2023 is a big year for Robyn, an employee at Good Sammy Geraldton. It marks her twentieth year of working in the store and she has much to celebrate.
Seeing the bubbly and outgoing Robyn today, you’d never guess she was once too shy and uncomfortable to engage with anyone at work. She’s well and truly come out of her shell and formed positive relationships with her co-workers and customers, chatting happily, cracking jokes, and even belting out a tune when the urge takes over.
Store Manager Linda has noticed a big change in Robyn’s confidence. “She used to just keep her head down and do her work”, Linda says. “She would never smile or talk - and certainly never sang, but that is not the case today. She is like a new woman.”
As one customer remarked, Robyn has “found her voice” - in the figurative and literal sense. Robyn dreams of being a famous singer and performing around the world. She likes that she gets to listen to her favourite music while working in the back room as it helps her concentrate and feel at ease. With her newfound confidence, she often sings along and does so without the fear of being judged. “I like that I can have fun and be myself at work”, Robyn says.
One of Robyn’s employment goals when starting at Good Sammy was to socialise outside of her house and enjoy herself. It’s fair to say she’s achieved that goal and more. She plays a big role in creating a positive atmosphere in the store and lifting people’s spirits. Linda says, “Robyn brightens our day, every day. She is super funny and it seems to make her really happy when she makes others laugh.”
Another goal of Robyn’s was to use the till independently and serve customers herself. She now has the skills and confidence to do that, too. In fact, she’s become so competent that she’s now a full-time employee. Her work days are spent doing a number of different tasks, such as manning the till and handling cash and card transactions, sorting donations, pricing toys and other stock, hanging clothes and putting stock on the shop floor. She’s even earned the nickname “Rocket Robyn” for all her hard work.
Robyn enjoys doing all these tasks - especially serving the customers whom she describes as “happy and cheerful”. She gives one hundred percent in everything she does – even tasks she’s not too keen on, like colour blocking.
Linda says, “Robyn is so sweet and very hardworking. She’s worked here for 20 years and still always does her best. The store would simply not be the same without her.” You can read more about the store here.
If you’re a local, or just passing through, be sure to call in to Good Sammy Geraldton and wish Robyn a happy work anniversary. If you’re lucky, she might even sing you a thank you!
Happy work anniversary, Robyn.
