In the grand circus of life, where the tightrope of deadlines looms overhead and the clowns in HR juggle your vacation requests, there lies a forgotten corner in the library of humor: books about work.
Yes, you read that right. While you’ve been doodling passive-aggressive notes to leave in the breakroom, some brave souls have been penning hilarious tales about the very place you’ve been plotting to escape from.
From emails that should have been a meeting to meetings that should have been an email, these funny books about work promise to make you laugh so hard that your boss might just start wondering if you’re actually working on that “urgent” report.
So, buckle up, adjust your ergonomic office chairs, and let’s dive into the world where laughter is the best performance review you’ll ever get.
Then We Came to the End
Joshua Ferris’ debut novel is a wickedly funny satire of office life during the dot-com era. Set in a Chicago advertising agency, the story follows the lives of a group of employees as they navigate the ups and downs of their careers, relationships, and the ever-present threat of layoffs. Ferris captures the absurdity and monotony of office life with sharp wit and keen observations.
The Office: A Day at Dunder Mifflin Elementary by Robb Pearlman
For fans of the hit TV show “The Office,” this children’s book reimagines the beloved characters as elementary school students. Written by Robb Pearlman and illustrated by Melanie Demmer, this adorable and funny book follows Michael Scott and his friends as they navigate the ups and downs of a typical school day. It’s a perfect gift for any fan of the show who wants to share their love of “The Office” with their kids.
How To Survive a Robot Uprising
In “How to Survive a Robot Uprising,” Daniel H. Wilson blends humor with science to tackle the (not-so) pressing issue of a robot takeover. This book is a hilarious guide on what to do if your toaster turns against you or if your car starts plotting your demise. It’s an essential read for anyone in the tech industry or just fans of workplace automation jokes. It’s also an ideal gift for anyone concerned about losing their job to AI.
Wilson’s deadpan humor and practical advice (e.g., how to short-circuit a robot) ensure you’ll never look at your office’s AI the same way again.
The Dilbert Principle
“The Dilbert Principle” by Scott Adams is a hilarious take on the absurdities of corporate life. Based on his popular comic strip, Adams explores the idea that companies tend to systematically promote their least-competent employees to management positions, just to keep them out of the workflow. This book is a must-read for anyone who has ever worked in an office and experienced the frustrations of bureaucracy and incompetence.
Dilbert is always a classic when it comes to office humor, a cathartic read or a perfect gift.
Disrupted: My Misadventure in the Start-Up Bubble
Dan Lyons hilariously recounts his time working at a tech startup after decades as a magazine writer. His transition from old media to the heart of Silicon Valley’s startup culture provides endless comedic material, from absurd office jargon to the quest for eternal youth. It’s a must-read for anyone who’s ever questioned the hype surrounding tech startups, making it a perfect gift for the skeptic in your life.
How to Work for an Idiot
If you’ve ever had a boss who made you question the very nature of reality, this book is for you. John Hoover provides a humorous yet practical guide to dealing with incompetent, egotistical, and just plain idiotic bosses. With tips on how to manage up, cope with stress, and even manipulate your boss into thinking you’re actually working, this book is a must-have for anyone who has ever had a terrible boss (which is pretty much everyone).
Whether you’re clocking in or clocking out, these books are sure to add a little humor to your workday. After all, they say laughter is the best medicine, and after a day of work, who doesn’t need a little healing?