The networking power of social media.
Former Dick Smith employee of 18 years, Graham McFarland (pictured below), has launched a Facebook page, which now has 965 active members, to help workers find employment.
McFarland told Appliance Retailer that after the final announcement that Dick Smith stores were to be closed, some of his colleagues started a Facebook page that now holds over 5,000 members, including current and past employees.
“The page gained a lot of attention, especially from the receivers, Ferrier Hodgson, although they were not happy about statements being made and photos from disgruntled employees. So the administrators of the page decided to turn it into a closed page, invite only.
“I saw people who felt hopeless, and scared about their future. I floated an idea with the group about trying to find the workers new employment,” he said.
McFarland then visited his local store in Rouse Hill Shopping Centre NSW.
“When I visited the store it hit me hard. Consumers were ravaging through the store like it was a Myer Boxing Day sale. They were so rude and focused on a deal. I stood back and all I could see was the staff. They were teary and exhausted, and it was only days since the announcement. I was only there to experience it for myself. The manager just couldn’t talk to me at all, holding back the grief.
“The reality is there weren’t 2,950 vacant roles in the market for specialty retail in Australia or New Zealand, so I started the Facebook page,” he said.
McFarland said it took a few days for the page to get some traction. He started with some close contacts and by the end of the second week, he had engaged with over 40 companies.
“They were all understanding and willing to help. In fact most of them were themselves ex Dick Smith Staff. The reality here is there is actually a lot of work in Australia, but you have to get out there and find it,” he explained.
McFarland said companies that have hired former DSE employees include: Amart, Repco, Officeworks, The Warehouse NZ, Supercheap Auto, Cash Converters, Jaycar Electronics, Crossmark, Digital Camera Warehouse, Big W, Woolworths, Telstra, Flight Centre, among many others.
“My ultimate aim was simple – to start finding work for the employees. I never in my wildest dreams believed that it would explode like this, but I am grateful that it did. I have a huge network of friends and colleagues that were there to take my calls and direct me to decision makers fast. I sincerely thank them all for this,” he concluded.