Since they started working together last year, Human Resources benefits coordinators Anika Hudlow and Sam Pace have built a supportive and fun working relationship. In this conversation, Anika and Sam talk about humor in the office and describe how creating everyday fun at work helps them feel connected and motivated.
Can you describe your jobs and what you do at work from day to day?
Anika: We help employees with their University of Oregon benefits, mostly their health insurance. We answer questions that come in and handle the back-end processes like enrolling employees in benefits, paperwork and forms. Basically, all things benefits-related.
How did the two of you start working together?
Sam: It was a hot Wednesday in August. Out of all the HR offices in all the world, I walked into yours. (laughter) But seriously, during our first Teams meeting, I noticed she had a bookshelf behind her with one of my favorite book series. I immediately thought, “Oh my God, we’re going to be best friends.” And then we just … worked.
Anika: Yeah, we connected over the book series and realized we had a lot in common. We also have the same sense of humor.
What’s something the other person does that makes your workday easier or better?
Anika: I appreciate Sam’s perspective on all things, including work things. She sees things I might not. She also brings humor on rough or busy days. It’s easy to spiral into stress, and Sam lightens the mood. That’s huge.
Sam: Anika has a deeper understanding of things since I’m still fairly new, and it’s helpful to have her expertise to bounce ideas off of. And when things feel heavy or stressful, we can create levity.
Can you give an example of the levity?
Sam: We reference song lyrics constantly. Sometimes we rap battle. And sometimes I just say something completely out of pocket and Anika laughs. Then it’s like, “Okay, that was wild. Anyway, back to work.”
How has working together influenced your confidence or growth at work?
Anika: In HR, having internal support is crucial for longevity. Feeling supported by your teammates makes your day easier. Having someone to bounce things off boosts my confidence. And honestly, the laughter makes coming into work much more enjoyable.
Sam: Knowing Anika as a person, not just a colleague, makes it easier for me to receive feedback or instruction from her. Because I know her. And I’m motivated to help her, too. I don’t want to be the lazy one!
If one of you is having a tough day, how does the other help?
Sam: Sweet dance moves.
Anika: And singing.
Sam: Exactly. People underestimate the power of laughter at work. A good belly laugh can reset your entire day. And having a friend who understands exactly what you’re dealing with makes all the difference. I can explain things to my husband, but he’s not going to understand it, whereas Anika is going to be like “Oh, I got you. I know why that’s frustrating.” Then she tells a joke, and suddenly everything feels manageable.
Can you describe a time when your relationship helped you work more efficiently or avoid a problem?
Sam: Because we understand each other’s communication styles and motivations, there’s less miscommunication and tension. I trust her to do an incredible job, and she trusts me to … do my best!
Anika: We compensate for each other. Some days my 100% is only 50%, and her 100% is 60%, but together it works. We know when to step in for each other and take on tasks when the other needs support. We communicate constantly because we are right next to each other, and that open line of comfortable communication makes work easier.
What advice would you give leaders and supervisors about creating space for work relationships like yours?
Anika: Allow time for connection: morning chatter, quick personal check-ins, things like that. Our supervisor does a great job of acknowledging us as humans, not just workers.
Sam: Team building helps, too. When I first started, our team did an escape room with live actors — terrifying, but effective. I’d never do it again, but it bonded us quickly. Creating opportunities outside regular work where people can just be people really matters. I appreciate that my teammates see me as human, not just a bot doing the work.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Anika: It’s okay to have fun at work, and having a friend makes that easier.
Sam: Yes, the best thing about coming into the office is knowing I’ll see my friend. On the days she’s not here, I’m sad!
—Top photo: HR benefits coordinators Sam Pace (left) and Anika Hudlow share tips for engaging with work through humor and friendship