Execs: Office Pranks Not Funny

Most managers say April Fools' gags are inappropriate in the workplace.

By Alexandra Zendrian | 
 

Think twice before gluing the handsets down on the office phones for April Fools' Day. In a recent study of 250 advertising and marketing executives by the Creative Group, a Menlo Park, Calif.-based staffing firm, more than half said they felt pranks were inappropriate around the office.

Megan Slabinski, the firm's executive director, said the appropriateness of April Fools' pranks comes down to the specific working environment of every office. A prank that gets a laugh in one workplace might lead to disciplinary action in another, she said.

"A distasteful or mean-spirited joke can easily damage someone's professional reputation, coworker relationships and career prospects," Slabinski said. "Above all, humor should be inclusive and well intentioned. If a prank is disruptive or could be seen as going too far, avoid it," she said.

 

Read more:

  • What You're Not Doing to Maximize Profit (But Should Be)
  • Redbox's Smart Move: What You Can Learn
  • What Makes a Company Resilient?

    • Sign-up for our Small Business Success Newsletter