Reminiscing on a prank that had an office decor item hit the road.
One week when I was away from the office, my colleagues took my office decor on their own vacation.
In case it's helpful, below are the topics covered in this post:
Pranks Were a Part of Our Office Culture
My previous office colleagues and I often pulled pranks on one another in the workplace. We did not do anything that impeded a colleague's ability to perform their job.
Because of these rules we followed, our Directors and Assistant Directors were alright with us pulling pranks periodically. It boosted employee morale and built a strong workplace relationship.
We were respectful of one another's belongings. For example, we never touched family photos or sentimental items. We made a point to know what was off limits and which colleagues did not want to participate in office shenanigans.
For those of us that did not mind the jokes and pranks, some items like figurines (delicate and expensive items were off limit), toys, and plushies would travel to another colleague's desk space or office. The only valuable items I had in my office were award plaques from previous jobs, but my colleagues knew those were off limit.
One week while I was out of the office, a few of my colleagues decided some of my office decor items deserved a vacation, too. One item was a yellow Labrador Retriever figurine, the first office decor item I displayed when I first started working in that department.
The Office Decor Vacation Prank
I went to work after a week away from the office to find dozens of photos on my desk. I initially thought one of my colleague's was holding something of mine hostage as a prank.
My initial thought was close to reality. Several of my office decor items were missing from my cubicle. The photos documented each item's journey around campus (I worked at a community college at the time), town, and elsewhere. The photos also left clues as to which colleague 'stole' an item and where an item was hidden before my return.
Before I left, my colleagues planned and organized a mystery and scavenger hunt for my return to the office. I was stunned and honored that they put so much effort into pranking me. I was the resident prankster in the department, and my colleagues made it clear that they felt obligated to one-up me whenever possible.
It was fun guessing which colleague 'stole' an office decor item. I knew my colleagues well, so it did not take long to identify who took what based on the places, food, drinks, etc. in several photos. I quickly found all but one of my items hidden somewhere in our wing of the building.
Although I knew who 'stole' the yellow Labrador Retriever figurine, I could not figure out where it was. During a morning staff meeting, our Assistant Director gave me a hint. (I am surprised he was in on this prank!) I knew it was not in our wing of the building.
I decided the figurine would have to wait. I had work to do and an important meeting with an instructor, Billie, across campus that afternoon.
When I arrived at the office across campus, I was greeted by Billie and my yellow Labrador Retriever figurine. Billie laughed upon seeing the shocked look on my face.
Billie met with someone in the department during my leave and was asked if she wanted to participate in a prank against me. She agreed and returned to her office with my figurine. She told me she was excited to be included in a light-hearted prank.
A Strengthened Professional Relationship
Our pranks and light-hearted humor were internal. We remained professional with faculty, staff, and students (our “customers”). Billie was the first person outside of our department included in a non-work-related activity.
Billie enjoyed her involvement, although minimal, in what she described as “the human part of an otherwise professionally boring department.” I believe it strengthened our department’s professional relationship with her and her department.
Our department worked closely with her and her department more after the prank. Every time she visited my department, Billie took time to pet the yellow Labrador Retriever figurine.
What's Next?
Reminiscing on old office pranks have lifted my spirits. If you are feeling down, consider documenting a happy memory. It may spark joy!
Comment below to share one of your favorite office pranks!
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Thanks, and have a great day!
Simply Jelly Jam
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