The Office That Felt Like Family (and Why That’s So Rare)

Long before I became a mum or made the leap to self-employment, I worked from a huge hangar in Speke, Liverpool. It was the sort of place you wouldn’t expect much from—a massive building filled with desks and computers, home to the operations of The Very Group On paper, it was just a job, but in reality, it was so much more than that. It was the office that felt like family, and looking back now, I realise just how rare that truly is.

The Work: Hard Grafts and High Standards

Flexible working wasn’t really a thing back then. You showed up, worked hard, and left when the job was done. It could have been monotonous, even overwhelming at times, but somehow it wasn’t. The culture in that office turned what could have been just another job into something special.

We were a team bonded by shared challenges and a commitment to doing the work well. And at the centre of it all was my boss, Simon Duckels To this day, I still think fondly of him. He was the kind of manager who made everyone feel seen, valued, and heard.

Simon wasn’t your stereotypical boss. He didn’t lead with ego or wield authority like a weapon. Instead, he led with a mix of kindness, humour, and high expectations. He knew how to push you to be better while making you feel supported every step of the way.

Simon had this incredible ability to see potential in people—potential they often didn’t see in themselves. I remember him giving me responsibilities that, at the time, I didn’t think I was ready for, especially working within such a high profile area in Electrical. But he trusted me, and that trust pushed me to rise to the challenge. He didn’t just care about the results; he cared about the people.

And it wasn’t just me who felt this way. The entire team thrived under his leadership. We knew he had our backs, and in return, we gave our all.

The Camaraderie: A Second Family

The team dynamic was unlike anything I’ve experienced since. We celebrated wins together, not just within our own departments but across the entire operation—merchandising, buying, direct delivery (DD), and more. There was a shared understanding that when one team succeeded, we all did.

This camaraderie was especially evident at Christmas, the busiest and most stressful time of the year. My department—Electrical—was under immense pressure to ensure every order went out on time. Parents across the UK were counting on us, and the stakes felt enormous. We worked tirelessly to make sure no child was left without their Wii or other must-have gadgets under the tree.

During those hectic weeks, it wasn’t uncommon for colleagues from other departments to pitch in and help wherever they could. Whether it was troubleshooting a supply chain issue or staying late to ensure our supplier had gotten every order out, everyone came together to make it happen. The spirit of collaboration and mutual support made even the most challenging days feel manageable.

Why It Was So Rare

Looking back, I realise how rare that culture was. Many workplaces talk about being “like a family,” but few actually live it. What made this office different?

1. Leadership That Cared: Simon set the tone by leading with empathy and integrity. He valued people as much as productivity, and that made all the difference.
2. Shared Values: We weren’t just working for a pay check cos trust me back then they didn't pay so great!; we genuinely cared about the work and about each other. That shared commitment created a sense of unity.
3. A Culture of Respect: There was no hierarchy of importance. Everyone’s role mattered, and everyone’s contributions were acknowledged.
4. Trust and Autonomy: We were trusted to do our jobs without micromanagement, which gave us a sense of ownership and pride in our work.
5. Team Wins Were Everyone’s Wins: Success wasn’t siloed. When a problem arose in one department, others rallied to help solve it.

How It Shaped Me

That job wasn’t just a stepping stone in my career—it was a foundation for how I approach work and relationships today. It taught me the value of leadership that prioritises people, the importance of building connections, and the power of mutual respect.

It also showed me what’s possible when work feels like a shared mission rather than just a transaction. It’s a lesson I carry with me, especially now as a self-employed mum navigating the challenges of being both a parent and a professional.

Why It Matters Today

In today’s world, where flexible working and remote teams are more common, it’s easy to lose that sense of connection. But workplaces that feel like family aren’t just a relic of the past—they’re a goal worth striving for.

For leaders, it’s a reminder that culture starts at the top. For team members, it’s proof that supporting each other isn’t just the right thing to do—it makes the work better, too. And for all of us, it’s a call to create spaces where people feel valued, respected, and connected, whether in an office or across a Zoom screen.

Closing Thoughts

I’ll always look back on those days at Shop Direct with gratitude. It wasn’t just an office; it was a second home. And Simon wasn’t just a boss; he was a mentor who left a lasting impression on how I see leadership and teamwork.

As rare as it was, it’s not impossible to replicate. The office that felt like family is a reminder that work can be more than just work—it can be a place where people thrive, together.

?? Have you ever worked somewhere that felt like family?

I’d love to hear your stories in the comments. After all, those rare workplaces are worth celebrating.