April Fools’ Day is the perfect time to unleash your inner prankster, and there’s no better place to do it than at work! These April Fools’ pranks for work will have your coworkers rolling in laughter and talking about your pranks for days, if not weeks. We’ve compiled a list of 15 ingenious and safe pranks that are perfect for your office environment. Let’s dive in!

Sticky Note Surprise

Nothing says “Happy April Fools’ Day!” like turning your coworker’s cubicle into a sea of sticky notes. Arrive at work early and cover every inch of their desk, chair, computer screen, and any other surfaces with colorful sticky notes. Make sure to take a picture of your masterpiece and post it with the hashtag #aprilfoolspranksforwork!

Computer Language Switcheroo

If your coworker leaves their computer unattended, seize the opportunity to change the language settings on their device. This harmless prank is guaranteed to have them puzzled and amused as they try to navigate their computer in a foreign language.

The Office Supply Jell-O Mold

Channel your inner Jim Halpert from “The Office” and encase your coworker’s stapler, mouse, or another essential office supply in Jell-O. This classic prank requires some preparation the night before but is sure to get a good laugh at the office.

Voice-Activated Office Equipment

Type up a fake memo announcing the company’s investment in new, voice-activated office equipment, like printers, scanners, and coffee machines. Watch as your coworkers hilariously attempt to use the devices with voice commands. Be sure to share the prank on social media using the keyword “April Fools’ pranks for work!”

The Ol’ Air Horn Chair

Secure an air horn to the bottom of your coworker’s chair with duct tape or zip ties. When they sit down, the air horn will go off, providing a hilarious and harmless scare.

Phantom Ringing Phone

Set your coworker’s office phone to forward to a number that no one answers, and then call their extension. Your coworker will keep picking up the phone, only to find that no one is there. This prank will have the entire office giggling as they watch your coworker’s growing confusion.

The Coffee Swap

Substitute your coworker’s regular coffee grounds with decaf or switch their tea bags to an entirely different flavor. The subtle change in their daily routine will leave them perplexed and might even make them question their taste buds.

Fake Office Email

Create a fake email from a coworker or the boss and send it to the office announcing a last-minute, mandatory meeting or some outlandish new office policy. Your colleagues will be in for a surprise when they discover the email was an April Fools’ prank.

The Copier Prank

Place a sheet of paper with an odd message (e.g., “I’m watching you” or “Help, I’m trapped in the copier!”) in the copier’s paper tray. When your coworkers print their documents, they’ll be greeted with the mysterious message, leaving them both confused and amused.

Keyboard Confusion

If you can access your coworker’s computer keyboard, gently pop off a few of the keys and switch them around. This simple prank will have your coworker scratching their head, wondering why their typing suddenly appears to be all mixed up. Just remember to keep it light-hearted and not too disruptive.

Fake Plant Insect Invasion

Buy a pack of realistic-looking fake insects and strategically place them around the office, especially in potted plants or near windows. Your coworkers will be startled by the sudden invasion of creepy-crawlies, and the laughter will be contagious.

Balloon Office

Blow up dozens of balloons and fill your coworker’s office, cubicle, or workspace with them. This prank requires some effort, but the look on your coworker’s face when they open their door to find their space filled with balloons will be well worth it.

The Phantom Mouse

If your coworker uses a wireless mouse, tape a small piece of paper over the optical sensor on the bottom of the mouse. When they try to use it, the mouse will appear to be unresponsive. They’ll likely spend a few moments trying to figure out what’s wrong before discovering the culprit – a harmless piece of paper.

Autocorrect Frenzy

Add some custom autocorrect shortcuts to your coworker’s computer or phone. Change simple words or phrases to humorous alternatives, like swapping “hello” for “howdy partner!” The sudden change in language will leave your coworker puzzled and provide plenty of laughs for everyone.

The Never-Ending Calendar Invite

Send a calendar invite to your coworkers for a fake, recurring meeting with an absurd agenda or topic. The meeting will keep appearing on their calendar, reminding them of the hilarious prank you pulled off.

For Dessert

April Fools’ Day is the perfect opportunity to lighten the mood at the office and bond with your coworkers through laughter. These April Fools’ pranks for work are designed to be fun, harmless, and create a memorable day at the office. Remember to keep the pranks safe and appropriate for the work environment, and always be prepared for some potential retaliation from your prank victims!

Nicola Killops

Nicola Killops

Nicola is a former teacher and lives in Johannesburg, South Africa. She now writes full-time, with her partner, Justin. Nicola loves food, music, travel, and is a proud human and pet mom.