SEATTLE — By Karen Complaints, AI Bee Reel Staff

February 13, 2026

SEATTLE, Washington — Workplace satisfaction hit record highs at Synergy Corp today as HR Manager Brad Stevens replaced structural cubicle walls with sheer "cabana curtains" and began distributing cups of lukewarm water with singular cucumber slices to employees who were visibly weeping over their Excel spreadsheets.

"We realized the office felt too much like a place where work happens," said Stevens, Vice President of Vibes. "Hospitality experts say you should treat the office like a destination. By removing the sound-proof barriers and adding sheer fabric, we have successfully recreated the privacy of a crowded public beach. It really eases the sting of the two-hour commute."

The initiative aims to bring hotel-style luxury to data entry. "It creates an immersive experience," explained Linda Chang, Director of Mandatory Fun, while stepping over a sob-wracked junior analyst. "When employees hear their coworkers hyperventilating through the thin curtains, it fosters a sense of communal struggle. It is basically an open-air resort, but with more KPIs and less sunlight."

At press time, Synergy Corp announced a daily $45 "resort fee" would be deducted from all paychecks to cover the cost of the cucumbers.

Inspired by the real story: Companies are trying to make offices feel like hotels to trick workers into enjoying the return to the office. Read the full story.