The 19th century inventions of the electric lamp, telegraph, telephone and the typewriter led to an inadvertent creation; the Office. Much time has since been devoted to fine-tuning this fine creation. Necessity made way for ergonomics, which made way for appearance. Computerised sophistication has helped the world to evolve from a state of much work and little time, to a situation that strikingly resembles the opposite. Progress has also freed up time to perfect a finer art; office dynamics.
What Happens in Office is first-time author and long-time corporate participant Ankur Mithal’s insider account of the reality that transpires in the sanctum sanctorum of the corporate world. Quite considerately, the book is organised along short chapters that allow busy readers the liberty of perusing sections arbitrarily.
The pages offer a diverse menu. From the intricacies of meetings that disturbingly infringe upon precious idle times, to corporate arcanum thoughtfully designed to motivate a species naturally attracted to idleness, Mithal satirises reality mirthfully. Readers are offered insights into the embellished behaviour of corporate powers-that-be. Powers-that-will-be are likely to find practical pointers on self-embellishment. ‘Resources’ might derive useful cues on the tactful art of misusing a charitable commodity — company resources.
Enthusiastic upstarts are introduced to the contextual usage of words, when designing resumes and in corporate communiqué. Human resource and communications personnel are likely to nod approvingly. Managers learn about the subtleties of management.
Those fortunate enough to spend a bulk of their time in cubicles are likely to see themselves and their superiors making a regular appearance in this breezy read. The book makes for a humorous cubicle companion, during regular moments of despair permeating daily corporate life. The good, the bad and the funny can co-exist, even if uneasily. Those fast approaching their time of reckoning — stepping into the corporate world — might consider grabbing a copy before D-day. We, however, hasten to disclaim responsibility for the possible ill-effects of this action. A bit of humour never killed anybody. This book is worth the risk.
— hemant.sreeraman@gmail.com