Workplace Jokes That Everyone Can Relate To
Published December 29, 2023 at 12:32 am
From coffee mishaps to the infamous printer jam, this lighthearted article dives into the universal humor of workplace mishaps and camaraderie that keep our spirits up and forge bonds between coworkers, whatever the job may be.

Humor in the Workplace: Bringing Teams Together
Laughter truly is a universal language – one that can bridge gaps, enhance team cohesion, and create a more enjoyable work environment. In workplaces across the globe, jokes and humor can play an essential role in relieving stress, improving communication, and overall contributing to a more positive office culture. However, there’s an art to crafting workplace jokes that hit just the right note; they should be inclusive, respectful, and, most importantly, something everyone can relate to. As you’re likely aware, navigating office humor can sometimes feel like trying to find a paperclip in a stack of TPS reports – it requires finesse, timing, and a touch of universality.
Classic Workplace Quips To Lighten Your Day
- “How do you know your resume is impressive? Even the shredder seems to be taking notes!”
- “My computer must be religious; it has plenty of RAM but no memory!”
- “Coffee has become part of our work equipment – it’s basically a system update for humans.”
- “Why was the math book unhappy at work? It had too many problems.”
- “The office without air conditioning is like a soulless void where even ideas refuse to flow.”
- “Why did the report go to therapy? Because it always felt mis-understood.”
- “Why did the scarecrow get promoted? He was outstanding in his field – but that wasn’t in our job description!”
- “If an office joke is bad and no one laughs, was it even a joke?”
- “The wifi went down for five minutes, so I had to get to know my colleagues. They seem like nice people.”
- “What’s an accountant’s favorite book? A ledger-ndary novel, full of balance and suspense!”
Humor That Gets You Through the 9-5 Grind
- “Can we agree that ‘I survived another meeting that should have been an email’ deserves a place on our resumes?”
- “I told my computer I needed a break, and now it won’t stop sending me error messages.”
- “I like my office like I like my coffee – free, strong, and in a comfortable space.”
- “Trust is knowing someone won’t throw you under the bus. Job security is having the bus schedule.”
- “I asked Siri, ‘What’s my password?’ She said, ‘I’m not telling you, you’ll type it everywhere.’
- “My job is secure. No one else wants it.”
- “You don’t need a parachute to skydive. You need a parachute to skydive twice.”
Finding the Lighter Side of Office Challenges
We all have days when the printer jams, the coffee pot is empty, or the computer crashes right before saving that crucial report. It’s during these times that a well-timed joke can turn office troubles into a shared laughter session. Take, for instance, the all-too-common experience of grappling with the mysteries of the photocopier. Making light of these shared frustrations can be a unifying moment for the team:
- “Why do we say the photocopier is ‘down?’ It’s not sad, just temperamental.”
- “I consider my morning jog to be me running around the office looking for supplies.”
- “Nothing brings the office together like everyone trying to figure out how to refill the stapler.”
Jokes on Everyday Office Lingo That Hits Home
- “Let’s circle back to that’ – aka ‘I need more time to come up with a response that won’t upset you.’
- “We’re pivoting” – because calling it ‘Plan B’ makes it sound like we didn’t know what we were doing the first time.”
- “Giving 110% at work today, which is technically impossible, but so is the deadline I was given.”
- “‘Streamlining operations’ – because ‘Doing more with less until you can do everything with nothing’ doesn’t fit on a PowerPoint.”
Office Tech Troubles That Almost Everyone Can Laugh About
Technology is meant to make our work lives easier, but sometimes, it just gives us the perfect punchline. From our daily tangles with tech support to the mysteries of office gadgets that seem to have their own mood swings, every office warrior has a story or two:
- “I think the printer is a secret agent; it never works unless it’s being watched.”
- “Emails should have calories, I must burn thousands scrolling through them all.”
- “Have you tried restarting?” says tech support for the hundredth time. Yes, and I’ve also tried hope, prayer, and bribery.”
- “Why don’t we tell secrets on the office network? Because we don’t want the servers to crash again.”
- “I’m convinced my computer’s favorite time of day is whenever I’m in a hurry; that’s when it loves to update.”
- “Our office is ‘paperless’ until the internet goes down.”
When the Office Kitchen Becomes the Source of Your Puns
Sometimes the heart of office humor lies in the kitchen – a communal space where everyone has experienced at least one episode worthy of a friendly roast:
- “What’s the most dangerous thing in our office kitchen? The mystery food that has evolved in the back of the fridge.”
- “I tried to make a sandwich stealthily in the office kitchen but the toaster ‘popped’ the question loudly.”
- “Whoever left the cake out in the rain is the real office hero – they saved us all from extra calories.”
The Inescapable Labyrinth of Office Politics
- “Office politics are so complex, they should come with a flowchart and a glossary.”
- “If you can’t beat them, arrange to have them transferred to another department.”
- “Why don’t we just schedule a meeting to plan our pre-meeting about brainstorming meetings?”
- “The phrase ‘That’s above my pay grade’ is just a polite way of saying, ‘I have no idea, but I really hope you don’t find out.’
Gifts and Gadgets to Lighten the Workload… or at Least Make it More Enjoyable
Speaking of injecting a bit of mirth into our daily grind, have you seen some of the hilarious office accessories out there? Let’s review a couple of gadgets that just might make your co-workers smirk, or at least give them a happier vibe as they tackle their to-do lists:
Take the Wacky Waving Inflatable Tube Guy, for example; nothing says ‘we’re a fun department’ quite like a mini inflatable flailing tube man on your desk. This novelty item mimics the larger versions seen at car dealerships and is surprisingly good at drawing a chuckle from passersby. According to reviews, this tiny dancer is sturdy, can withstand the occasional desk bump, and works like a charm in easing the tension – a fun addition for anyone with a love for quirky items.
Pros
- Provides a quick laugh
- Small enough for a desk
- Durable construction
Cons
- May not suit the most conservative office environments
Find This and More on Amazon
Another fan-favorite is the ‘No’ button – a simple gadget designed for those moments when you just don’t have the words (or the will) to decline a request. Hitting this big red button emits a loud, clear ‘NO!’ in various versions. Many reviews point out its effectiveness in lightening the mood when used at the right time, saying it’s especially perfect for people who find themselves overrun with tasks and need a fun way to set boundaries.
Pros
- Fun way to say no without offending
- Easy to use
Cons
- May not be suitable in all office situations
Find This and More on Amazon
The Ultimate Escape: Office Holiday Party Antics
The annual office holiday party is the perfect breeding ground for jokes and jocular tales for months to come. It’s the one time of the year where the office hierarchy can loosen up a bit and everyone can enjoy some hearty laughs:
- “Our office holiday party is the only time of year when ‘What happens at the office stays at the office’ actually applies.”
- “The office holiday party: because nothing says ‘professionalism’ like drinking with the people who write your performance reviews.”
Create Laughter With Office Meeting Bingo
The term ‘meeting’ often brings about a collective groan. Enter Office Meeting Bingo. It’s a humorous, incognito way to add some excitement to the otherwise drab conference room gathering. Simply create bingo cards filled with typical meeting phrases like ‘action items’, ‘on the same page’, or ‘circle back’, and silently mark them off during the meeting. It’s an internal chuckle sure to make the time pass faster, and it might even enhance your listening skills. Should you actually say ‘Bingo!’? Probably best to play it safe and keep the win to yourself.
Light-Hearted Reads for Office Downtime
Got a few minutes between calls? Why not dive into a book filled with corporate humor? ‘1001 Office Jokes’ is one such gem. This collection of light-hearted quips and anecdotes offers a humorous take on the daily grind and is perfect for when you need a quick laugh or an icebreaker to share. Reviews say it gets chuckles across all levels of the corporate ladder, suggesting it’s a suitable pick-me-up during the daily 9-5.
- Perfect for a quick mental breather
- Great as a source for water cooler banter
Find This and More on Amazon
Embracing the Hashtag Hilarity of Work Life
Social media has spawned plenty of humor with hashtags like #officelife and #workfails, where people share the lighter side of work through snappy quips and embarrassing mishaps. Browsing these can be an excellent way to feel camaraderie with others in the trenches of keyboard battles. Plus, sharing your own #workhumor might just make someone’s day a little brighter.
Perking Up the Cubicle: Quirky Desk Accessories
Your personal space at work should be a reflection of you, and what better way to showcase your sense of humor than with quirky desk accessories? Take the ‘Desk Napping Pillow’. Designed to look like a standard office binder, it’s actually a discreet pillow for power naps. While it might seem like a gimmick, reviewers have mentioned it makes a hilarious (and somewhat practical) gift for those known to enjoy a quick snooze between tasks.
- Disguised as a binder for discretion
- Provides comfort for a quick power nap
Then there’s the ‘5 O’Clock Clock’ where every hour is 5 o’clock – a cheeky nod to the universal relief of quitting time. It might not keep accurate time, but it’s a guaranteed conversation starter.
- Hilarious approach to the classic office clock
- Ideal for those who appreciate a good, time-related joke
The Wisdom of Bad Joke Eel and Success Kid: Internet Meme Motivation
Internet memes like Bad Joke Eel and Success Kid have made their way onto desktop wallpapers and coffee mugs in offices around the world. The simplicity and relatability of these memes have a knack for bringing a smile even during the most mundane tasks. You might be wading through a dense report, but one look at Success Kid’s triumphant fist can reignite your determination. And while the Bad Joke Eel’s puns are often groan-worthy, they’re just the thing for breaking the ice in an awkward elevator ride.
Wrapping Up With a Smile
Laughter can indeed be the best medicine, especially when it comes to the potential stress and monotony of the workday. While not an exhaustive list, this roundup of workplace jokes and humor-inspired products shows there are plenty of ways to insert a little levity into the office. Remember, a shared laugh can be a powerful tool for building a positive work environment. So next time you’re in need of a chuckle or a light-hearted escape, consider one of these ideas to brighten up your workspace and your day.
For the comedy enthusiasts looking to expand their collection of jokes or find the perfect gag gift for a colleague, there’s a treasure trove waiting on Amazon for you to explore. And remember, a good sense of humor isn’t just for April Fool’s Day—it’s a year-round lifeline in the wild world of work.

Avery Ingram
Contributor