Chantal could do the job of commercial cleaner with her eyes closed. She's what you'd call a true industry veteran, with 20 years of experience in the field.
Let's discover her inspiring journey at Roy. and her role as Director of Operations together.
What Chantal shares with us:
- ✓From commercial cleaner to Director of Operations
- ✓A driven and approachable manager
- ✓Winning over the new generations
- ✓A piece of advice (or two!) for a future Roy. employee
- ✓Roy. through Chantal's eyes
From commercial cleaner to Director of Operations
Chantal began her journey at Roy. as a commercial cleaner. She quickly climbed the ranks within the company to hold foreman and management positions.
Today, it's in her role as Director of Operations for the South Shore region that she truly thrives. A role she's very proud of, as she was the first woman at Roy. to reach such a management position, now 17 years ago.
A major milestone at Roy.
Landing this position was also a way for Chantal to pave the way for women at Roy. to access similar leadership roles.
Throughout her journey, Chantal never experienced inequality or discrimination. She felt supported and saw that she was given all the room she needed to achieve her goals and follow her career path. She wanted, however, to change people's perception of the cleaning profession.
"17 years ago, people assumed that women in the field only dusted and swept. I never let that perception hold back my ambitions. I've always carried out heavy-duty cleaning work that used to be more commonly associated with tasks men performed."
Growing thanks to Roy.'s support and trust
Her journey has been marked by moments of mutual support. For Chantal, the trust and flexibility her supervisors gave her greatly contributed to strengthening her sense of belonging within the company.
This flexibility allowed her to grow both professionally and personally. As a single mother, Chantal had to find a balance at work in order to properly manage her job and her family.
"If my child was sick, my supervisor would let me leave and finish my tasks later. I always felt that Roy. was there for me and saw me as a woman with a life (and sometimes challenges) outside of work. Today, I extend that same trust to my team members whenever they need it. That's what makes all the difference and makes work even more enjoyable, and certainly more human."
A driven and approachable manager
Chantal knows the reality of the job. That's what helps her be a better manager for her team and her clients.
"I'm direct in my approach, but I want the best for my team. I also show a lot of empathy toward my employees. My years of experience allow me to understand the challenges associated with the profession. I often see myself in them, and I make myself available so they feel supported throughout their journey at Roy. I'm well aware of the role I have to play in creating the best possible employee experience."
Winning over the new generations
As a director, Chantal admits she's affected by the labour shortage. What reassures her is the effort Roy. puts into developing its employer-of-choice culture and staying attractive in the recruitment world.
"The company is constantly evolving to offer competitive benefits to its employees and to encourage people to apply. We manage to engage our new hires, and our efforts place Roy. among the top employers in Quebec. Candidates know they'll be well taken care of here."
A piece of advice (or two!) for a future employee
"One piece of advice I'd give a new hire at Roy. is not to get discouraged and to give yourself time to learn how to perform the tasks. Yes, the job can sometimes seem difficult, but the work routes were designed so employees can carry them out as simply as possible. Trust yourself and don't hesitate to ask for help."
She goes on to recommend that Roy. employees seize advancement opportunities whenever they arise.
"It's rewarding to take on new responsibilities and move up the ladder. You don't need to wait 10 years to advance at Roy. I myself have little formal education, and I never would have imagined becoming Director of Operations one day. It all happened so naturally, because Roy. takes the time to properly train its key players and is able to spot leadership qualities quickly."
Roy. through Chantal's eyes
"I'm very grateful to be part of the big Roy. family for almost 20 years now. I feel a great sense of pride working within a family business with such wonderful values. I've had the chance to cross paths with incredible colleagues who believed in me and helped me grow in my career."
Want to live the Roy. experience?
Taking care of our people is at the heart of Roy.'s strategy. We know very well that a memorable customer experience starts with happy employees on the ground. To promote well-being at work, we offer our employees a wide range of benefits as well as paid onboarding and development training at Campus Roy.
What's more, Roy. offers a competitive salary set by a Quebec decree that currently sets the hourly rate at $19.74 or $19.97, depending on the tasks performed.
We're also very proud to be Great Place to Work certified (for 2 consecutive years now!!) and to have won the Workforce Training and Development award in 2022 at the Mercuriades.
