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 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.
One popular office horror fantasy novel could be 'The Devil in the White City' which has elements of horror set against an office - like backdrop of the World's Fair. Another might be 'The Shining' where the isolated hotel can be seen as a sort of 'office' for the caretaker. And 'Dracula' also has scenes that could be related to office - like spaces in a sense, with the bureaucracy and power plays that Dracula has to deal with in his interactions with humans.
The theme of isolation is prominent. Even though an office is a place full of people, in these novels, the characters often feel alone in their fight against the horror. They can't trust their co - workers as they might be possessed or part of the problem. And the theme of time distortion is also there. In some stories, time seems to move differently in the haunted parts of the office, like minutes stretching into hours or vice versa.
I would suggest 'Office Inferno'. In this novel, the office is a portal to hell. The main character, a hard - working accountant, notices that strange things start to happen around the office coffee machine. As he investigates, he finds out that the office is slowly being taken over by demonic forces from the underworld. There's also 'Workplace of the Wicked' where an office building is built on an ancient burial ground, and the spirits of the dead are now haunting the employees, making their workdays a living hell.
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.
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.