Dealing With Wacky Weirdos In The Workplace
Destructive Fun
Time and again, you’ve heard of the weirdos who create havoc in the place of work. Some of their antics are hilarious, but woe to you if their malicious jokes are aimed at you. You may be able to tolerate it at first, but the repeated ‘attacks’ can wear you out to a frazzle until you feel like those miserable leather briefcases that have seen better days.
There are several types of wackos. They are either calculating provokers, or blase jerks who do not bother about the effects of their actions. Oh, the antics and the gross habits that they have! Most of them are mean and they like to believe that their come-on lines are cute and funny.
In most cases, victims or those who feel victimized endure the verbal, physical, or visual “assaults” stoically, rather than complain and go through the tedious process of filing complaints or endure the mortification of having their complaint dismissed as just one of those funny things.
Revenge of the Herd
But those who strike back reveal the ugly side of wacky weirdos who think they are just having fun and mean no harm, even when they go to the extent of damaging laptop briefcases, or farting noisily the moment you enter a room. Before they can think of hijacking leather passport cases, play at sniffing crotches, or flip booger pellets, better think of sweet revenge with the wacky weirdos now.
If you and your co-workers can no longer stand the malicious antics, cook up grand plans to humble the perpetrator. Drastic actions like heating his car handle five minutes before he reaches the car can send him yelping in pain at the moment of contact with the car handle. Be sure to hide yourself well, or the prank may land you in the hotseat. Or, hide his keyboard if he’s not using a laptop, or vandalize his unofficial things and pretend you have no idea about the “theft” or vandalism. Well, he will take the hint.
Or, take the bull by the horns and ask him to stop annoying you with his stupid antics. If he persists, report the matter in writing to the HRD chief for action. If his pranks cross the line from inappropriate to harmful, start the legal wheels rolling.