Whoever said that the pandemic killed workplace friendships hasn’t met these HomeTeamNS colleagues-turned-buddies who can’t seem to get enough of each other’s company.
TEXT: NUR ADLINA BINTE ADAM
PHOTOS: HOMETEAMNS
It’s an apt time to celebrate the friendships we’ve forged over the years, including those at work. Such a meaningful connection is shared by HomeTeamNS staff James Chia and CPL (NS) Tedrick Chin, who’ve become as thick as thieves after they first met at HomeTeamNS’ corporate office during a period marked by fear and uncertainty. James is an Assistant Manager in HomeTeamNS’ Membership Services team, while CPL (NS) Chin — who served his National Service as Corporal, PAD (Public Affairs Department) and MMT (Multi Media Team) at the Singapore Civil Defence Force — is a corporate communications officer whose work involves content ideation and production for the organisation’s social and internal platforms.
“We met back when the world was still in the early stages of fighting COVID-19, and the company had to implement a hybrid work arrangement where employees were split into two teams that alternated between working from home and in the office. James and I happened to be on the same team, which meant that hanging out together for lunch was a given,” recalls CPL (NS) Chin. He shares that he and his pal bonded over their shared interest in toys, anime and video games.
Eventually, as pandemic-related restrictions were lifted and physical events resumed, the duo was deployed to work at HomeTeamNS events such as the Cathay Movie Screenings, Annual General Meeting, REAL Run and National Day Picnic By the Bay. Working closely together only served to strengthen their friendship.
THE FEELING IS MUTUAL
It’s rare to find workmates who spend as much time together outside of work as the pair. Despite their different roles at HomeTeamNS, they always make time for gym and makan sessions. But it’s something they say has happened organically.
“It has become the norm for us to hang out as a group after work events. Since then, we’ve been visiting the gym together to help one another reach our personal fitness goals,” James shares. Both aim to pass their IPPT and stay active. And what do they do when they want to indulge? “We recently went to Johor Bahru, Malaysia, with our colleague for loklok (skewered foods served with dips),” adds James.
Such activities keep the duo motivated, especially when they are faced with a hectic day at work. “Friendship makes work fun as you always have someone to joke around with, so the environment isn’t dull,” says CPL (NS) Chin.
One of the highlights of their time at HomeTeamNS was getting to try out the various installations at Aqua Adventure at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir — which include a 114m-long water slide — with their teammates prior to its opening. The event was held under the organisation’s WeCare initiative that promotes greater work-life balance. CPL (NS) Chin says that participating in the activities together revealed a side to his colleagues that he previously wasn’t privy to. He was surprised to discover adrenaline junkies within the company, and is grateful for the opportunities to get to know his counterparts such as James on a personal level. “A workplace is only as enjoyable as the friendships you form there,” concludes CPL (NS) Chin.
WORK AND PLAY TOGETHER
HomeTeamNS promotes healthy living and work-life balance through its WeCare initiative, which encourages employees to participate in physical activities every Friday. Here, staff are free to head outdoors for walks or swims an hour before the workday ends.
To facilitate more cross-department bonding, HomeTeamNS formed ‘DNA’ groups – Resilience, Collaboration, Integrity, Belief, and Ownership – among the staff, which represent its organisational values.
WHAT TO EAT AROUND HOMETEAMNS CLUBHOUSES
CPL (NS) Chin and James share their pick of places to wind down with friends after work.
Georges – HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir
Fuji Izakaya KTV Pub – HomeTeamNS Khatib
Sum Dim Sum – HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir
Sri Bistari – HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir
Swatow City – HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok
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