Container Store focuses on needs of workers, who focus on patrons

It may be the new kid on the block when it comes to Las Vegas businesses, but The Container Store has been an immediate hit with employees.

Although it opened in May in the former Borders in Town Square, the Dallas-based chain focusing on storage and organization needs has been ranked No. 2 workplace among small companies.

The company came to Las Vegas with a national reputation for being a top place to work.

For 13 years, The Container Store has been recognized by Fortune magazine on its annual list of 100 Best Companies to Work For in America. On Feb. 14, the company holds its national “We Love Our Employees Day” with T-shirts and food and gifts for employees.

Thousands of people applied to fill about 50 positions, and most are still with the company today, said Norine Rudolph, general manager.

“People love to come to work every day,” Rudolph said. “It’s like a little family. We support and help out each other, and that carries over to customers.”

The company offers three health plan options for full-time employees and two plans for part-time employees. It even offers discounts on pet insurance.

Rudolph said one company practice employees like is that schedules are made three weeks in advance, and that enables them to have a better balance between their work and personal lives.

“They have time to get a baby sitter and better plan,” Rudolph said. “The retail industry is not a Monday through Friday 8-to-5 job.”

Employees said they like the flexible schedules and the ability to make changes without any drama.

“I am part of this family and have never felt useless or unimportant,” one employee said. “They truly care about each employee as an individual and as a team.”

“I love this company,” another said. “It’s the first human company I’ve ever worked for. We are all a family.”

Rudolph said that’s part of the company culture and important because when employees are taken care of and have fun, they better take care of customers.

“It builds high morale, and they want to come to work, and they come with a smile on their face,” Rudolph said. “We pride ourselves on connections and communication with customers and our employees. We want to get to know them and build on that.”