The pair have shared some incredible memories over the years and are even planning a US book tour in 2024.

McInerney was “apprehensive” about working in close quarters with someone, but that all changed once the two met. “Work environments can be really intense, and I think before I would’ve worried about bringing work stress into friendships,” she says.

However, according to Drage, having a workplace friendship requires important boundaries. “We met at work so the basis of our relationship is professional, which I think is really useful as I’m careful to be extra respectful,” she says. “It means that I’m her ally as well as her friend. Work can be tough, but we’ve got each other’s backs, so individually we don’t have to be as strong.”

McInerney agrees: “The past three years has really shown me the flip side of this — how rich and fulfilling your job can be when you work with people who love you, support you and trust you.”

Let’s talk about the joy of workplace friendships