There is a big difference between a funny story and a practical joke. For one thing, a funny story is funny. A practical joke can be dangerous.
A prank is different. Lawsuits have been successful against those who set someone up for a disappointment (all in fun), lied about serious work deadlines, or caused physical harm with their prank.
Never make a practical joke in the workplace. It's not all in fun.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.