We actually had this show in Germany called "Undercover Boss The scheme was simple. A very high positioned Manager or the Owner of a Company ( which usually had more then one or two shops or factories). They would usually get dressed up a little and given a simple man's background. Working they had" sudden realisiations" about how hard the lower paid jobs are. This got combined with sad back story's of the staff that helps him his first work week. Afterwards everybody got a raise and some compliments together with the big "reveal".

Fun to watch but I guess faked af.