FIONA

Chapter Nine: Getting Acquainted With New Team Members

Upon her arrival to the team member lounge, the new team members were gathered at the table watching a training video. Fiona stopped it, turned off the television set, and began the session, "Good morning everyone. I apologize for being late. There were unforeseen circumstances which prevented me from being here promptly. Right now, I'd like to go over your responsibilities. You will be universal in your skills. Not only will you be trained on cashier work, but you will also be trained as sales associates. You will assist the customers. There will be no standing around. Everyone must be productive at all times, except when you are on break. Are there any questions?"

One man raised his hand. Once he was acknowledged, he began, "Aren't there any papers for us to fill out today, such as W-2's, forms about benefits, and that kind of thing?"

"Didn't someone have you do that already?" Fiona raised an eyebrow.

"No. We were told to report here when we arrived for work today. The boss said you were to go over those items with us," a young lady replied while folding her arms in disgust.

"Okay. I'm sorry. I wasn't told anything about that. I was only told I was to train you today. Just a moment," she said, pressing the button on her Bluetooth, "Yeah. Ginny, bring me some W-2's and all the other forms the new employees are supposed to fill out. Marge was supposed to go over that stuff with them. Didn't she show up to work today? Fine. Bring the forms to the Team Member lounge pronto, so I can go over them with my people."

Ginny entered the Team Member lounge and handed the forms to Fiona.

"Thank you, Ginny. That will be all," Fiona said in a calm, but firm tone, passing out the forms, "Okay, we'll go over these as quickly as possible. We're already running late."

"I can't work on Thursday of next week, even though I put on my application I can work anytime and day of the week. Is there any way I can put in to have off on that day?" A woman asked, tapping her fingers on the table.

"You'll have to talk to the manager in charge of the scheduling about that. His name is Monty. Right now, we will go over the policies of the store. So please fill out the general information on the W-2's after we finish. Turn to page five in the handbook. Everything is pretty straight forward. You will need to familiarize yourself with our regulations. Does anyone have any questions, so far?" Fiona asked, looking about the room.

"Yes. How much of a discount do employees get off of merchandise? I have years of experience working for department stores. I do know discounts are often given to employees as an incentive. However, how much of a discount given varies from store to store," a middle-aged woman grunted, adjusting her glasses.

"That is covered in page two of our policies. But I can tell you, there is a 20% discount offered to all of our employees. You will also be given a complimentary discount card, upon completing the application form pertaining to them. Are there any other questions?" Seeing no one raise their hand, Fiona proceeded with the discussion, "Okay. Now, on the page I told you to turn to is our policies on theft. It is not tolerated. There are cameras every place except in the bathrooms and in the changing areas. Anyone caught stealing anything will be prosecuted. So don't try it. Doing so just isn't worth it. We have a 30-day return policy. It will also be printed on the back of the customer receipts. Customers have thirty days from their date of purchase to return and/or make an exchange on the merchandise."