Call centre makes getting to work a perk

BY NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register

Convergys continues to create new employment opportunities for rural Nova Scotians by establishing van pool transportation service to Western Valley residents who gain employment at the company’s call centre in Cornwallis.

The van pool was launched earlier this fall, and currently transports seven employees four days a week between Berwick and the Convergys location in Digby County. Employees who take advantage of this cost-shared program save money on gas and can work shifts when public transportation may not be accessible.

Dean Murray, one of seven riders on the Berwick-based van, said the service was “a real draw” when he considered the job.

“By taking the van, I am saving between 50 and 70 per cent (of my driving costs) and it is a lot less stressful than driving on my own,” acknowledges Murray. He drove back and forth for a few weeks in the summer, an experience he calls “miserable.”

He says the van service is not only convenient and cost-effective, it has also introduced him to a great group of people.

“We are like a little family, we talk and joke around. It makes the drive actually enjoyable,” says Murray.

The company has plans to expand the service to the Kingston area in the near future.

“It will be a fabulous opportunity for persons seeking employment in the Kingston-area that normally would not be able to work at Convergys in Digby because of transportation barriers," says Convergys Human Resources Manager Richard Ayling.

Another van based in Digby transports employees from Meteghan and Weymouth to Cornwallis.

Convergy’s Cornwallis location has been open since 2004 and Ayling notes it’s been a busy place. The facility handles inbound calls from the United States and the company’s original five-year contract has been extended to 2011, “so people can see we’re not going anywhere.

“We’ve been very successful in Nova Scotia, having grown our business to five sites with over 4,000 employees. In Cornwallis alone, we employ over 550 people - thanks to the support of the community and the talent and dedication of our staff,” adds Ayling.

While the business is not currently running 24-7, Ayling says there are a variety of shifts potential employees can choose from. The van which originates in Berwick gets employees to the facility in time to begin the 10:30 a.m. shift.

“These employees work a 10-hour day, four days a week. It cuts down on their traveling and offers a three-day weekend,” says Ayling.

Business expansion has Convergys currently looking to hire customer service representatives to provide assistance and support for customers in the telecommunications industry.

“We are looking for people who have good customer service skills,” says Ayling. “A basic understanding of computers is desirable, but the customer service skills are the ones that are most important.” People were invited to apply at a job fair December 4 in Kingston, but wintery weather kept the fair from being well-attended. Ayling is planning another job fair in the area for early in the new year. Before then, he says people can also apply by calling (902) 638-0169 or emailing cornwallis.recruitment@convergys.com.

Ayling says introducing the van pool has proven to be successful in attracting and retaining employees, and created a “green spin-off.

“By expanding the van pool, we are taking multiple cars off the road - and that’s a good thing for the environment,” says Ayling, adding other vans can be added as the need arises.