FORTUNE Magazine has listed Advantage Answering+ as number 12 among the nation’s top 25 small workplaces on its annual 2014 Great Place to Work® list. Divided into two categories, Small (25-250 employees) and Medium (251-999 employees), the FORTUNE list has recognized companies with exceptional workplace cultures for the past eleven years. Advantage Answering, a comprehensive live receptionist service with 35 employees and over 800 clients throughout the nation, has been based in San Luis Obispo since it was founded in 1992.
The list is in the magazine’s online edition now and in the Oct. 6 issue of FORTUNE magazine.
Competing against hundreds of companies across the country, Advantage Answering+ participated in a rigorous selection process, which included an employee survey and an in-depth questionnaire about benefits programs and company practices. Great Place to Work® evaluates each application using its methodology based on five dimensions of a great workplace: credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie.
“The success of our company depends on the success on our team,” said Marci Imes, Advantage Answering+ founder and CEO. “We know the caring service we provide over the phone gives our clients a real advantage in the quality and professionalism of their business. That’s why we build our team with those who share our passion for contributing to our clients’ success by making a positive difference in the lives of others.” Imes said the family owned business has succeeded in blending work and fun, and as a result, team members remain dedicated to working with passion, integrity, professionalism, and enthusiasm. “The Advantage culture is the heart and soul of our organization—it’s truly ingrained in everything we do.”
The enthusiasm of the employees may come from the company’s perks and opportunities beyond the 401K plan and annual bonuses—some of them requiring outside-the-box creativity for dozens of employees who work around the clock:
Performance Incentives: Team members who go above and beyond in demonstrating the company core values are rewarded with gift cards and gift certificates to local coffee houses, delis, juice bars, restaurants, movies, local theaters, record stores and spas.
Rock Star of the Quarter: Each quarter, employees vote for a peer to be recognized as the Rock Star of the Quarter, winning a trophy, a personal gift and special recognition in the company’s Hall of Fame.
Quarterly themes and competitions: Each quarter the company launches a quarterly campaign that inspires employees to meet their individual and collective goals in a fun and meaningful way. Employees are rewarded for creating positive and meaningful connections with callers and clients, while promoting a sense of fun and connectedness.
Birthday Celebrations: Each month, the team gathers for a birthday party to celebrate the team members born during that month. The company’s founder bakes special birthday desserts upon request and the team is invited to participate in the celebration.
Anniversary Celebrations: The Company recognizes and celebrates each team member’s work anniversary with a floral or succulent arrangement, or a personal gift and a letter congratulating them and thanking them for their contributions and dedication.
Creature Comforts: Advantage Answering+ employees are comfortable on the job with ergonomic workstations and office equipment, and a modern employee lounge.
“The work of these companies is quite impressive,” said China Gorman, CEO of Great Place to Work®. “They provide an example that others can look to, to see what kind of outstanding workplace is possible—regardless of size, industry, or other circumstances. For example, the growth that many of these companies are experiencing is tremendous, and they are paying close attention to culture every step of the way. This focus on a strong cultural foundation will help pave the way for continued success as they serve their employees and their customers.”
The recognition by FORTUNE was made based on comprehensive employee feedback, provided anonymously to Great Place to Work®. At Advantage Answering+ that feedback centered on the work place culture.”Working with admirable people is one of the best aspects of working here,” one employee said. “I feel that being surrounded by positivity is healthy and helps bring out the best in everyone. I feel this is not easily attainable, but we have people who love what they do and are enthusiastic every day. A mentality like that takes hard work, and loads of dedication. It’s inspiring to be around that.”
“My employers are very unique,” another employee said. “They truly care about their employees. They encourage everyone on a daily basis to be the best they can be. Most of all, this company is truly fair and honest with both employees and clients.”
Gorman said organizations named on the list see many benefits that include better financial performance, less employee turnover, higher levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, more innovative and creative thinking, higher productivity and enhanced public perception.
To see the 2014 Great Place to Work Best Small & Medium Workplaces list visit www.greatplacetowork.com. The Advantage Answering+ website is http://www.advantage-plus.com.
Advantage Answering+ provides 24/7 live receptionist services and after hours telephone answering services from its headquarters in beautiful San Luis Obispo, California. Serving the entire United States for more than 20 years, its team of friendly and professional receptionists transforms business calls into positive and meaningful experiences. Advantage Answering’s comprehensive services include daytime virtual receptionist services and after-hours emergency call handling for businesses of all shapes and sizes, including attorneys, contractors, professional service firms, technology companies, medical professionals and government agencies. Their approach is to create an environment where its virtual receptionists thrive in order to better its clients’ business.
Great Place to Work® provides the benchmarks, framework, and expertise needed to create, sustain, and recognize outstanding workplace cultures. In the United States, Great Place to Work® produces the annual FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® list and the Great Place to Work® Best Small & Medium Workplaces list.