Lights Out
Lumbergh puts Milton in the basement of the building and then turns off the lights on him, leaving him in the dark. This is a symbol that the employees of Initech are not people, but slaves doing the bidding of their boss.
Stapler
Throughout the film, Milton continues to look for his stapler which someone has taken off of his desk. The stapler is a symbol of Milton's feeling respected in the workplace. Indeed, his not getting it back represents that he gets no respect.
Changing Lanes
Peter, in the opening scene, attempts to change lanes while driving in traffic to work, but each time he does the lane he was in begins to move as he stalls. This is a symbol that in his attempt to get somewhere in life he is going nowhere.
Flair
Joanna is told by her boss that she only does the bare minimum by wearing 15 pieces of flair. This symbolizes the fact that she does not desire to achieve anything beyond the minimum at this dead end job, and reveals her deeply-rooted hatred of having to work at a restaurant when she knows she is capable of more in her life.
Sabotage
Peter is trying to close down his computer before Lumbergh is able to catch him at the end of the day to tell him to work over the weekend. His computer's delays symbolize the fact that his job is literally setting him up to get kicked in the teeth.
Printer
The office's printer often jams and malfunctions, and becomes a symbol of workplace frustration. This is supported by the emotional catharsis that the main cast experiences while destroying it.
Gangsta rap music
Gangsta rap music is a motif used throughout the film. The genre's reliance upon crime and expletives are in stark contrast with the white-collar characters and setting, resulting in a humorous juxtaposition.
