Over the next few months we will continue to feature some of our fabulous employer partners and the Transitions graduates they have hired. We appreciate our employer partners and their leadership in hiring individuals of all abilities for employment opportunities. Please support these companies and spread the word by joining Transitions to Work on Facebook at www.facebook.com/transitionstoworkboston.
Destination XL – Add Value, Exceptional Customer Service, and Have Fun!
The banter around the conference table was filled with laughter, shared goals and experiences. Describing Mark Burgess, Administrative Assistant for Destination XL and Transitions to Work graduate, Walter Sprague, Senior Vice President Human Resources, remarked “we are the lucky ones.” Walter shared his philosophy to build and develop a good team and to hire individuals who add value and continue to grow in their roles. Mark has done just this in his year at Destination XL.
Destination XL Group, Inc. is the largest specialty retailer of men's big and tall apparel across the country, including Destination XL, Casual Male XL, and Rochester Big & Tall store locations. Hired to handle basic office administrative tasks, a needed addition to support the Human Resources, Payroll and Benefits groups, Mark dove right in. Mark reorganizes and brands files, manages labeling and mailings for the benefits group, updates job application status and profiles of online job applicants, edits requisitions and handles other computer tasks. Jennifer McClaren, Human Resources Generalist and Mark’s supervisor, is a big supporter of Mark’s work ethic and skills. “Mark is always ready to take on extra challenges. He asks questions and is great at time management. He has even taught me a few things on the computer! “
Mark started his job with Destination XL working two days a week. Recently, he was given an additional day shift and received a raise. Mark is excited about all he has learned since starting at Destination XL. A computer technology fan, Mark has expanded his skills by learning how to use several new systems and works on a wider variety of computer tasks. He interacts with all staff members through his mail delivery responsibilities and due to his prime office location. Jennifer described Mark’s significant contributions and insights to the development of an online training module.
Having Mark on board has made a difference to the whole team. Mark’s skills and responsibilities have allowed others to delegate work to him and free up their roles to expand and grow their responsibilities. Walter stresses the importance of individual development throughout the organization and is pleased by Mark’s continued growth and by the impact Mark’s learning and success has had to allow other colleagues to also achieve additional success. Mark is truly part of the team effort.
Walter’s philosophy of hard work also includes another important rule…Have Fun! The department has a collegial feel and shares in celebrating birthdays, ice cream days and other special events. Tracy Piper, Director of Human Resources-Talent Management, explains, “Mark was part of the team right away. He participates in team meetings, offers his insights, and always has a joke to share with his colleagues. “. Mark and Destination XL make a perfect fit!
Transitions to Work continues to connect with new employers to educate on inclusive hiring and build employer partnerships. Please let us know if you or someone you know might be interested in exploring Transitions to Work as a fit for your or their company. To learn more about Transitions to Work or view inclusive hiring tools, please visit: http://www.cjp.org/transitions-to-work.aspx
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