They also explore themes of isolation and alienation. In an office, you can be surrounded by people but still feel alone. When horror is added to this, it magnifies those feelings. For instance, a character in an office horror novel might be the only one to notice the strange happenings while others are oblivious, creating a sense of dread and isolation.
First, create a unique office setting that has elements of the unknown. For example, an office that exists in a dimension where time and space are distorted. Then, introduce a cosmic horror element like an ancient entity that the office workers unknowingly start to be influenced by. Develop characters who gradually realize the horror around them. Their normal office tasks become intertwined with the fight against this otherworldly horror.
Begin by brainstorming the unique aspects of an office that can be made horrifying. Is it the fluorescent lights that flicker and seem to have a life of their own? Or the endless cubicles that can feel like a maze? Once you have these ideas, start building your story. You could introduce a mystery, such as strange noises coming from the boss's office at night. Develop the characters, giving them distinct personalities and fears related to the office. For example, a character who is terrified of being fired and then discovers that there are far worse things than losing their job in this office. Incorporate elements of fantasy, like a portal to a dark dimension that opens up in the break room.
One office horror story is about the never - ending meetings. People would be stuck in a conference room for hours on end, with no real progress made. Everyone was just talking in circles, and it felt like a time - wasting nightmare.
In an office I knew, there was a strange noise that came from the old storage room at night. Some employees claimed to see shadowy figures. It turned out that there was an old ventilation system making the noise, but the fear it caused was real for a while. People were scared to stay late or go near that area. It affected the overall mood in the office as everyone was on edge.
One office horror story could be about a late - night worker. A person was staying late in the office to finish a project. As they were alone in the dimly - lit cubicle area, they heard strange typing noises coming from an empty workstation. They thought it might be a computer glitch at first, but then the typing got faster and more erratic. When they finally summoned the courage to go and check, there was no one there, and the computer was off. It sent shivers down their spine.
Once upon a time, during an office orientation, a new employee named Lisa noticed a strange shadow in the corner of the conference room. It seemed to move on its own. As the orientation continued, she heard faint whispers that no one else seemed to notice. Later, when she was left alone to explore the office, she opened a closet and a cold hand grabbed her arm. It was a ghost of a former employee who had died in a tragic accident at work.
One key element is the office environment itself. It should be both familiar and strange at the same time. Another is the cosmic horror entity, which could be a Lovecraftian - like god or an unknowable force. And the fantasy aspect, like magical objects or abilities that the characters might discover within the office. For example, a stapler that can seal portals to other dimensions.
A common 'open office horror story' is related to germs. In an open office, people are in close proximity all day. One person got sick, and then it seemed like the whole office caught the bug one after another. It was like a never - ending cycle of illness, which was really frustrating for everyone trying to stay healthy and productive.
There was this time when a major project was due, and the office's computer system crashed. All the work that was not saved was lost. People were panicking as they had to redo so much work in a very short time. It was a nightmare especially for those who had put in countless hours already. To make matters worse, the IT department took forever to get the system back up and running.