Perks and Programs

We asked Ruby Receptionists, Inc. to share a few programs they feel really capture what's unique about their workplace. Here is what they had to say.

• Trendsetting Front-line Wages: Within the first year, front line receptionist employees receive two pay increases. Starting well above the minimum wage at $15.25, jumping to $16.25 at 6 months, and then to $17.25 on their first year anniversary. Beyond that, receptionists receive annual increases between $.75 to $1.00 on the path to earning $25 per hour after 10 years. Ruby was one of the first Oregon companies to increase our starting wage to $15 per hour in 2015. Each year we continue to step up our commitment to a livable wage for our Receptionist employees.
• Workplace Experience: Our award-winning spaces are nationally recognized, and the attention to design and detail are inspired by our core values and a desire to deliver these values day in and day out to our employees. Photo booths foster happiness with wall-to-wall collages of smiles, fun, and even some shenanigans. Collaborative coloring, chalkboard, and whiteboard walls create community and spark innovation. Absolutely every nook and cranny is open to employees 24/7: rooftop decks, ping-pong tables, cozy libraries, lactation and nap spaces, well-equipped fitness rooms, and more. Stop by any evening and weekend, and you’ll find employees throwing birthday parties and baby showers, hosting play rehearsals, or finessing dance routines for upcoming competitions.
• Ruby Corps: This year we launched our new philanthropy program, Ruby Corps. Based on an employee survey, we selected three nonprofit partners in support of homelessness, hunger, and education. Ruby Corps includes both organized team and people-powered volunteer opportunities. In 2018, we pledged $100,000 to support Ruby Corps programming including in-kind donations to our nonprofit partners, charity event sponsorships, and employee fundraising and contribution matching. Also new this year, employees receive 8 hours of paid volunteer time. Employees can also participate on the Ruby Corps committee for each office.
• Growing with Ruby: Ruby is the only company in Oregon’s history to achieve a “Fastest Growing Private 100 Companies” ranking for 11 years running. Every year of our 15-year history, we’ve earned double-digit annual revenue growth. We’re proof that focusing on culture is good business. All this growth wouldn’t be possible without team members who are equally devoted to personal and professional growth. In fact, former receptionists hold approximately 28% of our technology positions, and 66% of our management and admin positions. Our receptionist leaders—whom we call “Cultivators”—support team members’ development with the help of a transparent performance management platform, 7Geese. Each employee writes personally meaningful stretch goals and can see how their individual accomplishments contribute to larger company goals.
• People-Powered Culture Funds: Most of Ruby’s cherished traditions, core value-driven campaigns, and even our propriety technology were created by a Ruby. From our Fashion Fridays (no “casual Fridays” here) to our annual Space Kitten Pizza Party, Rubys have created a culture like no other. Leaders “Incent, Inspire, and Empower” team members to make their mark at Ruby. And we put our money where our mouth is: each employee receives $100 annually to create community or improve our workspaces. Rubys have used these funds to plan group outings and buy fitness equipment, Nespresso machines, and video game consoles for our offices. Rubys have 24/7 use of our beautiful office spaces, and regularly hold professional meetups and celebrate personal milestones like wedding and baby showers.
• Five at Five Sabbatical Program: For every five years of service, each Ruby is rewarded with five weeks paid time off—and that’s only the beginning. To ensure employees get the most out of their hard-earned sabbatical, they are supported with resources to get the most out of their time away, plus a $1,000 grant to help make their sabbatical dreams a reality. Through Five at Five, Rubys have traveled the globe, one filmed a documentary, and another disconnected from technology and explored the Pacific Northwest wilderness. As a special recognition to all Rubys, employees receive the day off to celebrate their Ruby anniversary – or as we call it, Rubyversary!
• WOW Program: As our employees make personal connections with our customers, we empower them to follow up with a handwritten notecard, personal video message, or gifts. All 450+ employees have unlimited access to our prepaid Amazon account where they can purchase anything they like for their connection—no approval needed. From a hump day camel costume that cracked up an entire office of attorneys, to a touching memorial for a customer’s beloved furry friend, the WOW Program allows employees to apply their unique personality and bring our mission to life. Additionally, each location has a “WOW Station” for express WOWing that is stocked with frequently gifted items like get-well packages, branded baby onesies, and other swag. As one employee describes it, “For me, the WOW Station means that I get to make a difference in peoples’ lives beyond their businesses. This makes my work life so much more than a ‘work’ life.”
• Be Swell! Be Well: At Ruby, we refer to Sick Time as Swell Time. Why? The term “sick” focuses on the problem rather than the outcome. After all, you don’t stay home to stay sick—you’re taking the time you need to get (s)well! To empower our employees and help them meet their personal wellness goals, Ruby hosts monthly Swellness Campaigns with themes including nutrition, financial health, and career growth. To help Rubys succeed along their fitness journeys, Ruby offers most everything one needs to get or stay fit. Each location includes a dedicated fitness room equipped with free weights, benches, yoga mats, and a sound system. During work hours—for free—employees break a sweat and find their zen in Zumba, Pilates, and yoga.
• Employee Feedback: We're continuously innovating more ways for employees to share feedback. This year, we introduced, “Ask Me Anything” giving employees opportunities to pose questions to any leader or department and get a straight answer. We hold live AMA sessions at quarterly staff meetings, and we have a digital version on our Intranet. This year we also created a Receptionist Ambassadors Program that connects receptionists with leaders across Ruby to increase communication and alignment. Employee elected Receptionist Ambassadors participate in bi-monthly meetings with Ruby leaders to promote a clear understanding of processes that uphold our service, support business needs and enrich our culture. Additional feedback is collected throughout the year via internal and external engagement surveys.
• Epic Events: Our annual marquee events include a swanky Winter Bash, always with a fresh theme and surprise location, and our Summer Parties hosted by each office, with different themes to reflect that offices’ idea of summer fun. Our New Ruby Brunches are small, intimate gatherings for new employees to connect with leadership and hear Ruby’s legendary stories. Other favorites include Breakfast with Santa, monthly happy hours, and Administrative Professionals’ Day, where we dress in Mad Men fashion, and pool Culture Funds for massages.

How to Get Hired

We asked Ruby Receptionists, Inc. for some inside information on how to get hired at the organization. Here is what they had to say.

What key characteristics tell you a prospective employee will be a great fit for your company?

They feel passtionate about our mission of creating real, meaningful, personal connections  in today's increasingly technology-focused, virutal world and look for ways to make someone’s day and get a kick out of making others say, “WOW!” They love a good challenge, seek ways to make things better, drive for results, and approach change with optimism. They infuse their work with their own unique personality and experiences. They put fun into professionalism and won’t hesitate to jump right in to our people-powered culture. 

What can prospective employees do to get your attention?

They WOW us by showing off their unique personality and how it shines in their work. They share stories! We'd love to hear how they hope to make a difference, how they want to grow, and what matters to them in a workplace. They explore our core values—Foster Happiness, Practice WOWism, Create Community, Innovate, and Grow—and see if they resonate and come prepared to talk about them throughout the interview process. They make their cover letter count! Attention to detail is key; double and triple checking to show that they care about the quality of their work as much as we do. They let us know how they will add to our culture. Why Ruby? Why now? 

Are there any positions or types of candidates you are particularly focused on hiring in this coming year?

We're growing rapidly (in fact we just celebrated our 11th year on Oregon's Fastest Growing Private 100 list) and are looking for the best and the brightest in many different fields. We're always looking for friendly, professional people who love connecting with others to join our receptionist team. We're also looking to grow our team of bilingual English/Spanish Receptionists. Other opportunities include Full Stack Developers, Web Developers, and roles in Product, Accounting, Sales, and Marketing.  

What should interested candidates do to find out more and get started?

We’re growing and always looking for great people for both our Portland and Beaverton, Oregon locations. See our current job openings and apply at http://www.callruby.com/careers.html. Don’t see the position you’re looking for? We’d still like to hear from you! Please submit a general application, and let us know what type of career you’re seeking. Please reach out to us if you see a position that matches your skills and passion.   Also check us out , #RubyLife, on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.  We pride ourselves on the fabulous culture and community we have, so if you notice someone who works at Ruby we invite you to connect! Questions? Drop us a line at careers@callruby.com. We’d be delighted to help! Ruby is an equal opportunity employer. We cultivate and encourage diversity.