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 Wages & Success Sharing: Ruby was one of the first Oregon businesses to increase our starting wage to $15/hour back in 2015—simply because it was the right thing to do. We believe compensating employees with a fair, living wage is fundamental to living our Fostering Happiness core value. When we made the announcement, one employee posted to Facebook: “How amazing to be working for a company that truly values each employee, and that recognizes the need for a living wage." We strive to outpace the norm on annual cost of living increases and all employees receive quarterly and annual profit sharing. Recent history has seen our starting wage for receptionists increase to $15.25 an hour, after 6 months they can earn $16.00, and ultimately make up to $19.50.
• Inbox of Positivity: Over 12 years ago, Ruby committed to sharing every compliment from every customer and caller with the entire company. Last year alone, employees shared over 10,161 compliments to our all-employee email list, WeRock. Sharing compliments ensures that every employee understands how meaningful their work is—more than fielding calls, our employees keep alive those personal connections increasingly absent in today’s technology-focused world.
• Ruby 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.
• Empowered to Practice WOWism: Practice WOWism, one of Ruby’s treasured core values, is all about delivering experiences far beyond expectations. As employees create meaningful, personal connections with customers, they follow up with experiences that surprise, delight, and WOW. To empower practicing WOWism, every employee has access to our prepaid Amazon account; they can purchase anything they like, for any amount, for any customer, at any time, no questions asked! The caveat: they have to share their story. We tell the best of these stories at company-wide staff meetings and create legendary posters to inspire more creative acts of WOWism. Plus, WOW story winners receive $500 cash. Our WOW Station, for express WOWing, is stocked with notecards, get-well packages, Ruby mugs with Portland coffee, and our famous Ruby Happiness Journal.
• Onboarding Ruby-Style: A company built on first impressions, Ruby starts WOWing new employees at the first connection. Artfully orchestrated, Ruby’s onboarding experience is designed to anticipate our new employee’s every need and help them immediately feel part of our community. New Rubys find their desks showered with notecards from team members, a Guide to Life at Ruby handbook, and a custom Welcome Gift Box inspired by our core values. Some of the surprises you’ll find inside are gift cards to nearby eateries (enough to invite a co-worker or two to Create Community!), magnets to display treasured items at workstations, and a customized water bottle adorned with a map of the local neighborhood.
• Growing with Ruby: We’re so committed to our core value, Grow, we refer to managers as Cultivators as they take the time to understand their employees’ passions and career aspirations, and help them discover and build upon their unique strengths. As a result, former receptionists hold 25% of our technology positions and 85% of our management positions. Tapping the entrepreneurial spirit that connects us to the small businesses we serve, Ruby hosts a Launchpad event at our annual all-company meeting. Employees can pitch their business idea and the winner receives seed fund money and one paid day per month to work on their business.
• 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 pre- and post-sabbatical personal coaching sessions with world-renowned positive psychologist, Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener, 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!
• 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.
• People-Powered Culture: How does one company host an annual talent show, monthly book club, running club, board game nights, parent-child playdates, green team, swap meet, kickball team, and Friday dress-up days (just to list a few of the Ruby happenings)? A people-powered culture fueled by our core value Create Community. People bring their passions to Ruby and we say, “Go for it!” We even provide the space, communication tools, and a budget. Every employee receives annual Culture Funds of $100 to bring their ideas to life. With 24/7 access to our newsworthy workplaces, there’s always a perfect place to host.
• Epic Events: Our annual marquee events include a swanky Holiday Party, always with a fresh theme and surprise location, and our Summer Party-- this year we’re hosting our own music festival, including four musical acts, farm-to-table food carts, and onsite camping, all held under the beautiful Oregon sky! 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?

You’ve found your true calling if you relish the opportunity to create real, meaningful, human connections. You look for ways to make someone’s day and get a kick out of making others say, “WOW!” You love a good challenge, seek ways to make things better, and approach change with optimism. You infuse your work with your own unique personality and experiences. You 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?

WOW us by showing off your unique personality and how it shines in your work. Share some stories! We'd love to hear how you hope to make a difference, how you want to grow, and what matters to you in a workplace. Explore our core values—Foster Happiness, Practice WOWism, Create Community, Innovate, and Grow—see if they resonate. Let us know, why Ruby?

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 10th 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. We’ll reach out as positions that match your skills and passion become available.   Also check us out , #RubyLife, on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  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.