There are many things in life that feel like a good idea at the time.
Ordering the extra hot curry because you think you can handle it.
Attempting DIY on a Sunday afternoon with nothing but a YouTube tutorial and blind optimism.
Buying a gym membership in January, convinced you’ll actually go this time.
And then, there’s the workplace prank.
In theory, it’s a moment of harmless fun - a lighthearted way to break up the monotony of corporate life.
But in reality, there’s always the risk that someone takes it too far, HR gets involved, and suddenly you’re sitting in a disciplinary meeting trying to explain why you thought it was acceptable to fill your manager’s office with 4,000 helium balloons.
But when done right - when executed with precision, patience, and just the right level of mischief - the office prank is a thing of beauty.
It creates legends. It gets talked about for years. It makes work almost enjoyable.
So, in honour of the brave souls who have walked the tightrope between comedy gold and career-ending disaster, here are some of the best workplace pranks that didn’t result in a lawsuit.
1. The ‘Voice-Activated’ Printer
It is a truth universally acknowledged that most people have no idea how office printers actually work.
Which is why a simple sign saying:
"Voice-activated printing now enabled. Please speak your commands clearly."
…is enough to create absolute pandemonium.
Suddenly, you’ve got grown adults shouting at the printer like it owes them money - while the rest of the office tries (and fails) to maintain a straight face.
2. The Fake ‘Urgent’ Meeting
A mysterious meeting with senior management is enough to strike fear into the heart of even the most confident employee.
This prank requires teamwork. Everyone casually mentions to the chosen victim that they “saw their name on a last-minute meeting invite”, but no one knows what it’s about.
For maximum paranoia, add in phrases like:
“I’d prepare something just in case…”
“I don’t think it’s bad news, but who knows?”
“Did you do something?”
Then, sit back and enjoy watching them spiral into an existential crisis.
3. The ‘Gradual Shrink’ Prank
Over the course of several weeks, move a colleague’s desk items slightly closer together - chair, monitor, keyboard - until they start feeling slightly… off.
By week three, they’ll be genuinely concerned that something is wrong with them.
4. The ‘Unplugged’ Mouse Mystery
A timeless classic, and for good reason.
A tiny bit of tape over the sensor on a colleague’s mouse will render it completely useless, leading to a full-blown tech meltdown.
For extra entertainment, suggest increasingly ridiculous solutions while maintaining a look of deep concern.
“Maybe the batteries are scared?”
“Try clicking harder.”
“Have you tried turning it off and on again?”
5. The ‘New Office Policy’ Memo
It’s a scientific fact that nothing spreads panic faster than an official-looking email from HR.
Some all-time greats include:
"From next month, employees must refer to their line manager as ‘Captain’."
"The office is trialling a Bring Your Pet to Work scheme. No tarantulas."
"The new dress code is ‘formal Fridays.’ Ties are mandatory."
The real joke? The looks of pure devastation when people realise it’s fake.
6. The Never-Ending Loading Screen
If your colleague is already teetering on the edge of sanity, this should push them right over.
Take a screenshot of a loading screen stuck at 99%, set it as their desktop background, and hide all their icons.
They’ll spend at least 30 minutes in silent, simmering rage before realising they’ve been played.
7. The Autocorrect Sabotage
A personal favourite - because few things are more powerful than well-placed chaos.
Sneak onto a colleague’s computer and set their autocorrect to replace common phrases with something… less professional.
For example:
"Best regards" → "Big juicy hugs"
"Let me know" → "Praise be to the spreadsheet gods"
"Thanks" → "I love you"
Then, wait for the inevitable email disaster.
8. The ‘Replaced’ Desk Items
Over the course of several weeks, gradually swap out a colleague’s desk items for slightly smaller versions.
- Smaller stapler
- Smaller keyboard
- Smaller chair
They’ll either lose their grip on reality or start questioning whether they’re suddenly experiencing a freakish growth spurt.
9. The Fake Software Update
Nothing inspires blind faith quite like a Windows update screen.
Print out a sheet of paper that says:
"Windows is installing updates: 99% complete. Do not turn off your computer."
Tape it over their monitor.
Then, watch as they patiently wait for absolutely nothing to happen.
10. The ‘Confusion of Identity’
This one requires dedication and teamwork.
Over a few days, get as many colleagues as possible to refer to one specific person by the wrong name—but subtly.
The key is acting completely normal when they correct you.
“Steve? Sorry, I thought you were Paul.”
“Oh no, I must be thinking of someone else. Weird.”
“Wait, you’re definitely Paul though… right?”
Watch as they slowly descend into madness, wondering if they’ve been living a lie this entire time.
Need to Recruit People Who Can Take a Joke?
A well-executed prank is a sign of a strong team culture. A badly executed one is a sign that security will be escorting you out of the building.
If you want to hire people who know how to work hard but also have a laugh, we can help.
At Coburg Banks, we find candidates that fit your business - not just your job description.
So, if you need to recruit (without the chaos), get in touch.
We promise not to prank you.
Well… probably.
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