How exactly does this work? Could I actually use it at my workplace?

Yes, you could use it at your workplace. It will work with cubed ice as well as block. It does add some humidity to the air. Would that create a problem in your department?

How it works: basically the fan pushes the warm air across the ice, the air cools and is forced out the tube. I made one out of an Omaha steaks styrofoam cooler to try it out. They work well.