160+ Hilarious Work-Appropriate Jokes & Puns

A little bit of humor goes a long way toward helping employees bond and making a workplace a fun, friendly, and productive place to be. Looking for some fun, work-appropriate jokes and riddles to share with your coworkers, employees, and managers? Look no further: these jokes are not only hysterical, they’re clean enough for the office (heck, they’re clean enough for church!). Keep reading for our favorite knee-slappers that even your HR department will chuckle at—and stick around for advice on cultivating a friendly, positive work environment from employee relations expert Jeffrey Fermin!

Best Work-Appropriate Jokes

What did the janitor say when he jumped out of the closet? Supplies!
Why don’t programmers like nature? It has too many bugs.
Why did the cowboy get a wiener dog? He wanted to get a long little doggie.
Why was the computer cold? It left its Windows open.
What is the best way to criticize your boss? Very quietly.

Section 1 of 10:

Funny Short Work Jokes

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Start everyone’s morning off right with a quick, humorous quip. Tack one of these shorties onto the end of an email or your weekly newsletter to ensure the recipient(s) have something to crack up about, even if it’s Monday morning:
- Why did the coffee file a police report? It got mugged!
- What do you call fake spaghetti? An impasta!
- Why was the calendar always so popular? It had a lot of dates.
- Why don’t some couples go to the gym? Because some relationships don’t work out.
- Why did the bicycle stand up by itself? It was two-tired.
- Why do cows wear bells? Because their horns don’t work.
- What do dentists call X-rays? Tooth pics.
- Where do waiters with one leg work? IHOP.
- How does a snowman get around? By riding an icicle.
- Why did the computer sit on the couch? It needed to unwind.
- What did the pirate say when he became an octogenarian? Ah matey.
- What do you call a can opener that doesn’t work? A can’t opener.
- How does a penguin build its house? Igloos it together.
- How does a tree get online? It logs in.
- What’s brown and sticky? A stick.

Section 2 of 10:

Silly Work Jokes

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These jokes are so dumb, you can’t help but laugh. Laughter has been proven to relieve stress, make it easier to bond, and even help us overcome disagreements and be more empathetic towards one another. ^{[1]
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Trustworthy Source

HelpGuide
Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources.

Go to source} Sharing jokes with coworkers and employees may help you all work together better as a team—why not start with some of these?
- What’s the best thing about Switzerland? No idea, but their flag is a big plus.
- I tried to win a suntan contest. All I got was bronze.
- What concert costs 45 cents? 50 Cent featuring Nickleback.
- Want to hear a joke about the roof? The first one is on the house.
- How come teddy bears refuse to snack? They’re always stuffed.
- What did the Buddhist ask for at the ice cream shop? Make me one with everything.
- Why isn’t Dracula married? He’s a real pain in the neck.
- Why did the skeleton skip the dance? He had no body to go with.
- Why was the belt arrested? It was caught holding up a pair of pants.
- What do you call a snowman in summer? A puddle.
- Why was Cinderella kicked off her soccer team? She kept running away from the ball.
- Two antennas decided to get married. The ceremony was fine, but the reception was great!
- Why did the donut go to the dentist? To get a filling.
- What does a vegan zombie want to eat? Graaaaiiins.
- What’s orange and sounds like a parrot? A carrot.

Section 3 of 10:

Funny Knock-Knock Work Jokes

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Knock-knock! Who’s there? Your coworker, with a goofy knock-knock joke. Knock-knock jokes are a classic for a reason! Sure, they may be sort of old-fashioned, but they’re guaranteed to get your coworkers and employees cracking up.
- Knock, knock! Who’s there? I am. I am who? You don’t know who you are?
- Knock, knock! Who’s there? Armageddon. Armageddon who? Armageddon a little bored.^{[2]
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- Knock, knock! Who’s there? Hatch. Hatch who? Bless you!
- Knock, knock! Who’s there? Cash. Cash who? I prefer peanuts.
- Knock, knock! Who’s there? Luke. Luke who? Luke and find out.
- Knock, knock! Who’s there? Harry. Harry who? Harry up and open the door, it's freezing!
- Knock, knock! Who’s there? Madam. Madam who? Madam foot is stuck in the door!
- Knock, knock! Who’s there? A herd. A herd who? A herd you like knock-knock jokes!
- Knock, knock! Who’s there? Wooden shoe. Wooden shoe who? Wooden shoe like to hear another joke?
- Knock, knock! Who’s there? Tank. Tank who? You're welcome!
- Knock, knock! Who’s there? Anita. Anita who? Anita use your bathroom.
- Will you remember me in a minute? Yes. Knock, knock! Who’s there? You forgot me already!
- Knock, knock! Who’s there? Justin. Justin who? Justin time for dinner.
- Knock, knock! Who’s there? Charli XCX. Charli XCX who? Okay, boomer!
- Knock, knock! Who’s there? Orange. Orange who? Orange you glad we're telling jokes?
- Knock, knock! Who’s there? Kenya. Kenya who? Kenya open the door?
- Knock, knock! Who’s there? Wah. Wah who? It’s-a me, Mario!
- Knock, knock! Who’s there? Dejav. Dejav who? Knock, knock.
- Knock, knock! Who’s there? Lettuce. Lettuce who? Lettuce in.
- Knock, knock! Who’s there? Interrupting cow. Interrupting cow wh— MOO!

Section 4 of 10:

Funny Punny Work Jokes

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Crack your coworkers up with some clever wordplay. OK, so some of these are more “silly” than “clever,” but either way, they’re guaranteed to get everyone chuckling in your workplace:
- How come it was called the “Dark Ages”? There were a lot of knights.
- What’s the difference between a poorly dressed man on a unicycle and a well-dressed man on a bicycle? Attire.
- I stayed up one night wondering where the sun was. Finally, it dawned on me.
- How do you find Will Smith in the snow? Look for fresh prints.
- What do you call fake fettuccine? Impasta.
- Why did the cowboy get a wiener dog? He wanted to get a long little doggie.
- Where do bad rainbows go? Prism, where they serve a light sentence.
- Why are crabs bad at sharing? They’re shellfish.
- The past, present, and future walk into a bar. Things were tense.
- How do you organize a space party? You planet.
- I tried to catch fog. I mist.
- I’m addicted to brake fluid, but it’s OK because I can stop at any time.^{[3]
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- Today got rid of some dead batteries. I gave them away, free of charge.
- Looking to buy chicken broth in bulk? Try the stock market.
- Why did the golfer bring two pairs of pants? In case he got a hole-in-one.
- What did one hat say to the other? You stay here, I’ll go on ahead!
- Why did the banana skip school? It wasn’t peeling well.
- Why did the ghost go to rehab? He was addicted to boos.
- What happens when a frog’s car breaks down? It gets toad.

Section 5 of 10:

Funny Work Dad Jokes

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Dad jokes aren’t just for dads—they’re also for your colleagues! Hey, we said we’d give you funny, work-appropriate jokes—we never said they wouldn’t be groan-inducing as well! These jokes might make your coworkers and employees shake their heads, but we promise they’ll be laughing at the same time.
- When does a joke become a “dad” joke? When it becomes apparent.
- I’m reading a book about anti-gravity. It’s impossible to put down.
- Why don’t skeletons fight? They don’t have the guts.
- I started a band called 999 Megabytes. We haven’t got a gig yet.
- What do you call a fish wearing a bowtie? Sofishticated.
- I asked the librarian if the library had any books on paranoia. She whispered, “They’re right behind you.”
- It’s hard to explain things to kleptomaniacs. They always take things literally.
- What’s the leading cause of dry skin? Towels.
- Why was the math book sad? It had too many problems.
- Why are skeletons so calm? Nothing gets under their skin.
- What do you call Batman and Robin after they get run over? Flatman and Ribbon.
- Why did the office clock get promoted? Because it was always on time.
- What do you call cheese that isn’t yours? Nacho cheese.
- How does a scientist freshen her breath? With experi-mints.
- Why did the tomato turn red? Because it saw the salad dressing!
- What did one ocean say to the other ocean? Nothing, they just waved.
- Where do I get my corny dad jokes? I store them in my dad-a-base.^{[4]
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Section 6 of 10:

Funny Animal-Related Work Jokes

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Who doesn’t love animals (and, by extension, animal humor)? Chatting with your coworkers about your pets or cooing over kitten videos on YouTube or TikTok is a surefire way to bond with the folks you work with—and so is exchanging animal-related jokes. These jokes may not be strictly work-related, but that doesn’t make them any less work-appropriate!
- How do you measure a snake? In inches because they don’t have feet.
- What do you call a toothless grizzly? A gummy bear.
- What’s the difference between a hippo and a zippo? One is super heavy; the other is a little lighter.
- What was the first animal in space? The cow that jumped over the moon.
- What kind of dogs make the best car racers? Lap dogs.
- What happened to the shark when he tried online dating? He was catfished.^{[5]
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- What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear.
- What is a marsupial's favourite drink? Coca-Koala.
- What do you call a pig that’s a black belt? A pork chop.
- Why do squid swim in salt water? Because pepper makes them sneeze.
- What do you call a long-nosed mammal who loves to garden? A yardvark.
- What do you do if you get bird flu? Seek tweetment.
- Where does an armadillo look for a new shell? Arma-Zillow.
- What do you call a fish with no eyes? Fsh.
- What do you call a dog magician? A labracadabrador.
- Why was the baby snake sad? Someone took its rattle.
- How did the two chickens dance at prom? Chick to chick.
- How fast can a duck go? At a quacking pace.
- Why didn’t the dog see a psychiatrist? He isn’t allowed on the couch.
- Why shouldn’t you play cards in the African savannah? Because it’s full of cheetahs.
- What did the buffalo say when his son went to college? Bison.

Section 7 of 10:

Cheesy Work Jokes

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These jokes may be cheesy, but that doesn’t mean they’re not super funny. Have your coworkers grinning ear to ear with these ridiculously cheesy jokes:
- What’s the best way to watch a fly fishing tournament? Live stream.
- Why did the computer break up with the printer? It found someone more compatible.
- Why did the stapler refuse to work? It felt too pressed.
- Why was the broom late to the meeting? It swept in at the last minute.
- Why did the scarecrow become a successful manager? He was outstanding in his field.^{[6]
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- Where do snowmen get loans? Snowbanks.
- What do you call Batman when he skips work? Christian Bale.
- Why did the car get a flat tire? There was a fork in the road.
- Why did the can crusher quit his job? It was soda pressing.
- What did the full glass say to the empty glass? You look drunk.
- Why does Snoop Dogg use an umbrella? Fo’ drizzle.
- What did the janitor say when he jumped out of the closet? Supplies!!
- How do scientists freshen their breath? Experi-mints.
- There wasn’t a dry eye at the wedding. Even the cake was in tiers.
- Why don’t scientists trust atoms? They make up everything.
- What do you call Johnny Cash’s grandson? Johnny Bitcoin.
- What do you call a magician who has lost his magic? Ian.

Section 8 of 10:

Funny Work Jokes for Coworkers

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These work-related jokes are perfect for the office. Work can be a real grind some days, but exchanging lighthearted jokes with coworkers is a great way to get everyone in a good mood.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Brenden Kumarasamy
Executive Communication Expert

Expert Interview} Try sharing some of these jokes with your office mates to get everyone giggling:
- Why don’t programmers like nature? It has too many bugs.
- Why did the accountant break up with the calculator? It couldn’t calculate love.
- Why was the computer cold? It left its Windows open.
- I was fired from the calendar factory for taking a day off.
- Why are people amazed by dry erase boards? They’re re-markable.
- Why did the spreadsheet go to therapy? It had too many cell issues.
- Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field.
- Why did the PowerPoint presentation cross the road? To get to the other slide!
- Our office is so eco-friendly, even the fridge food is green and growing.
- Why did the employee keep a clock under his desk? He wanted to work overtime.
- Happy Thursday! We’re officially one day away from being two days away from doing exactly what we’re doing right now.
- I skipped work because of an eye problem. I couldn’t see myself in the office today.
- What's Forrest Gump's email password? 1forrest1^{[8]
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- Do you know what they say about a clean desk? It's a sure sign of a cluttered desk drawer.
- Why did the employee get a job at the bakery? He kneaded dough.
- Why did the computer go to the doctor? It had a virus!
- What do you call an employee who works 24/7? A robot!
- What do biologists wear to work on Casual Friday? Genes.
- I told a joke during our video call today. It wasn’t even remotely funny.
- The first five days after the weekend are the hardest.
- Why do birds sing in the morning? Because they don’t have to go to work.
- Why do ghosts use elevators? They lift their spirits.

Section 9 of 10:

Funny Work Jokes for Bosses

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Get on friendlier terms with your manager with these silly wisecracks. Not only can sharing jokes make the workplace a more energizing and enjoyable place to be—but making your boss snort with laughter isn’t a bad way to get on their good side! (Just make sure your boss understands you’re joking around here—some of these could cross the line if your boss doesn’t realize you’re kidding!)
- Why did the CEO cross the road? To delegate a task to someone else.
- Why did the office worker bring a ladder to work? Because they wanted to climb the corporate ladder!
- My resume is just a list of things I hope you never ask me to do.
- All I ask is the chance to prove that money can't buy happiness.
- My boss: This is the third time you've been late for work this week. Do you know what that means? Me: That it's only Wednesday?
- To make an error is human, to blame it on someone else shows management potential.
- My boss told me to have a good day, so I went home!
- I’m great at multitasking. I can waste time, be unproductive, and procrastinate all at once.
- This is your captain speaking, AND THIS IS YOUR CAPTAIN SHOUTING.^{[9]
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- What’s the best thing about teamwork? Someone else to blame.
- What do you call an employee who works in landscaping? A branch manager!
- What is the best way to criticize your boss? Very quietly.
- I’d be a morning person if morning started at around 1 p.m.
- To err is human. To blame other people is management.
- You know what can really ruin a Friday? Remembering it's Thursday.
- I told my boss I saw a deer on the way to work. He said, "How do you know it was going to work?"
- What’s the difference between ignorance and apathy? Don’t know and don’t care.

Section 10 of 10:

Maintaining a Positive Work Environment

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1
Show employees you appreciate them. “Creating a positive work environment where employees feel valued, respected, and supported is crucial,” Fermin says. If you have people working under you, he stresses the importance of “celebrat[ing] team successes and milestones, and tak[ing] time to recognize individual accomplishments.”^{[10]
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Expert Source

Jeffrey Fermin
Employee Relations Expert

Expert Interview}
- Giving employees positive feedback (in addition to constructive criticism when necessary) and offering public and private praise after employees succeed are great ways to help them feel seen and as if their contributions to the company matter.
- You can also have a little fun with your employees and boost morale by handing out silly workplace awards, like the “Silent Assassin” (for the worker who doesn’t say a lot, but somehow manages to finish every task before anyone else) or the “Follow-Up Fairy” (for the worker who always checks in just when you need their help most).
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Encourage open communication. Fostering open and honest communication between coworkers and managers and “show[ing] genuine concern for [employees’] well-being” will help them “feel valued, respected, and supported,” Fermin says.^{[11]
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Expert Source

Jeffrey Fermin
Employee Relations Expert

Expert Interview}
- When employees feel valued and heard, they’re a lot more likely to feel happier, more energized, and more motivated to perform well at work.^{[12]
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- Foster open communication by checking in with employees regularly, just to see how they’re doing or if they have anything they’d like to talk about.
- Connect with employees over the non-work-related stuff too: tell them about your pets or how your weekend was, and express genuine curiosity in their life, too.
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Listen to employees’ feedback. “Your employees may have ideas or feedback on how to improve the workplace or company,” Fermin notes. “Take the time to listen to their input and consider their suggestions. This shows that you value their opinions and ideas and that you are committed to creating a positive work environment.”^{[13]
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Expert Source

Jeffrey Fermin
Employee Relations Expert

Expert Interview}
- Consider having regular brainstorming sessions where employees can pitch ideas to improve the company or cool projects they’d like to work on.
- Inviting employees to pitch ideas (and, just as importantly, actually considering them and implementing some) will not only help them feel valued, but it’ll likely also help them feel a sense of ownership over the company and increased responsibility for its success.