4 minute read
Checkout - Our Members at Work: Monique Findley
Monique Findley
Union Member, Rexall Toronto
For five years, Monique Findley has worked at Rexall on Yonge Street in the northern end of Toronto.
As a Keyholder, Monique has many responsibilities that keep her busy throughout the day and it’s a job that she finds very fulfilling.
In her role, Monique often finds herself multi-tasking; ordering and stocking products, and also organizing and managing the floor during her shift. In addition to making sure everything runs smoothly, she feels an obligation to make sure that customers are kept up-to-date on items they’ve been waiting on.
“There is a lot of product shortage right now,” explained Monique. “I’ve had to get creative to manage some parts of the job, but I’ve definitely become more accustomed to being patient and realizing that not everything will go my way. But having a little fun and enjoying my work goes a long way to making the day more interesting and fruitful,” she added.
On Tuesdays, when there tends to be more senior customers, Monique goes out of her way to try and make their visit easier. She orders items for them and spends time talking with them about their needs and daily experiences. During the winter months, the store gets busier with lots of families coming in together, looking for special things to share and enjoy. Flu season too means a busier store, but Monique enjoys a busy workplace. “I love meeting new people and getting to know their wants and needs, and getting to make their experience memorable.” Monique's talent for remembering faces means she makes every customer feel welcome.
“Monique’s energy, joy, and friendliness are apparent as soon as you meet her,” said Union Rep, Maxine Prince. “She is really dedicated to making sure her customers have a great experience in the store.”
Monique truly enjoys customer service and loves the neighbourhood and community. From in-store regulars that light up her day with a big smile and enjoyable chats, to working with her retirement customers, whom she might never meet, to help them figure out the products they need and create their orders.
Of course, working in retail has it’s downside sometimes, too. “It can be hard when customers take out their frustrations on staff,” said Monique, adding that she wishes people would “please have patience and be respectful. We’re doing our best.”
During the pandemic, Monique found it difficult sometimes to keep a balance between her work and personal life. She found it hard to say ‘no’ when asked to help out. “It was stressful,” she said. “From reminding customers about masks, to having to tell them when we were out of stock on a product they were looking for… I don’t like disappointing others.”
Wearing a mask all the time and working from behind a plexiglass divider was difficult for Monique because she’s someone who loves seeing the faces of others and their expressions. The pandemic also helped bring Monique and her co-workers closer out of a need to keep in touch more often for scheduling and other things.
Monique credits her co-workers for making her days fun and enjoyable too.
Between this job and another, Monique has worked in the neighbourhood for more than seven years. And, like many retail workers, it is often her customers who make Monique’s days amazing. “I really do love my customers,” she said. “They have been a part of my life experience; helping me come out of my shell, and be more energetic and comfortable.”
When she’s not at work caring for her customers and the community, Monique makes sure she has uninterrupted time to herself, often turning to music and drawing, to recuperate and de-stress.
Monique finds reassurance in belonging to UFCW Local 175. “The Union has helped me with my benefit plan and in improving my working environment,” she said.
Thank you, Monique, for going above and beyond on a regular basis to enrich the experience of your customers in the store. You are a vital part of your Union and a wonderful ambassador for retail workers everywhere.
