Our Company Culture
Respect, balance and a work hard/play hard attitude. That’s how Robson Souza, Corporate Controller here at Rent it Furnished, described RIF’s company culture when recently interviewed at our Vancouver based headquarters.
Creating a work environment such as this is a difficult task, but it’s one that is taken very seriously at Rent it Furnished.
As the company’s Founder and President Erika Weimer says: “Our aim is to deliver the best possible service for our clients, which is only possible when we are supporting and empowering each and every member of our staff. We appreciate our employees, and we make sure that they are recognized and rewarded for the hard work they put in.”
If you’re curious about what it’s like to work at Rent it Furnished, take a peek at this short video:
Rewards and recognition
For example, we celebrate a lot of ‘workaversaries’ around here! It’s really the team who’s celebrating their members and what says “we’re so glad you’re here” better than flowers, some bubbly and a card signed by your team members? We feel it’s important for everyone to know how valued they truly are and we certainly won’t pass up an excuse for ‘Happy Friday drinks’ at the office. Aside from more casual potlucks or get-togethers, RIF staff parties like our annual Halloween bash and the extravagant Christmas Party at the Vancouver Club are highly anticipated every year.
Employees who have been with us for over 5 years also receive some special treatment. Aside from a very generous vacation package, there are beautiful awards that are handed out to the company’s longest serving staff members.
Three members of staff currently hold this accolade. Heather Wood was RIF’s first employee and has been with the company for almost nine years. Kelly Winton is RIF’s most senior sales/leasing agent and has been with the company for over five years, as has property manager Vera Sal who initially took on a portfolio of only twenty properties, and now oversees her department, managing almost 200 properties.
Respect
These awards are all about the gratitude and respect that is central to RIF’s ethos. As Robson explains: “No one wants to work somewhere where they don’t feel respected. But respect is more than simply being polite and professional. At RIF respect is part of our company culture – we don’t only respect each other, we also respect the things we all care about. We listen to each other.”
“What’s more, RIF sees its employees as human beings that need more than just our jobs to lead happy, fulfilled lives. There’s an understanding here about the importance of taking care of self as well as others. Which is also why we have fun activities in the office from time to time – it’s a way of giving back for the hard work that has been accomplished.”
Professional development
RIF strongly believes in building its employees and actively supports their education and further development. “I am a strong believer in personal development and the power of mindfulness” says Founder, Erika Weimer. “We have recently hired the Tony Robbins Organization to provide company-wide business results training and professional coaching for all of our staff. And I am really proud of that. We want to empower everyone who works here to realize their dreams and go after their ambitions personally, and professionally.”
Thanks largely to the incredible people it employs, Rent it Furnished has grown from strength to strength since opening in Vancouver in 2009. Consequently, the company has undergone significant growth, and now operates out of Toronto, Montreal and New York City. Our real estate division also recently launched in Vancouver and rumour has it that Ottawa will be next to launch.
This ensures that our employees have the space and opportunity to grow. Whether it’s training, career progression or a change of direction, RIF provides the personal and professional development support its staff need.
Work with us
All of this makes Rent it Furnished a pretty special place to work. As Robson says, “the company has a great environment, fun staff members, and a really supportive team.”
If you want to be part of it, then we want to hear from you. We are always on the lookout for talented leasing agents, property managers and realtors to join our team. If this sounds like you, please do not hesitate to contact us.
If you’re still wondering whether a role at Rent it Furnished is for you, then Amrita Guram, one of our leasing agents, has a final word on the matter: “We work independently but still have support of the team to fall back on if needed”, she says. “If you thrive on a fast-paced environment and love different aspects of real estate, then this is the job for you.”
Written by Lottie Laken