Zahra Afkir

What does your work involve?
‘It’s quite varied. Of course, I spend a lot of time on the phone. I answer all incoming calls and transfer them to the right colleague. I also handle incoming and outgoing mail, book meeting rooms, order office supplies, lunches, and sometimes dinner. Recently, I have also been helping customer service with a number of administrative tasks. But what I am best known for is being the friendly face behind the counter. With fruit and sweets for those who like them.”

What motivates you?
‘I like to help. I call customers whose night deliveries didn’t go smoothly first thing in the morning and tell them exactly where their parts have been delivered. They appreciate that. And recently, when there was a storm, many drivers were stuck on their routes. They called me for advice. It felt good to be able to connect them to a colleague who could help them figure things out.’

What makes Parts Express special?
“When I was sick recently, I received so many kind messages. Everyone is so involved. That really became apparent when a colleague at the office passed away recently. That was intense…! Everyone experienced their own intense emotions. But everyone looked out for each other and was genuinely concerned about the other person. That’s how we came to terms with it together. It shows how close we are here.”