A humorous workplace observation where malfunctioning equipment or software suddenly behaves normally the moment a mechanic, IT support person, or supervisor stands next to it. Workers cite this imaginary aura to explain why they cannot replicate a fault they just reported.
Heard on the job
I swear it was jammed for twenty minutes, but the proximity effect kicked in as soon as you walked over.
Also heard as
- mechanic's aura
- technician's presence