Let’s face it—office life can get a little dull sometimes. That’s where a little humor goes a long way. Whether it’s to break the ice, lighten the mood, or just have a laugh on a slow Monday, a well-planned prank can bring coworkers together in the best way. But of course, it’s got to be lighthearted, safe, and respectful. That’s why we’ve put together this guide full of clever, harmless, and hilarious pranks to do on coworkers without crossing the line. From tech-savvy tricks to classic desk setups, there’s something here for every office type. Whether you’re working in a cubicle or logging in remotely, these ideas will help you spread some joy without getting called into HR. Ready to stir things up—just a little? Let’s dive into some of the best pranks that are all fun and no foul.
Best Pranks to Do on Coworkers
Pulling off the perfect prank at work is all about balance—it should be funny but never mean-spirited. The key is knowing your audience and choosing pranks that are clever, simple, and easy to undo. Here are some of the best categories of pranks to do on coworkers, organized by type to help you find your style.
Tech-Based Pranks at the Office
These are perfect for that coworker who’s glued to their screen or prides themselves on being tech-savvy.
1. The Mouse Sensor Trick
Place a small piece of opaque tape over the bottom of their optical mouse. The pointer suddenly won’t move, and they’ll spend a few minutes troubleshooting before discovering the culprit.
2. AutoCorrect Chaos
Change autocorrect settings in Word or Outlook so common words get replaced with funny alternatives. Just be sure it’s not during a deadline crunch.
3. Fake Update Screensaver
Set their computer background or screensaver to a fake Windows or macOS update screen. It looks super real—and it’s totally harmless.
4. Wireless Mouse Hijack
Plug a wireless mouse receiver into their computer, then control the cursor from across the room. Just subtle enough to drive them nuts without being obvious.
Desk and Workspace Pranks
Sometimes the best pranks are the ones right in plain sight. These desk and workspace pranks are simple, easy to clean up, and sure to get a laugh.
1. Sticky Note Explosion
Cover a coworker’s entire desk, chair, monitor, and even their keyboard in sticky notes. Use bright colors to make it extra eye-catching. It’s time-consuming but worth the look on their face.
2. Desk Wrapping
Wrap their entire workspace in gift wrap, aluminum foil, or plastic wrap. Bonus points if you make it look like a birthday surprise or holiday celebration.
3. Inverted Keyboard Keys
If their keyboard has removable keys, switch a few letters around—just enough to confuse them, but not ruin their work. Stick to non-essential keys like M and N for subtle mischief.
4. Swapped Office Supplies
Switch everything on their desk with someone else’s while they’re out—mouse, pens, notepads, even their chair. Just make sure you help put it back later.
5. Hidden Alarm Clock
Hide a small battery-powered alarm clock in their drawer or behind their monitor, set to go off at an odd hour. Just one beep every few minutes is enough to make them start looking.
Behavior and Interaction Pranks
These pranks involve little actions that catch coworkers off guard. They’re best done with a light touch and a good sense of timing.
1. Slightly Unplugged Headphones
Unplug their headphones just enough that the jack isn’t fully connected. When they hit play, the sound blasts through the speakers instead.
2. Desktop Screenshot Trap
Take a screenshot of their desktop, hide all their icons, then set the screenshot as their wallpaper. They’ll keep clicking but nothing will open.
3. Fake Calendar Events
Send a vague meeting invite like “Quick Sync with Dave” or “Review Session” with no details. Watch the confusion—but cancel it before panic sets in.
4. Voice Assistant Activation
If they use Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa at their desk, say the wake-up phrase quietly and trigger a weird question like, “What’s the weather on Mars?”
5. Auto-Replace in Email
In their email settings (Gmail or Outlook), set auto-replace rules. Replace common phrases like “Thanks” with “Thanks, boss” or “Hello” with “Sup?” Keep it short-lived.
Classic and Silly Pranks
You don’t need tech or time to make someone laugh. These classic pranks are simple, physical, and always good for a giggle—if done right.
1. Jello Stapler
Inspired by The Office, suspend a coworker’s stapler, pen, or mouse in a mold of Jello. It’s harmless and oddly satisfying.
2. Fake Spider or Bug
Place a fake spider on their keyboard or desk drawer. Keep it realistic—but not too scary. Some people really hate bugs, so be cautious.
3. Switched Name Tags
If your team has desk nameplates, swap a few around. Nothing too disruptive—just enough to create minor identity confusion for the day.
4. Funny Screensaver
Change their screensaver to a dancing cat, a looping meme, or a fake warning message. Make sure it’s light-hearted and appropriate.
5. Airhorn Chair Surprise
Tape a mini airhorn under their desk chair so it goes off when they sit down. Only do this if you’re sure they can handle a jump scare and won’t spill coffee.
What to Avoid When Pulling Office Pranks
Not every prank is a good prank. There are definite lines that should never be crossed—especially in professional environments.
- Avoid anything involving food or drink. You don’t know who has allergies or sensitivities.
- Never target someone who seems uncomfortable or sensitive. Some people just don’t enjoy being pranked.
- Don’t damage or stain anything. That includes clothes, equipment, and personal items.
- Skip anything that causes real inconvenience. Delaying someone’s work or meetings can backfire quickly.
- Respect personal space. Anything too invasive can cross the line from funny to inappropriate.
A good rule of thumb? If you wouldn’t want it done to you, don’t do it to someone else.
Benefits of Lighthearted Office Pranks
Why even prank in the first place? Surprisingly, a little workplace mischief can go a long way in boosting morale and strengthening teams.
- Pranks can reduce stress. Laughter is one of the best ways to break tension during a busy workweek.
- They build team bonding. Shared inside jokes and reactions bring people closer together.
- They make the environment more relaxed. A playful culture helps employees feel more at ease, especially in high-pressure roles.
- They encourage creativity. Thinking of clever pranks taps into problem-solving and imaginative thinking.
Just like team lunches or casual Fridays, humor can be part of what makes a workplace feel more human.
How to Plan the Perfect Office Prank
Planning a prank takes more than just an idea. It takes timing, personality awareness, and good cleanup skills.
1. Know your coworkers.
Make sure the target has a good sense of humor and isn’t going through a stressful time.
2. Choose the right time.
Avoid pranking during busy hours, major deadlines, or meetings.
3. Keep it clean.
Your prank should be easy to reverse. Think minimal mess, minimal stress.
4. Get a partner.
Planning with a coworker adds to the fun—and helps pull it off more smoothly.
5. Be ready to reveal.
Don’t let someone stay confused too long. The best part of a prank is the reaction and the relief afterward.
Pranks for Remote and Hybrid Teams
Yes, you can still pull pranks even if you’re working miles apart. Remote pranks keep the fun alive—virtually.
1. Zoom Background Switch
Send them a custom Zoom background featuring their face—or something ridiculous—and convince them to try it.
2. Rename on Zoom
Ask to test a Zoom feature, then change their display name to something funny like “Chief Vibes Officer.”
3. Fake Calendar Invites
Schedule a short “meeting” about something mysterious, like “The Incident” or “Step 4,” and cancel just before it starts.
4. Slack Status Pranks
Temporarily change a coworker’s Slack status to “Currently on a journey of self-discovery” or “Lost in the matrix.”
5. Keyboard Language Switch
Guide them to switch keyboard input to a different language and watch the typo confusion unfold. Just make sure they can switch it back quickly.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Fun, Not Fired
Pranks can be a fantastic way to bring life to the workplace—as long as they’re done with kindness and caution. The best pranks to do on coworkers are the ones that leave everyone laughing, not looking for the nearest HR rep. Whether you go for a clever tech trick, a sticky note ambush, or a remote team joke, always keep your coworkers’ personalities in mind. A good prank lifts the mood, strengthens teams, and adds a little spice to the 9-to-5. So plan it right, keep it light, and let the good times roll.
