sarah and lou - international friendship day

Celebrating International Friendship Day: The Beauty of Meeting Your Best Friend at Work

Celebrating International Friendship Day: The Beauty of Meeting Your Best Friend at Work

Rebecca Skeet our consultant managing the role
Date posted: 20/11/2024

Friendship is one of life's greatest treasures, and there's no better time to celebrate it than on International Friendship Day. While many of us think of friends as those we meet during childhood or through social activities, there's an increasingly popular place where lifelong bonds are formed: the workplace.

Imagine walking into work on your first day, nerves tingling and uncertainties looming. Now, fast forward a few months and picture sharing inside jokes, celebrating each other's successes, and offering support during busy shifts. This transformation from colleagues to best friends is not just a happy coincidence; it's a testament to the deep connections that can form when we spend our days working closely with others who share our passions and goals.

In this blog, we will explore the unique dynamics of forming friendships at work, the benefits these relationships bring to our lives, and stories from people who found their best friends while working together.

Nicki & Becky

Nicki and Becky met while working at a Premium Country Pub undergoing a major remodel. Becky was transferred to help with the reopening, while Nicki was already an established member of the team, balancing her part-time job with university studies.

"Nicki was the first person I met when I walked through the door, and we clicked from the start," Becky explains. Their connection was instant, and they quickly formed a close friendship, spending their days off together and even going away on city breaks.

"We found it so easy to spend time together at work. We have the same sense of humour and get along so well," says Nicki. "But also, we were able to work together so well as we both knew and understood each other so much, we didn’t even have to speak to communicate—a look was enough!” Despite Becky moving on to a role at the head office, their bond remained strong. They continue to take regular trips together and were even each other's maids of honour at their weddings.

Their sons, just a few months apart in age, are also very close. "It’s chaos when the boys get together—they’re very loud, but there’s a lot of love between them," Nicki shares with a smile.

"I feel so lucky to have found Nicki," Becky adds. "She is my biggest support and cheerleader! I'm so glad we had the opportunity to work together for so long; it really cemented our friendship."

Sarah & Lou

Sarah and Lou’s friendship began in 2014 at M&B, where they both worked in the Guest Care department. Lou was already a team member when Sarah joined and was a part of Sarah’s induction training. From the first day, Lou made a lasting impression on Sarah, sparking a bond that would grow over the next decade.

Sarah fondly recalls, “Lou was the friendliest face I met on my first day in Guest Care. Now, we don’t go a day without speaking! It doesn’t feel like we’ve only known each other for ten years—it feels like forever (in a good way!).”

Both Sarah and Lou share a positive attitude and a great sense of humour, which naturally drew them closer. An interesting twist of fate revealed that their fathers attended the same school and were in the same year, hinting that their friendship was destined. Over ten years, they’ve navigated life’s highs and lows together, always cheering each other on. They even have two sons, whom they hope will become best friends just like them.

Lou reflects, “Shortly after meeting each other, we pieced together that our dads actually attended the same school and were in the same year at secondary school—so perhaps it was always meant to be that we became friends! Seeing Sarah thrive in her role makes me super proud.”

Work played a pivotal role in their friendship. Having a common professional interest provided a strong foundation for their bond. They have countless memories from annual events like PRIDE awards and Christmas parties to everyday fun moments in the office. The pair enjoy making the most of their employee discount on many social occasions!

James & Liam

James and Liam became friends while working together in a bustling Ember Inns kitchen. Being friends at work not only increased their enjoyment but also made long shifts feel shorter and challenges more manageable. "It's like having a brother by your side," Liam said. “We would work fun into the daily tasks, constantly joking and sharing stories to lighten the workload.”

The role of a chef demands teamwork and excellent camaraderie, and James and Liam thrived in this dynamic. “There was nothing we liked more than when it’s busy and there’s a lot of noise. We know each other well, so we can anticipate each other's moves in the kitchen,” James explains.

Outside of the heat of the kitchen, James and Liam would often spend time together, whether it was grabbing a drink after a long shift or enjoying day-off activities. Their friendship extended beyond work. "Knowing you've got a friend at work makes all the difference," Liam mentioned.

Their mutual respect and trust turned problem-solving into an opportunity to grow closer. This camaraderie made the kitchen not just a place of work, but a place where they could enjoy each other's company and build a friendship that would last a lifetime.

Celebrate International Friendship Day with M&B

Being friends at work is truly wonderful, as the stories above illustrate. Friendships are a testament to how work can bring people together, making daily tasks more enjoyable and providing unwavering support through all of life’s phases.

Want to find your new work bestie? Check out our roles today. here: www.mbcareersandjobs.com 

FAQs on International Friendship Day

When is International Friendship Day?


International Friendship Day 2024 is celebrated on 30th July, and it's recognised on the same day every year.

What is the theme for International Friendship Day 2024?

The theme this year is building new friendships: promoting social interaction, intercultural understanding, and fostering new connections across communities.

List #1

Some articles you might like

rising star - general managers at M&B
Essential skills for becoming a successful General Manager at M&B

Teaser

Management

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

12/04/2024

Summary

Thinking about becoming a General Manager? Here’s what you’ll need to succeed The path to becoming a General Manager is as rewarding as it is challenging, but success doesn’t happen by chance.  I

Teaser

Find out more
Laura Kelly

by

Laura Kelly

Laura Kelly

by

Laura Kelly

General Manager of the year awards - three people smiling on stage
Celebrating M&B’s General Managers of the Year: Inspiring Stories of Growth and Success

Teaser

Culture

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

12/04/2024

Summary

At Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), our General Managers are the heartbeat of our business, driving excellence in hospitality and creating unforgettable guest experiences.  We believe in celebrating su

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

image of kayleigh
How a temporary Christmas job at M&B kickstarted Kayleigh’s career in hospitality

Teaser

Management

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/28/2024

Summary

Temporary Christmas jobs are a great way to earn extra cash for the holidays while gaining valuable work experience. They offer the chance to build new skills and try out roles like bar, waiting

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

two men and one woman working in a kitchen in their chef whites and smiling
Everything you need to know about being a Kitchen Manager at the different M&B brands

Teaser

Kitchen

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/28/2024

Summary

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to lead a buzzing kitchen team, create memorable dining experiences, and make your mark in hospitality, you’re in the right place.  To give you a better ide

Teaser

Find out more
Laura Kelly

by

Laura Kelly

Laura Kelly

by

Laura Kelly

Image of scottish hills and lake
Celebrating St Andrew’s Day: Job opportunities in Scotland

Teaser

Culture

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/27/2024

Summary

As we approach St Andrew’s Day, it’s the perfect time to celebrate not only the rich culture and history of Scotland but also the opportunities available within Mitchells and Butlers.  What is St

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

image of hala
Home and away, the job that's here to stay: M&B’s university transfer scheme

Teaser

Bar and Waiting

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/27/2024

Summary

It’s that time of year again, university students are going back, freshers is in full swing, and so many students are moving across the country!  We know that having a pub job at uni is the best

Teaser

Find out more
Rachel Weaver

by

Rachel Weaver

Rachel Weaver

by

Rachel Weaver

waiting staff greeting guests at M&B - customer service in hospitality
Crafting memorable moments: The importance of customer service at M&B

Teaser

General

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/22/2024

Summary

In today's busy world of pubs and bars, it's not just about the drinks. What really sets a place apart is how well they treat their guests. At M&B, we believe that every interaction is an opportu

Teaser

Find out more
Katie Handy

by

Katie Handy

Katie Handy

by

Katie Handy

image of bar staff serving drinks with a smile
From serving to socialising: Why Bar jobs in London are a great choice

Teaser

Bar and Waiting

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/22/2024

Summary

So, you're thinking about a bar job in London? Let me tell you, it's not just a job – it's a lifestyle upgrade!  Picture this: every shift is a chance to meet new people, learn new skills, and ex

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

image of part-time staff holding drinks tray
Looking for a part-time job? Here’s everything you need to know to get started!

Teaser

Bar and Waiting

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/06/2024

Summary

What is a part-time job?A part-time job is pretty much what it sounds like—a role where you work fewer hours than a full-time position.  For anyone looking to earn some extra income, balance work

Teaser

Find out more
Sophie Dawson

by

Sophie Dawson

Sophie Dawson

by

Sophie Dawson

Christian from Stonehouse
Can you go from Chef to General Manager? Yes, you can!

Teaser

Management

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/06/2024

Summary

At Mitchells & Butlers, we pride ourselves on the growth and development opportunities we provide to our employees.  We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Christian, General Manager of th

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

Jobs

Jobs you might like...

Chef

Salary

Competitive Salary plus tips

Location

Harvester - Grays, Grays, RM16 6UT

Departments

Chef

Hours

Full Time

Vacancy Type

Other role

Brand

Harvester

Location

Grays

Description

No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you! As a Chef at Harve

Reference

2342150

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Apply Add to shortlist
Full Time Experienced Bartender

Salary

Competitive Salary

Location

EGO - Penhow, Penhow, NP26 3AD

Departments

Bar Staff

Hours

Full Time

Vacancy Type

Other role

Brand

EGO

Location

Penhow

Description

No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you!  As Bar Staff at E

Reference

2342498

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Apply Add to shortlist
Part Time Shift Supervisor

Salary

Competitive Salary

Location

Wallace, Coventry, CV6 2JF

Departments

Shift Supervisor

Hours

Part Time

Vacancy Type

Other role

Brand

Sizzling Pub & Grill

Location

Coventry

Description

No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you! As Part Time Shift

Reference

2342420

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Apply Add to shortlist
 

job search