Toast, Inc. Strives To Be The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread

Putting The Focus On Company Culture

Toast is not afraid to boast about its company culture. Toasters work hard in a fast-paced environment, so having a company with a strong culture is one way to show appreciation for those efforts, according to Employer Brand Manager Natalie Audelo.

"What you see at Toast is authentic," says Audelo. "It's real, not just talk."

Two major components of that culture are the phrases "bring your full self to work" and "no ego."

Toasters are a diverse group with many talents and are encouraged to be themselves in the workplace, while the "no ego" mantra is observed from the top-down.

Executives at the company don't sit behind glass windows and are often seen interacting with Toasters, says Audelo. "We treat everyone here with the same level of respect...you have to check your ego at the door." Audelo says Toasters also have a real appreciation for the work they do in helping restaurant owners run their businesses more efficiently. "There's a real cool component to the technology and the impact it has on our customers."

Employees seem to appreciate the company's mission and culture.

"The opportunity that we have to become the leader in the restaurant [point of sale] industry is the kind that you're lucky to see even once in your career. It remains a privilege to work alongside the incredibly talented team here," one employee wrote in a Glassdoor.com review.

"The culture and environment is excellent. Everyone is happy to be here, and gives their all everyday - not because they are forced to, but because they believe in this company's mission and the product we sell. It's truly something to get behind," another employee wrote.

A Team That Plays Hard, Works Well Together

"Work hard, play hard" is a phrase that sometimes gets thrown around when employees describe the culture at Toast. Audelo says having that type of culture is a way to keep Toast's growing workforce connected.

The company holds fun gatherings, such as open-mic nights and seasonal celebrations. Toasters recently enjoyed great food and drinks from local customers at their annual Oktoasterfest celebration. Smaller teams within Toast will also schedule gatherings to do fun activities outside of work, such as bowling or cooking classes.

"It's easy to become siloed as you grow," Audelo says. "But, what helps companies scale well is staying connected to everyone and what they're doing....these events really humanize that."

Toasters showcase some of these fun activities on the Life at Toast Instagram page.

Toast also puts an emphasis on employee recognition and strong internal communication. Peer-nominated "Toastie Awards" are a way Toasters can nominate each other for good work. Quarterly winners receive stock, an amazon gift card, and dinner with company executives, Audelo says.

Another way employees are recognized is through the company's popular internal Slack channel "Appreciate," where Toasters can leave messages of appreciation for each other.

There's Always Room For Growth

There are a number of examples of Toasters starting with the company in one role and advancing into another or changing directions within the company.

"We put a big emphasis on growing our people," Audelo says. "Especially since our hiring is only going to continue to accelerate."

To foster employee growth and learning, employees are given a $1,200 professional development stipend to use on books, conferences or any type of course or program related to career growth.

Additional benefits available to employees include unlimited vacation time and flex hours, a wellness stipend that can be used on any type of personal wellness activity (gym, spa, acupuncture, mental health, etc.), and on their five-year anniversary employees are given a one-month paid sabbatical to use as they please.

Toast has doubled in size in the last year and currently employs 2,400 people and shows no signs of slowing.

In addition to its headquarters in Boston,Toast also has offices in Omaha, Chicago, Portland (Oregon) and Dublin, Ireland.