April Fools' Pranks at Work - Laughter or Liability?

Tomorrow is the day that many of us dust off our most convincing tales and elaborate pranks in an attempt to put one over on friends, co-workers or foes. Can't think of any pranks on your own? Simply check out the web for a slew of ideas, including the article posted today on careerbuilder.com, Top Ten April Fools' Pranks to Play at Work

Although humor is often a welcome addition to the workday, can there be consequences to what some see as harmless fun? How do you really know how a colleague will react to your prank? Putting a whoopie cushion on the chair of a co-worker may be hilarious to some, but mortifying to others. Can a prank that you think is completely innocent turn into a harassment complaint?

Human resources and employment attorneys are often seen as the "police" of an organization whose sole job is to set policies that take the fun out of work and create an overly sensitive environment. Will "I was just kidding!" and "What's the big deal?" become your defense of choice if a complaint is brought against you?

Do you think workplaces have become too sensitive? Have you experienced a prank gone bad at your company? Are employees sue crazy or are we finally setting examples of appropriate behavior at work?

Posted by Nancy Ledvina, Human Resource Consultant, The H.S. Group