Fake virus to get out of work

Got to leave early, but don’t have a good excuse? Well then have we got a deal for you…

Fake virus to get out of work

We're obliged to tell you, our readers, this but in doing so, we’re sure to meet the chagrin and rancour of happy hour advocates in your workplaces (and probably some in our own…) Here's a new trick your employees might be trying to use in your office.

Advertising agency TDA®_Boulder has unveiled a website to help employees skip out to the bar a little early. The website, www.happyhourvirus.com, allows users to simulate a computer meltdown, with three options: Kernel Panic (for Mac users), Blue Screen (for PC users), and a broken monitor.

While an IT professional will quickly find the fix (pressing the ESC key will return the computer to normal), the ruse could fool less tech-savvy managers, at least long enough for the employee to rationalise a half-hour early mark.

Of course, there is more to this website than just the trick. The bottom of the page reads:

“It is a philosophy of TDA®_Boulder that we are all better employees if we achieve something called a work-life balance. However, pursuing that goal is not always an easy task in today's corporate culture. Please use the Happy Hour Virus to leave work early and enjoy the company of friends, family or co-workers. We are aware that this might jeopardize your productivity the following day, but we are willing to take that risk on your behalf. And if this sounds like a philosophy you could live with, learn more about us here.”

Not a bad way to find candidates. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m heading home early…

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