There’s something magical about a clean whiteboard. That pristine white surface just begs for someone to write something hilarious on it. But let’s be honest – most of us freeze up when faced with that blank canvas. We end up writing boring stuff like “Meeting at 2 PM” or “Please wash your dishes” when we could be bringing smiles to everyone’s faces.
I’ve spent way too much time staring at whiteboards in offices, classrooms, and break rooms. Through countless attempts (and some epic fails), I’ve figured out what makes people laugh versus what makes them cringe. The best whiteboard messages are like inside jokes that everyone gets to be in on.
Ready to become the office comedian without getting called to HR? Let’s turn that whiteboard into your stage for clean, clever humor that’ll make your coworkers actually look forward to Monday mornings.
Funny Things to Write on a Whiteboard
Want to brighten up your workspace and give everyone a much-needed laugh? These whiteboard messages work in any setting where people gather – offices, schools, dorms, or even your home fridge.
From clever wordplay to spot-on observations about daily life, each of these messages hits the sweet spot between funny and friendly. No eye rolls, just genuine chuckles.
1. “Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so.”
This Douglas Adams-inspired gem works perfectly near the break room clock. The philosophical first part grabs attention, while the punchline speaks to everyone’s weird relationship with their lunch hour.
Much like time itself, this message becomes funnier the longer you think about it. Write it up around 11 AM when people start getting hungry, and watch as it becomes increasingly relevant throughout the morning.
2. “Our WiFi is like my coffee – sometimes hot, sometimes not”
This relatable comparison works best near the office kitchen or wherever people gather to complain about tech issues. It acknowledges a common frustration while keeping things light and playful.
The message builds instant rapport because everyone has experienced both temperamental WiFi and disappointing coffee. Plus, it shows you can laugh at workplace quirks instead of getting stressed about them.
3. “Warning: This area contains periodic outbreaks of productivity”
Perfect for any workspace, this mock warning sign puts a positive spin on office culture. The formal language paired with the silly concept creates just the right amount of contrast to be funny.
Writing this near busy areas or collaboration spaces adds an extra layer of humor. Bonus points if you draw a simple biohazard symbol next to it – but replace the traditional markers with tiny coffee cups or laptops.
4. “The printer is possessed. Please bring sage.”
Technology troubles are universal, so this message resonates with anyone who’s fought with office equipment. The suggestion of a supernatural solution to a mundane problem creates an unexpected laugh.
Place this near the printer when it’s acting up (which is probably right now). The humor helps diffuse frustration while acknowledging that sometimes our relationship with technology feels more magical than logical.
5. “I came. I saw. I made it awkward.”
This twist on Julius Caesar’s famous quote perfectly captures those moments we all have in social situations. The self-deprecating humor makes it relatable and endearing rather than uncomfortable.
Write this one in meeting rooms or common areas where people gather. It works especially well after those slightly awkward team-building exercises or forced social events that are part of office life.
6. “Free pizza in break room! (This message from 2019)”
This clever bait-and-switch plays with everyone’s love of free food announcements. The dated reference makes it clear it’s a joke while poking fun at how long some whiteboard messages stick around.
Update the year occasionally to keep the joke fresh. The message works best in high-traffic areas where actual free food announcements typically appear – the contrast makes it even funnier.
7. “Do not write on this board. Wait…”
Simple but effective, this paradoxical message highlights the inherent absurdity of certain workplace rules. The trailing “Wait…” adds perfect comedic timing to the self-contradicting statement.
This works anywhere you find a whiteboard, but it’s especially funny in formal settings or near actual workplace rules and regulations. The subtle rebellion makes people smile without crossing any lines.
8. “Meeting to discuss too many meetings: Cancelled”
This meta-commentary on office culture hits home for anyone who’s ever sat through unnecessary meetings. The ironic cancellation adds an extra layer of humor to the observation.
Place this message where meeting announcements usually go. The familiar format makes the joke land even better, as people will likely start reading it as a real meeting notice.
9. “Dear nobody, thanks for cleaning the microwave”
This passive-aggressive classic gets laughs while actually encouraging better break room behavior. The “dear nobody” opening sets up the joke while the message itself rings true for every shared kitchen ever.
Write this one near the microwave, obviously. The humor works because it’s both a joke and a legitimate comment on workplace cleanliness – the best kind of funny is the kind that makes a point.
10. “Plot twist: Monday was actually Tuesday all along”
Perfect for early in the week when everyone’s still adjusting to being back at work. The dramatic “plot twist” format applied to such a mundane concept creates unexpected humor.
This message hits differently depending on when you write it – it’s especially funny on weeks with holidays or other schedule disruptions. The shared confusion about which day it is becomes a bonding point.
11. “Everyone who thinks they’re a morning person, please stop lying”
This observation captures a universal truth about workplace culture and our collective relationship with early hours. The direct callout to “morning people” creates instant relatability for the rest of us.
Morning is obviously the best time for this message. Place it where people will see it as they drag themselves in with their first coffee of the day – the timing makes the humor even more pointed.
12. “Your secrets are safe with this whiteboard”
This message plays with the temporary nature of whiteboard writing in a clever way. It’s funny because everyone knows whiteboards are about as secure as shouting your secrets in the hallway.
The humor works best in areas where people actually discuss sensitive information. The contrast between the message and the setting creates an ironic commentary on office privacy.
13. “Current mood: ¯_(ツ)_/¯”
Sometimes the simplest messages hit hardest. This text emoticon perfectly captures the universal feeling of workplace uncertainty and mild confusion that we all experience regularly.
Update the message throughout the day with different emoticons to keep it fresh. The changing expressions become a running commentary on office life that everyone can relate to.
14. “Please limit all existential crises to designated areas”
This professional-sounding request applied to something completely unprofessional creates perfect workplace humor. It pokes fun at corporate policies while acknowledging our shared human experiences.
Place near quiet areas or break rooms where people actually go to have their existential crises. The location adds an extra layer to the joke while providing a knowing wink to your coworkers.
15. “Today’s password is: PASSWORD123. Security team approved!”
This obviously fake password pokes fun at IT security while being completely harmless. The added approval from the security team makes it even more absurd and highlights the joke.
Write this near IT-related areas or where actual security reminders appear. The contrast with real security messages makes it funnier, while the obvious joke password keeps it safe.
16. “Minor spelling error detected. Entire building must be evacuated”
This message exaggerates the importance of perfect spelling to ridiculous levels. The formal announcement structure combined with the overreaction creates excellent workplace humor.
Place it near areas where important announcements usually appear. The professional format makes the absurd content even funnier, especially in settings where proper writing matters.
17. “Breaking news: Someone actually refilled the coffee maker!”
This celebrates the rarest of office occurrences while calling out a common complaint. The “breaking news” format adds gravity to a minor but important workplace victory.
Write near the coffee station for maximum impact. The location makes it both a celebration and a gentle reminder about coffee maker etiquette, all wrapped in good humor.
18. “Casual Friday has been upgraded to Pajama Friday”
This fake policy update plays with workplace dress codes in a way that everyone secretly wishes was true. The official-sounding “upgraded” makes the silly concept even funnier.
Post this message mid-week when people are already dreaming about Friday. The anticipation of the actual casual Friday makes the joke land even better.
19. “Dear plants, good luck with that whole photosynthesis thing today”
Perfect for offices with minimal natural light, this message acknowledges the plight of office plants everywhere. The encouraging tone toward inanimate objects creates unexpected humor.
Place near any office plants (especially struggling ones) for maximum effect. The specific context makes the message both funnier and more poignant.
20. “Reality is experiencing technical difficulties. Please stand by”
This message applies tech support language to existence itself, creating a perfect blend of workplace humor and philosophical observation. The help desk format makes the existential content extra funny.
Write this one anywhere people might be having a rough day. The message provides both a laugh and a subtle reminder that sometimes we all need a reboot.
21. “Warning: Deadlines may appear closer than they are”
This clever play on the side-mirror warning from cars applies perfectly to project management. The familiar format used in an unexpected context creates instant recognition and humor.
Place near project planning areas or calendars for best effect. The warning becomes funnier as actual deadlines approach, adding a time-sensitive element to the joke.
22. “This whiteboard is practicing social distancing from productivity”
This message updates a recent shared experience for workplace humor. The personification of the whiteboard avoiding work creates relatable comedy that everyone can appreciate.
Write this on boards that typically display important work-related content. The contrast between the expected use and the proclaimed laziness makes the joke work even better.
23. “Reply-all emails will be met with stern disapproval”
This message captures a universal office pet peeve with just the right touch of mock severity. The formal threat about an informal annoyance creates perfect workplace humor.
Post near email etiquette reminders or communication guidelines. The professional context makes the silly threat even funnier while sending a subtle message about email behavior.
24. “Quick question: Why are quick questions never quick?”
This observation about workplace communication hits home for anyone who’s ever heard those dreaded words. The self-referential nature of the question adds an extra layer of humor.
Write this where people typically stop to ask “quick questions.” The location makes it both funny and a gentle reminder about respecting others’ time.
25. “Error 404: Motivation not found”
This tech-inspired message speaks to everyone’s occasional productivity struggles. The familiar error code format applied to human behavior creates instant recognition and relatability.
Perfect for Mondays or late afternoons when motivation naturally dips. The timing makes the message both funny and comforting – we’re all in this together.
26. “Committee to reduce committees now has 5 subcommittees”
This commentary on organizational bureaucracy captures a truth about workplace dynamics. The spiral of committees creating more committees highlights the absurdity of some business practices.
Place near meeting room schedules or organizational charts. The location adds context that makes the observation even funnier while remaining good-natured.
27. “Today’s agenda: 1. Coffee 2. See step 1”
Simple and direct, this message reduces workplace priorities to their essence. The circular reference creates humor while acknowledging our collective caffeine dependency.
Write this early in the day near coffee stations or meeting rooms. The timing and location make it particularly relevant and funny for the morning crowd.
28. “Dress code update: Superhero capes now mandatory”
This fake policy change brings playground imagination to workplace rules. The official announcement format combined with the silly requirement creates perfect workplace humor.
Post near actual dress code policies or HR announcements. The contrast between real and imagined rules makes the joke even more effective.
29. “Report: 73% of statistics on this board made up”
This self-referential message plays with our love of workplace data and metrics. The specific percentage makes it funnier while pointing out how we use statistics in daily communication.
Place near areas where actual statistics and reports are displayed. The context makes the parody more apparent and entertaining.
30. “Out of office reply: I’m mentally out of office but physically here”
This twist on standard email responses captures the occasional disconnect between body and mind at work. The professional format applied to an unprofessional sentiment creates perfect humor.
Write this where out-of-office notices usually appear. The familiar context makes the joke land better while expressing a feeling everyone sometimes shares.
Wrapping Up
These whiteboard messages do more than just decorate empty wall space – they create moments of shared laughter that make any workspace better. A well-placed funny message can lift spirits, break tension, and remind everyone that we’re all human.
Next time you spot a blank whiteboard, grab that marker with confidence. Your coworkers will thank you for bringing some humor into their day (even if they pretend to roll their eyes). Just make sure the marker isn’t permanent first!