In a context where many companies face a major challenge due to labour shortages, Roy. has implemented an innovative international recruitment program to address the lack of qualified talent.
This article takes you behind the scenes of this program with Nathalie Lévesque, senior talent acquisition specialist, international recruitment division. We'll walk you through the candidate selection process, their welcome to Quebec and to the Roy. company, as well as the initiatives put in place to support them through this professional transition.
At Roy., the integration of new team members from all over the world doesn't stop at administrative formalities. It includes caring support for our colleagues throughout their professional journey.
What you'll learn in this article
- ✓A solution to support workforce needs
- ✓The triumphant launch of the international recruitment program
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Over 800 applications for the first cohort
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The talent we're looking for
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The journey of new employees at Roy.
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A program in constant evolution
A solution to support workforce needs
The international recruitment program was born out of a desire to find effective solutions to staffing challenges. Many organizations in Quebec are currently facing a labour shortage, and Roy. is no exception.
« Finding candidates for our night shifts is particularly difficult. This program helps us recruit motivated, qualified talent who want to work in a country with great career opportunities. The people who applied for the first cohort of the program are professionals who are extremely excited about coming to Quebec to improve their quality of life, gain new skills, and share their knowledge with our employees. »
The triumphant launch of the international recruitment program
Roy. successfully launched the first cohort of the program in 2023 in partnership with a firm specializing in international recruitment. Thanks to this initiative, 10 professionals took the leap to settle in Quebec and work at Roy. for a fixed 24-month period.
« The members of the first cohort are already shining in their respective roles! They're currently settling into their new life in Quebec at their own pace. I truly admire their extraordinary courage and resilience. They're diving with determination into a new chapter of their lives within the Roy. family. Rest assured that we're doing everything we can to support them through this transition. »
Members of the first cohort of the international recruitment program
A second cohort now led by Roy.
At the beginning of 2023, Roy. decided to take the recruitment process in-house, in order to gain more autonomy over the procedures. Since then, the company has launched its second cohort and is currently selecting the next 20 candidates who will join the team.
From the recruitment stage through to the welcoming and smooth integration of new team members, Roy. looks after every detail and meticulously manages all the administrative steps.
« We handle the entire process, including obtaining the 24-month closed work permit, purchasing round-trip plane tickets, helping with housing searches, and more. The goal is to make this transition as simple as possible for our valued new colleagues. »
Over 800 applications for the first cohort
To build the first cohort, an email recruitment initiative was launched with current Roy. employees. The idea was simple: ask them if they knew anyone living in another country (family members, friends, former colleagues, acquaintances, etc.) who might be interested in the international recruitment program. The response was extremely positive, with over 800 applications in record time!
« We were impressed by the enthusiasm generated for our program and for Roy. We're thrilled to see that our employees feel good at Roy., and that this loyalty is reflected even thousands of kilometres away with their loved ones. It's also reassuring for potential newcomers to know they'll be working in a caring, diverse environment where they'll earn a competitive salary. »
The talent we're looking for
In addition to being hardworking, caring and motivated, here are some of the eligibility criteria for the international recruitment program:
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Have at least one year of experience in cleaning services;
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Speak and understand French;
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Naturally embody Roy.'s values: solidarity, courage, authenticity and proactivity;
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Be willing to work evening and night shifts.
The journey of new employees at Roy.
During this process, several steps are taken to carefully select candidates, welcome them, and prepare them for their first day of work. Here's an overview of the journey of new employees taking part in the international recruitment program:
Candidate selection process
At this stage, Roy.'s recruitment team is fully committed to finding the best talent to strengthen our teams. Several virtual meetings via WhatsApp are needed to assess whether there's a professional match between candidates and Roy. These conversations help us learn more about candidates, their values, their experiences and their motivation.
« To dig deeper into a candidate's technical skills and ensure the best fit with our team, we involve seasoned Roy. employees who work in the field in the interviews. Beyond cleaning experience, we also place great importance on candidates who show an ability to fit in smoothly with their new professional environment. »
Candidates' arrival
As soon as they arrive at the airport, candidates are warmly welcomed by a member of the Roy. team and accompanied to their new home. And that's just the beginning! The recruitment team, led by Nathalie, takes care of all the administrative aspects to ensure smooth integration, such as:
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Opening bank accounts.
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Obtaining a social insurance number and a health insurance card.
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A first grocery run for the first few days in Quebec.
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Activating a cell phone with a SIM card.
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Purchasing appropriate clothing for the winter climate (if needed).
« We make sure our new colleagues feel at home from day one. We give them all the support they need to make their transition into their new professional adventure at Roy. as smooth as possible. »
First day of work
The first day of work is a crucial step in the process for candidates, as it's their chance to meet their colleagues and get familiar with their professional environment.
During this first day, filled with new introductions, the candidate is welcomed by Nathalie, the director, as well as the contract supervisor at Campus Roy.
« During this day, our candidates have the opportunity to complete all the training planned for our new hires. Even though candidates already have experience in the field, our goal is to teach them the Roy. method and make sure tasks are carried out safely and efficiently. »
After training, candidates are paired with a resource person on their contract, who will support them during their first few weeks of integration. Those responsible for the international recruitment program also maintain regular check-ins with newcomers to ensure their well-being, safety and social support.
A program in constant improvement
« Integrating newcomers isn't just about administrative formalities. There's a huge social aspect to consider in helping them settle into life in Quebec. We're constantly looking for ways to improve their well-being. On a more personal level, I make sure during every check-in that newcomers have everything they need to settle in well here. If any issues or needs come up, our team makes itself available to help. I genuinely feel privileged to share this adventure with these people! »
