Do people really say that meaningful friendships can’t be built in the office? I beg to defer.
When people think about the workplace today, they imagine unending reports, crazy deadlines half-empty office, muted microphones, and relationships that never go beyond task lists and calendar invites.
What they don’t imagine are the friendships quietly growing between voice notes sent after meetings, quick check-in messages during crazy Lagos traffic before Monday morning meetings, and laughter that carries from Zoom calls into real life, conversations that extend beyond market activations.
This brings me to the story of Janet and Zainab who work together in the same department despite the hybrid culture, and who formed friendship while at work. With them, you will know that connection doesn’t disappear just because the office isn’t always physical. It simply adapts.
Let’s rewind a bit. Every good friendship has a meet-cute. How did you both find your way to 9PSB and somehow into each other’s lives too?
Zainab: I joined 9PSB through a referral, and on my very first day, Janet was the first fellow new intake I met. We shared a little chit-chat that day, and from that small moment, our friendship slowly grew into the beautiful one it is today
Janet: As an early bird, I was the first person to resume work on the day we newly resumed to the office. Zainab came in shortly after, and she couldn’t hide her extroverted side. That moment sparked a conversation and that’s where it all began.
Take us along your journey so far, what’s it really been like behind the scenes?
Zainab: I joined 9PSB as a Customer Care Executive. The journey has been amazing and beautiful so far.
Janet: I joined as customer care executive. Honestly, it’s been an amazing journey, filled with ups and downs. The lessons, challenges, and growth have all been worth it.
Between tight timelines and unexpected fires, how does having a friend at work change the way you handle the chaos?
Zainab: Friendship is a big part of it. When you’re doing a job that is intense, you have to trust the person next to you completely, and that trust usually grows into real friendship. You rely on each other under pressure, communicate without hesitation, and have each other’s back no matter what. That bond makes the team stronger and helps everyone perform better when it really counts.
Janet: In a role like ours, friendship makes the work easier. We’re often in high-pressure situations, so having that level of trust and understanding helps us communicate better and support each other when it matters most.
Your roles come with a lot of calls. On busy days, what helps you stay grounded, focused, and motivated?
Zainab: I will say reciting my daily words of affirmation has helped a lot because I get to interact with different types of people due to the nature of my work
Janet: By staying focused on our purpose, supporting each other in our little way, and remembering why the work we do truly matters
And to wrap it up on a soft note, what’s one thing working together has taught you about each other (and maybe even about yourselves)?
Zainab: It has taught me Loyalty, that communication is key, it has also helped me see that I am a good team player, and I now know better how to resolve conflicts.
Janet: I’ve learned so much, how to stay strong through challenges, communicate openly, and how to be there for people, both at work and in life.