10 of the Best Office Pranks That Hopefully Won’t Get You Fired
Playing harmless office pranks can have several benefits for workplace morale and culture when done appropriately! My current workplace is constantly trying to “out -prank” each other and the shenanigans…
Be careful with those office pranks. These ones won’t get you fired. Maybe.
Getty ImagesPlaying harmless office pranks can have several benefits for workplace morale and culture when done appropriately! My current workplace is constantly trying to "out -prank" each other and the shenanigans reach epic proportions. It's inspiring really. But it turns out, pranking is the way to go for a happy and healthy working environment. Some benefits to this practice include:
- Boosting Creativity: Pranks encourage out-of-the-box thinking and problem-solving. Coming up with clever pranks and navigating their execution can stimulate innovation and creative ideas that translate into work projects.
- Increasing Productivity: Laughter and fun can provide much-needed breaks, reducing stress and preventing burnout. Employees who enjoy occasional lighthearted pranks are often more engaged and productive overall.
- Enhancing Camaraderie: Pranks can strengthen social bonds between coworkers. Planning and pulling off jokes together, as well as being on the receiving end, creates shared experiences and memories that boost a sense of team spirit and unity.
- Improving Communication: The planning and aftermath of pranks gets people talking and interacting more than they might otherwise. This opens up communication channels and helps build interpersonal relationships.
- Attracting Talent: A workplace that embraces some degree of humor and levity tends to be more appealing to many job seekers. Fun office culture can be a selling point for recruiting (allegedly).
However, it's crucial that any pranks follow ground rules to keep things appropriate for the workplace:
- No damaging property
- No major disruptions to work
- No causing injuries
- Only prank those who enjoy it
- Avoid anything discriminatory or crossing lines
When used judiciously, clever and harmless pranks can meaningfully improve office culture and employee satisfaction. The key is moderation and knowing your audience!
Voice Activated Devices
Place labels that say "Voice Activated [Device Name]" on commonly used office equipment like the coffee machine, microwave, copier, and printer. Then sit back and watch as your coworkers try to operate them with voice commands.
Mouse Troubles
For wired mice, simply unplug them. For wireless mice, place a small piece of tape over the sensor on the bottom to render them inoperable. Watch as your coworkers struggle to figure out why their mouse suddenly stopped working.
Desktop Image Carousel
Whenever a coworker steps away from their desk, change their desktop background image to something funny or unexpected. Deny any knowledge of how it happened when they ask.
Action Figure Invasion
Place action figures, LEGO minifigs, or other small toys around a coworker's desk and workspace when they're not around. The more the merrier!
Candy Onion Apples
Dip onions in caramel (and optionally red food coloring), put in popsicle sticks, and leave them out for unsuspecting coworkers to bite into, expecting a sweet treat.
Nicolas Cage Toilet Surprise
Print out a large enthusiastic photo of Nicolas Cage and attach it under the toilet seat for a startling bathroom break.
Foghorn Door Alarm
Attach an airhorn behind a door so it blasts whenever someone opens it. Perfect for getting everyone's attention when entering a meeting.
Urgent Voicemail Pranks
Leave cryptic post-it notes on coworkers' desks telling them to urgently call another colleague about an "evaluation" or "meeting". Hilarity ensues as confusion spreads.
Googly Eyes
Add googly eyes to a coworker's baby photos on their desk or to everything in the office fridge for a silly surprise.
Wrap It Up
Individually wrap a coworker's desk items, from their chair to paper clips, while they're out. Unwrapping will keep them busy for a while!
