In the world of work, we often find ourselves surrounded by an eclectic mix of personalities, quirky habits, and humorous situations. Whether it’s a colleague’s endless love for coffee, their inability to stop talking during meetings, or their perfectly timed jokes during lunch breaks, work life is often filled with comedic moments. One way to capture these moments is through poetry.
Funny poems about work colleagues can lighten the mood and bring a sense of camaraderie to the workplace. These poems not only serve as a way to share laughs, but they also reflect the relatable experiences of working with others. In this article, we will explore 10 funny poems about work colleagues that can bring a smile to any office environment.
10 Funny Poems About the People You Work With
1. “The Office Worker” by Ogden Nash
Ogden Nash is known for his witty and humorous poems, many of which reflect on the human condition. “The Office Worker” is a perfect example of how Nash used humor to highlight the monotony and frustrations of working life.
Excerpt from the poem:
“The office worker Is quite a curious creature, He’ll work from dawn to dusk, But only for a feature.”
In this lighthearted poem, Nash pokes fun at the repetitive and sometimes pointless nature of office work. His use of playful rhyme and tongue-in-cheek commentary makes it a timeless piece for anyone who has ever worked in an office.
Source: The Best of Ogden Nash (1960)
2. “The Boss” by Jenny Joseph
Jenny Joseph’s “The Boss” is a witty exploration of the often perplexing behavior of the workplace leader. The poem humorously delves into the way bosses sometimes try to assert their power, even when their attempts seem less than effective.
Excerpt from the poem:
“The boss is always right, Even when he’s wrong, He’ll tell you what to do, And he’ll sing the same old song.”
The poem draws attention to the absurdity of office hierarchies while offering a playful critique of authority figures. It reminds us that no matter how unreasonable a boss may seem, their position often grants them the power to be both funny and frustrating.
Source: The Boss (1980)
3. “A Working Man” by Robert W. Service
Robert W. Service, known for his tales of the Yukon, also dabbled in humorous poetry that speaks to the everyday struggles of the working man. In “A Working Man,” Service presents a comical depiction of a laborer who is constantly dissatisfied with his work but always manages to keep going.
Excerpt from the poem:
“I rise at six and work all day, With naught to show but wear and tear, And when the evening comes my way, I find I’ve lost my favorite chair.”
Service’s poem humorously highlights the exhaustion and frustration that often accompanies hard work. Yet, the working man’s persistence in the face of monotony is both admirable and relatable, making it a favorite among office workers everywhere.
Source: Rhymes of a Rolling Stone (1912)
4. “The Coffee Break” by Anonymous
Coffee breaks are a sacred ritual in many workplaces. This anonymous poem humorously reflects on the shared love of coffee among colleagues and the way coffee breaks serve as a brief escape from the daily grind.
Excerpt from the poem:
“We gather ‘round the coffee pot, And sip our liquid gold, Discussing every little thing, From politics to old.”
The poem captures the spirit of camaraderie during these short breaks, where colleagues bond over the small joys of life—like a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. It’s a simple yet effective way of reflecting the everyday joys of working life.
Source: Anonymous, typically found in corporate newsletters.
5. “The Meeting” by John Godfrey Saxe
Meetings—an integral part of office culture, yet often filled with inefficiency, redundant conversation, and humorous exchanges. John Godfrey Saxe’s poem, “The Meeting,” humorously dissects the often absurd nature of workplace meetings, where people gather to discuss everything except the actual work at hand.
Excerpt from the poem:
“We sit around the table wide, And talk, and talk, and talk with pride, But none of us can quite decide What work we’re here to do.”
Saxe’s poem resonates with anyone who has attended a meeting that seemed to drag on forever without reaching any useful conclusion. His satire highlights the universal frustration that many workers experience in such situations.
Source: The Poems of John Godfrey Saxe (1882)
6. “The Procrastinator’s Anthem” by Unknown
Procrastination is a common theme in the workplace, and this humorous poem shines a light on the habit of putting things off until the very last minute. The procrastinator’s internal dialogue is portrayed in a funny and relatable way.
Excerpt from the poem:
“I’ll do it later, not today, The deadline’s far, or so they say, I’ve plenty time, I’ll start to work, Once I’ve had lunch and taken a perk.”
This poem plays on the universal tendency to delay tasks, offering a humorous take on the inner workings of a procrastinator’s mind. It’s a poem that most office workers, no matter their industry, can relate to.
Source: Commonly circulated in office culture as a humorous email forward.
7. “The Spreadsheet” by Martha Collins
Martha Collins’ “The Spreadsheet” humorously explores the relationship many office workers have with technology, particularly the ubiquitous spreadsheet. Collins personifies the spreadsheet, making it an almost mystical creature that both haunts and helps the worker.
Excerpt from the poem:
“Oh, the spreadsheet, my constant friend, You make my work both start and end, You track my hours, my goals, my dreams, But never once do you hear my screams.”
The poem reflects the frustrations that many workers experience when trying to manage large volumes of data or numbers, turning what could be a mundane task into a source of comedy and stress relief.
Source: New and Selected Poems (2000)
8. “Lunch Hour” by Peter Redgrove
Lunch breaks provide a much-needed respite from work, but they can also be a time of comical events. Peter Redgrove’s “Lunch Hour” humorously highlights the variety of personalities and activities that emerge during this mid-day break.
Excerpt from the poem:
“We eat our sandwiches in a row, Discussing gossip, highs and lows, Some eat fast, some eat slow, Some still whisper secrets, though.”
The poem captures the humorous and often absurd conversations that happen during lunch breaks, whether it’s sharing stories or simply bonding over a shared dislike of the boss’s new policies.
Source: The Penguin Anthology of British Verse (2009)
9. “The Overtime” by David Berman
David Berman’s poem, “The Overtime,” humorously reflects the universal experience of staying late at work, attempting to get just a little bit more done—only to find that exhaustion soon sets in.
Excerpt from the poem:
“I stayed too long, I worked too hard, The clock hands mocked me, near and far, Now I’ve missed the bus, my time is lost, For one more email, it was the cost.”
This poem highlights the futility and humor of overtime, where workers often sacrifice their personal time in exchange for what feels like endless tasks that never seem to end.
Source: Actual Air (1999)
10. “The Overworked Employee” by Tom Lehrer
Tom Lehrer, known for his satirical humor, often wrote poems that commented on the absurdities of modern life, including work. “The Overworked Employee” is a satirical look at the overburdened worker and their attempt to keep up with the demands of their job.
Excerpt from the poem:
“I work from nine till five each day, With deadlines closing in my way, But still, I smile and pretend to care, ‘Cause overtime is almost there.”
Lehrer’s witty and biting commentary on the overworked employee is a humorous reflection of the pressure many workers face. His sharp wit delivers the truth about office culture in a funny, yet poignant way.
Source: Songs by Tom Lehrer (1965)
Conclusion
Workplaces are full of unique personalities, unexpected moments, and humorous situations. Funny poems about work colleagues provide a delightful way to capture the quirks of office life, offering both a humorous outlet and a shared experience among colleagues. Whether you’re poking fun at the boss, the never-ending meetings, or the daily grind, these poems remind us that laughter is an essential part of surviving the workplace.
In this article, we’ve explored 10 humorous poems about work colleagues that bring levity to even the most challenging workday. From Ogden Nash’s playful wit to Tom Lehrer’s biting satire, these poems offer a humorous reflection of work life and all its idiosyncrasies. Whether you read them aloud at lunch or pass them around in the office email chain, these poems are sure to bring smiles and laughs to your workplace.
