Unlike its later counterparts ― such as the 1988 film “Working Girl,” which stars Harrison Ford as a romantic lead ― falling in love with a business associate is not a main plot point in this film. For these office employees, work is not a partner that loves them back, it’s just employment. Doralee is the boss’ secretary, Judy is the new office secretary, and Violet is the senior office supervisor, and they have a husband, an ex-husband and a dead husband, respectively. They need their jobs to support their lives and families. The job is seen as a necessary paycheck by Doralee, a place of squandered ambitions by Violet, and a new beginning for Judy, who is entering the workforce later in life following a divorce.
Article source: https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/dolly-parton-9-to-5-song-film_uk_6a8ef9d1e4b02b26136e08e6