April Fools (from your IT department)

by Jon Lober | NOC Technology

**This post has been edited for your safety.

The 2025 Ultimate April Fool’s Office Prank Guide from IT

Ah, April Fool’s Day—the one time a year when office mischief is not only tolerated but expected. As your outsourced IT department, we have a unique opportunity to leverage our digital expertise for some lighthearted mischief fun. If you’re looking to add a little harmless chaos to your office, here’s a guide to some of the best office April Fools pranks that will leave your coworkers scratching their heads.


1. Keyboard Key Swap

For those using a standard keyboard, carefully pop off a few keys and rearrange them. While a good typist will probably not notice for weeks, this prank is diabolical for the hunt-and-peck typers– you know who they are! Bonus points if you swap common keys like “R” and “S” or “E."


2. The Vanishing Mouse

A simple but effective prank: unplug a wired mouse or remove the batteries from a wireless one. Another great option for a low-tech co-workers is to place a small piece of tape over the mouse sensor to disable tracking.


3. Monitor Mayhem

Go into the display settings and swap monitor placements. Your coworker will be mystified as their cursor disappears into the void every time they try to move it.


4. The Five-Second Timeout

Set their screen timeout to an absurdly low setting—like five seconds. Just as they start reading an email, boom, screen goes dark. Mwahaha.


5. The Desk Disruption

Physically move someone’s entire desk just a few inches up (or down, if possible). Not enough to be immediately obvious but just enough to make them feel like something is off, or to make work feel more uncomfortable than usual.


6. Tilt and Confuse

Slightly tilt their monitors to throw off their visual balance. Not enough to be noticed at first glance, but enough to be frustrating over time.


7. Resolution Roulette

Change the resolution of each monitor so nothing looks quite right. Either everything is ridiculously tiny or hilariously oversized— or just enough different to make them question their sanity. Perfect!


8. The Sinking Chair

Tape the lifter on an adjustable chair so it immediately sinks as the person sits down. It may not take them long to figure out the prank, but it will be 100% worth it for that first carnival drop.


9. Autocorrect Mayhem

This one is epic: If you have access to their word processor or email settings, add some hilarious autocorrect replacements. Set their autocorrect to change “yes” into “definitely not” or “meeting” into “nap time.” You know your co-workers! Use some of their most frequently used words to make for the best April Fools experience.


10. The Upside-Down Screen

For Windows users, press Ctrl + Alt + Down Arrow to flip the screen view upside down. (Ctrl + Alt + Up Arrow flips it back.) On a Mac, head to System Preferences > Displays and adjust the rotation settings. You're welcome.


11. Fake Software Update

Set their wallpaper to an official-looking “Installing updates… 0%” screen. Watch as they wait… and wait… and wait. We recommend setting timers and trying multiple users. Take video and marketing will thank you!


12. The Haunted Printer

Send random print jobs to a nearby printer with confusing or cryptic messages like “I see you…” or “Your chair is haunted.” Creepy?


13. Language Swap

Change their keyboard language settings so that nothing they type appears as expected. Bonus frustration for switching it to something obscure like the Dvorak keyboard layout or another language altogether.


14. The Phantom Typist

If you have remote desktop access, occasionally take control of their mouse or type a random message while they’re watching. Just enough to make them question their sanity. Again, bonus points for video of reactions on this one.


15. The Longest Load Time Ever

Take a screenshot of their desktop, set it as the background, and then hide all icons and taskbar. Watch them frantically click at unresponsive shortcuts. Raise your hand if this has happened to you.


Prank Responsibly!

April Fool’s Day is all about good-natured fun. Keep it lighthearted, reversible, and above all, safe. If your coworker looks genuinely stressed, be a good sport and undo your prank. Now, go forth and spread some harmless tech chaos!

Tech upgrades that will boost employee safety in sheltered workshops
By Jon Lober April 15, 2025
At NOC Technology, we've worked with Missouri sheltered workshops for over seven years, and I've witnessed firsthand how the right technological implementations can transform sheltered workshop environments. Today, I'd like to share some insights on leveraging modern technology to create safer workspaces while maintaining the dignity and privacy of all participants. The Unique Safety Challenges of Sheltered Workshops Sheltered workshops provide valuable employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, but they also present unique safety considerations. Workers may have varying levels of physical mobility, cognitive processing, and sensory perception—all of which can impact how they respond to traditional safety measures. Additionally, the production environments often involve machinery, tools, and materials that require careful monitoring and management. The Role of Smart Technology in Safety Advancements in smart technology provide real-time safety monitoring, immediate alerts for potential hazards, and improved emergency response times. Let’s explore some key technologies and their benefits in sheltered workshop environments. Personalized Alert Systems Traditional emergency alarms can be overwhelming for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Smart alert systems can deliver personalized notifications through: Vibrating wristbands that alert workers without auditory overload Visual notification systems with customizable colors and patterns Tablet-based communication for workers who benefit from visual cues Location-specific alerts that only notify those in affected areas We recently implemented a multi-modal alert system at a workshop in central Missouri that reduced anxiety-related incidents during emergency drills by 65% . Environmental Monitoring Maintaining optimal environmental conditions is crucial for both safety and productivity: Temperature and humidity sensors that automatically adjust HVAC systems Air quality monitors that detect potentially harmful particulates Noise level monitoring to prevent sensory overload Automated ventilation systems that activate when chemical levels exceed thresholds These systems not only protect workers but also provide documented compliance with OSHA regulations. Enhanced Supervision through Smart Cameras Security cameras have evolved beyond simple surveillance. Modern systems can: Detect unusual patterns that might indicate a worker in distress Monitor restricted areas without constant staff presence Identify when machinery is being used incorrectly Alert supervisors to potential safety hazards Important note: All camera systems should be implemented with strict privacy protocols and transparent policies. Workers and guardians should be fully informed about what is being monitored and why. In many cases, audio cannot be recorded, and the camera system must be configured to meet this requirement. Wearable Safety Technology Wearable devices offer personalized safety monitoring without stigmatization: Fall detection pendants that automatically alert staff Location tracking that helps locate workers in emergency situations Biometric monitoring for workers with health conditions Proximity sensors that prevent accidental entry into hazardous areas These wearables can be designed to look like standard ID badges or watches, preserving dignity while enhancing safety. Implementation Best Practices Successfully integrating smart technology into sheltered workshops requires careful planning: Involve all stakeholders: Workers, guardians, and staff should participate in selecting and implementing new technologies. Prioritize simplicity: Choose solutions that require minimal training and maintenance. Phase in gradually: Introduce new technologies in stages to allow everyone time to adapt. Balance automation with human oversight: Technology should supplement, not replace, trained staff. Respect privacy: Collect only essential data and maintain strong security protocols.
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