Top workplaces, small: 2. The Container Store

One of Las Vegas’ newest entries to the retail community remains a top workplace in Las Vegas.

For the second consecutive year, The Container Store, a Dallas-based chain focusing on storage and organization needs that opened May 2012 at Town Square, is ranked No. 2 among small businesses.

“We’re thrilled and excited to be among the elite of companies to work for in Las Vegas,” says Norine Rudolph, the store’s general manager. “It goes to the heart of our success already in Las Vegas. We are developing our brand. We are doing things right. We care about each other, and they feel appreciated. You have to do that. We empower employees, and they are excited to come to work.”

The company has a national reputation for its workplace setting. For several years, it has been recognized by Fortune magazine on its annual list of “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America. It holds its “National We Love Our Employees Day” on Feb. 14 as part of a company culture that subscribes to the belief that, by taking care of employees, they better take care of customers.

The company is known for its health insurance for full-time and part-time employees, and discounts on pet insurance. Employees tout their flexible work schedules that are set weeks in advance, and their ability to easily change them.

Rudolph says the founding principles of the company call for treating vendors, customers and employees with dignity. Communicating with employees is vital and powerful as well, she says. Co-workers even send appreciation notes to each other, she says.

“We have so much respect for each other and care about each other,” Rudolph says. “We all want to come to work every single day and do the best we can. It’s not just about sales goals, but no company is going to make its sales goals unless it takes care of its employees.”

The Container Store does extensive and repeated interviews with candidates to find the best fit for the store, Rudolph says. The philosophy is one great employee is equal to three average ones, she says.

“We pay them well (above the retail average) and care for them and value them, and they respect that,” Rudolph says. “That’s important in this day and age of customer service.”

Customers notice right away the friendliness and knowledge of employees, Rudolph says. Employees aren’t just trained for one task, such as ringing up customers, but cross-trained in sales, installation, design, processing and other tasks, she says.

“They know their position is valuable, and they get training all of the time,” Rudolph says.

Pamela Grauer, a full-time sales associate, says she’s been amazed at how everyone is treated the same and feels cared for. Everyone has the same badges on and are allowed to make decisions.

“It helps you feel like it’s your company,” Grauer says. “It gives you ownership. It feels like an extension of home. If you come in to work and are trying to cover up something that is happening to you, we know each other so well that we can pick up on it. We feel comfortable doing that. We’re just like family.”