Your Coworker's 'Long Lunch' Excuses, Ranked by Believability

Dentist appointments have tripled nationwide this month. Curious.

<p>An epidemic of midday dentist visits, mysterious errands, and 'car trouble' has swept American offices — and it correlates exactly with the kickoff schedule.</p>

<p>The friendly time zones giveth and taketh away: no more 4 a.m. matches, but plenty of 1 p.m. temptations.</p>

<p>Smart managers stopped fighting it. Conference rooms have quietly become screening rooms, and attendance at 'optional team lunches' is at an all-time high.</p>

<p>Ranked least believable excuse: 'I have a call.' Everyone can hear the crowd noise through your headphones, Greg.</p>