12 Squid Game-Inspired Office Pranks (That Won't Get You Fired): Safe Ways to Liven Up Your Workplace

The global phenomenon of Squid Game has inspired countless adaptations and references since its debut. Its themes of high-stakes competition and childhood games have captured imaginations worldwide, even seeping into workplace culture. This article explores how elements from the hit series can be playfully incorporated into office life without crossing professional boundaries.

Office pranks, when done thoughtfully, can foster camaraderie and boost morale among coworkers. Drawing inspiration from Squid Game allows for creative and memorable pranks that reference pop culture while remaining appropriate for the workplace. The key is to ensure all participants feel included and entertained, rather than targeted or embarrassed. With the right approach, these pranks can create lighthearted moments that brighten the workday and strengthen team bonds.

1) Mysterious Red Light Green Light Challenge

Inspired by the iconic Squid Game scene, this office prank brings a playful twist to the workplace. Coworkers set up a designated area in the office for the game, complete with a finish line.

One employee acts as the "doll," calling out "Green light!" and "Red light!" at random intervals. Participants must move towards the finish line during green light and freeze instantly on red light.

Those caught moving during red light face a harmless penalty, like buying coffee for the group. This prank adds excitement to the workday without disrupting productivity.

To maintain professionalism, the game is played during lunch breaks or designated fun times. Clear rules and boundaries ensure everyone feels comfortable participating.

The challenge fosters teamwork and provides a brief, energizing break from work routines. It encourages quick reflexes and careful observation, skills that can benefit various job roles.

Remember to keep the game brief and respectful of office dynamics. This prank works best in environments that welcome occasional lighthearted activities.

2) Sticky Note Honeycomb on Screens

This prank draws inspiration from the honeycomb challenge in Squid Game. Pranksters can create a honeycomb pattern using sticky notes on a coworker's computer screen or monitor.

The setup involves carefully arranging small sticky notes to form a hexagonal honeycomb shape. Choose a color that contrasts with the screen for maximum visibility.

For an added touch, include a small "dalgona" circle in the center of the honeycomb. This mimics the sugar candy shape contestants had to carefully cut out in the show.

When the unsuspecting colleague returns to their desk, they'll be greeted by this unexpected Squid Game reference. The sticky notes won't damage the screen and can be easily removed.

This prank works best on larger monitors or multiple screens for a more impressive visual impact. It requires some time and patience to set up properly, but the result can be quite eye-catching.

Remember to keep the sticky notes away from any vents or openings on the monitor to avoid interfering with its operation. Always be mindful of office etiquette and your coworker's preferences when planning pranks.

3) Office Tug-of-War with Twist

Organize a friendly tug-of-war competition in the office, but add a Squid Game-inspired twist. Set up the event in a large open area like a conference room or outdoor space.

Divide employees into teams and provide each with colorful t-shirts matching the show's iconic player uniforms. Use a sturdy rope with comfortable grips to ensure safety and fun for all participants.

Instead of eliminating losing teams, introduce small challenges for them to complete. These could include solving puzzles, answering trivia questions, or performing simple tasks related to work projects.

Keep score throughout the event, awarding points for winning tug-of-war rounds and completing challenges. This approach maintains the competitive spirit while fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Consider adding sound effects or music from the show to enhance the atmosphere. End the activity by presenting a small trophy or prize to the winning team, celebrating their success in true Squid Game style.

4) The Cookie Crumble Desk Surprise

This prank draws inspiration from the cookie-cutting challenge in Squid Game. Place a large, round cookie on a coworker's desk with a small tool beside it. Attach a note challenging them to carefully cut out a simple shape from the center without breaking the cookie.

For added authenticity, use a honeycomb toffee cookie similar to the dalgona candy from the show. Choose basic shapes like triangles, circles, or stars to keep the challenge manageable. Provide a toothpick or small plastic knife as the cutting tool.

Set a playful time limit for completing the challenge. Encourage office-wide participation by having multiple cookies with different shapes. Award small prizes to those who successfully carve their shapes without breaking the cookie.

This prank creates a fun, competitive atmosphere while referencing a memorable Squid Game scene. It offers a brief respite from work and allows colleagues to showcase their steady hands and patience. Remember to clean up any cookie crumbs afterward to avoid attracting office pests.

5) Secret Dalgona Candy Break

Dalgona candy, popularized by Squid Game, offers a fun office prank opportunity. Coworkers can secretly organize a dalgona candy-making session during lunch break.

Participants receive shapes to cut out of the honeycomb-like candy. The challenge lies in extracting the shape without breaking it, mimicking the show's tension.

To avoid disrupting work, the activity takes place in a designated area away from desks. Organizers prepare the ingredients and tools in advance for a quick setup.

The prank element comes from keeping it a surprise for non-participating colleagues. Those involved maintain secrecy, adding an air of mystery to their lunch plans.

Winners receive small, office-appropriate prizes. This activity fosters team bonding and provides a brief, engaging break from work routines.

For added authenticity, participants can wear green tracksuits or guards' masks, though this should align with office dress codes. The goal is to create a lighthearted, nostalgic atmosphere without causing disruption.

6) Mimic the Guard: Masked Call

This prank draws inspiration from the iconic masked guards in Squid Game. Employees can use a voice changer app on their phones to disguise their voice during a call with a coworker.

The prankster can briefly pretend to be a mysterious "guard" from the game, using simple geometric shapes as code names. For example, "This is Triangle speaking. Your next assignment awaits."

It's important to reveal the joke quickly to avoid confusion. The prank works best with colleagues who are familiar with the show and have a good sense of humor.

To add a visual element, the prankster can temporarily change their profile picture in the company's communication software to a pink guard mask. This subtle change can spark curiosity before the call.

Remember to keep the interaction brief and lighthearted. The goal is to create a moment of surprise and amusement, not to disrupt work or cause undue stress.

7) Hilarious Office 'Silent War'

The Silent War prank draws inspiration from Squid Game's tense atmosphere, creating a playful office standoff. Employees engage in subtle competition without speaking, using only facial expressions and gestures.

Participants try to make their coworkers laugh or react first. This can involve funny faces, exaggerated miming, or ridiculous poses. The last person to maintain a straight face wins the round.

To add excitement, players can leave small challenges on each other's desks. These might include tongue twisters to read silently or tricky tasks to complete without speaking.

The Silent War can last for a set time period, like an hour or a full workday. It encourages creativity and non-verbal communication skills while providing a fun break from routine.

Remember to establish clear boundaries and ensure all participants are willing. The goal is to foster team bonding and laughter, not disrupt important work or meetings.

8) Spot the Odd File Out

Create a digital twist on the Squid Game "odd one out" challenge for your office. Prepare a folder with multiple files that appear identical at first glance, but one contains a subtle difference.

Share the folder with colleagues and challenge them to identify the unique file within a time limit. The twist could be a slightly altered file name, a small change in the content, or a different file type.

This prank encourages attention to detail and can be customized to fit your office environment. For example, use spreadsheets with one cell changed or documents with a single word altered.

Set up a small prize for the first person to correctly identify the odd file out. This adds a fun competitive element without disrupting work flow.

Remember to keep the changes subtle enough to be challenging but not impossible to spot. This prank promotes teamwork and observational skills while providing a lighthearted break from routine tasks.

9) The Hidden Message Chase

This prank takes inspiration from the hidden messages in Squid Game. Create a series of cryptic clues or puzzles for coworkers to solve throughout the office.

Place the first clue in a visible location, leading participants to the next hint. Each subsequent clue should be more challenging than the last.

The final message can reveal a fun surprise, like free coffee or a team lunch. This activity encourages problem-solving and teamwork while adding excitement to the workday.

Ensure the clues are solvable and don't disrupt important work areas. Keep the content light-hearted and avoid anything that could be perceived as offensive or exclusionary.

Consider using different formats for clues, such as riddles, word puzzles, or even simple codes. This variety will keep participants engaged and challenge different skill sets.

Remember to obtain permission from management before implementing this prank. It's essential to maintain a balance between fun and productivity in the workplace.

10) Mystery Drink Roulette

This prank draws inspiration from Squid Game's Russian Roulette scenes while keeping things safe and fun for the office. Set up a tray of identical-looking drinks, with most containing regular beverages and a few surprise options mixed in.

The surprise drinks could include unexpected flavors like pickle juice, extra sour lemonade, or overly spicy tomato juice. Ensure all ingredients are food-safe and free from common allergens.

Invite coworkers to participate, explaining that most drinks are normal while a few contain amusing surprises. Let each person choose and sample a drink, creating suspense and laughter as participants discover their selections.

This prank works best during a casual office gathering or break time. Keep the number of participants small to maintain control and prevent disruptions to work. Always respect anyone who declines to participate.

Remember to clean up thoroughly afterward and dispose of any leftover drinks properly. This harmless prank can create memorable moments and strengthen team bonds without crossing professional boundaries.

11) Quirky Desk Decor Swap

This playful prank involves secretly replacing a coworker's desk accessories with unusual or quirky alternatives. Choose items that are eye-catching and amusing, yet still functional.

Replace standard office supplies with novelty versions. Swap out regular pens for oversized pencils or pens shaped like vegetables. Substitute a stapler for one that looks like a monster's mouth.

Exchange the typical desk calendar for one featuring bizarre holidays or funny animal photos. Replace a plain mousepad with one that resembles a slice of pizza or a tropical beach.

Swap out boring file folders for ones decorated with superhero designs or funny memes. Replace a regular desk lamp with a lava lamp or a whimsical character-shaped light.

The key is to choose items that will surprise and amuse your coworker without disrupting their work. When they arrive, watch as they discover each quirky new addition to their workspace.

Remember to return the original items after the prank. This ensures no personal belongings are lost and allows your coworker to decide which quirky items they might want to keep.

12) Stairway Escape Maze

Transform the office stairwell into a thrilling yet safe maze inspired by Squid Game's glass bridge challenge. Use removable floor decals to create a path across each step, mimicking the show's fragile glass panels.

Place green "safe" stickers on certain spots and red "danger" stickers on others. Encourage coworkers to navigate the maze during breaks, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Ensure all materials are non-slip and easily removable to maintain safety standards. Brief participants on the rules before they attempt the maze, emphasizing that it's a fun team-building exercise.

Consider adding a small prize for those who successfully complete the maze. This could be as simple as a coffee voucher or a fun desk accessory.

Remember to obtain approval from management and building maintenance before implementing this prank. Always prioritize safety and accessibility, ensuring the stairwell remains functional for regular use.

This prank offers a playful way to inject excitement into the workday while promoting camaraderie among colleagues. It provides a brief escape from routine tasks and encourages physical activity in a typically underutilized office space.

Understanding Office Pranks

Office pranks can foster camaraderie and lighten the workplace atmosphere when done thoughtfully. The key is balancing humor with professionalism and respecting boundaries.

The Importance of Workplace Humor

Humor in the office can boost morale and productivity. Laughter reduces stress, enhances creativity, and strengthens team bonds. Well-executed pranks create shared experiences that employees reminisce about for years.

Playful jokes can make mundane tasks more enjoyable. They provide brief mental breaks, helping workers recharge. Humor also facilitates communication, making it easier to discuss difficult topics or provide constructive feedback.

Leaders who encourage appropriate fun demonstrate approachability. This openness can improve employee engagement and job satisfaction. Companies known for positive work cultures often incorporate humor as a core value.

Setting Boundaries for Pranks

Establishing clear guidelines prevents pranks from becoming harmful or offensive. Pranks should never target an individual's personal characteristics or beliefs. Physical safety must always be prioritized.

Workplace policies should address acceptable prank behavior. This includes respecting work hours, company property, and client interactions. Pranks must not interfere with deadlines or professional responsibilities.

Consider the target's personality and current stress levels. What's funny to one person may be distressing to another. Always have a plan to quickly reverse any prank if it's not well-received.

Timing is crucial. Avoid pranks during high-stress periods or important meetings. Be mindful of cultural differences in multinational teams. Seek permission for more elaborate pranks, especially those affecting shared spaces.

Inspiration from Popular Culture

Squid Game's intense scenarios and high-stakes challenges offer a wealth of ideas for office pranks. The show's themes and aesthetics can be adapted to create memorable yet harmless workplace hijinks.

Themes from Squid Game

Squid Game's distinctive visuals provide ample inspiration for office pranks. The show's iconic pink-suited guards can be mimicked with simple costumes or masks for surprise appearances. Geometric shapes from the games, like circles, triangles, and squares, can be incorporated into decorations or signage around the office.

The show's childhood games offer prank potential too. A modified version of "Red Light, Green Light" could be played in corridors, with willing participants freezing in place when spotted. Tug-of-war setups can be created with ropes in common areas.

Why Squid Game Resonates with Office Culture

Squid Game's themes of competition and survival mirror aspects of corporate life in exaggerated form. This parallel makes the show's concepts relatable and ripe for office humor. The idea of seemingly simple tasks having high stakes resonates with workplace pressures.

The show's exploration of alliances and betrayals reflects office politics in an extreme way. This can be playfully referenced through pranks involving temporary team-ups or mock betrayals among coworkers. The contrast between the show's childish games and serious consequences also mirrors the sometimes absurd nature of office tasks and deadlines.