny, Not Risky

Humor doesn’t mean chaos. It just means loosening up without losing sight of your brand.

  • Avoid overproduction. Raw wins
  • Stay on the right side of cultural sensitivity
  • Get feedback often and adjust as needed

 

When Houston Life aired their own take on the trend, they proved even broadcast media could join in without losing credibility.

 

Audiences can sniff out what’s real. The brands that keep it genuine will keep winning.

This Trend Isn’t a Fad. It’s a Strategy

The “random objects” format looks silly on the surface, but under the hood, it’s a full-on brand strategy. It taps into workplace culture, keeps things low-cost, and builds real trust with real people.

 

As one strategist said, “Humor makes brands part of the conversation, not just part of the scroll.”

 

That’s the shift happening now. And it’s not about finding the next viral moment. It’s about building a brand that doesn’t need a script to be relatable.

 

Whether it’s a nurse, a car dealer, or a radio DJ, the best marketing in 2025 might just come from someone holding a bottle of water and trying not to laugh.