When I first came across the job post for Pablo and Rusty's Coffee Roasters, I was immediately intrigued. Working for a coffee company? Who doesn’t love that idea? And on top of that, they have incredible sustainability initiatives—consider me sold! The more I learned about the company, the more impressed I became with their commitment to not just great coffee, but also to their team and the planet.

Hey there, awesome folks! I’m Ray, part of the Human Resources team at Pablo and Rusty’s Coffee Roasters. From hiring to team reviews and trainings— anything to do with our people, I’m involved and I love it!

Recently, we received the "Great Place to Work" certification, which felt like a validation of everything we do here. It’s something we’ve always known, but having it recognised officially is pretty awesome! In this blog, I want to share with you what makes Pablo and Rusty's such a great place to work, from our well-being initiatives to our transparency, career growth opportunities and community engagement.

Wholesale team day out

A culture of well-being

For me, one of the standout benefits here is our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). It's not just about promoting mental health in a general sense; we have access to professional support for free and we can even share this benefit with a family member. I use it for casual well-being checks and knowing it’s always there if I need it gives me peace of mind.

We also have generous leave we can use for days off to rest and recharge. On top of that, we have flexible work arrangements – it’s always about output rather than hours worked. Work-life balance for the win!

Operations team hiking day!

Transparency and open communication

If transparency is defined as having monthly team meetings, bi-annual team surveys, quarterly performance reviews and an annual Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) training, then P&R checks all the boxes. These initiatives keep us updated on each team's progress and make us aware of any issues that need to be addressed.

Our monthly meetings provide insights into every team’s developments (including our personal achievements!) and everything is shared openly, including summary results from surveys. This level of openness fosters a sense of trust and collaboration among us. It makes us feel valued and aware of how things work around here. Plus, everyone is just so friendly!

Investing in your growth

Being with a company that spreads the message of drinking better coffee and caring for the planet naturally draws you into wanting to learn and do more. I wasn’t very skilled with coffee when I started, but I’m glad that we have amazing resources available to learn about coffee. And of course, I work at P&R... we can't be called a coffee roasting company if we don't have a training bar with all the coffee tools and equipment!

There are also great opportunities for career advancements, with pathways clearly laid out for those who want to grow within the company. The company is open to training suggestions and we’re free to suggest trainings that we think are needed for our roles for further advancement.

Coffee learning event

Giving back to the community

Our volunteer and training leave policies are something I hold close to my heart. It’s one of the many initiatives that really surprised me in a good way. We’re not just talking about sustainability; we’re actually doing something about it. It feels amazing to be part of a company that makes a real impact on the community.

We partner with organisations that align perfectly with our goals and we get 40 hours (that’s 5 days) annually to volunteer. It’s awesome to be part of something that truly makes a difference. Working for an organisation that genuinely cares and takes proactive steps to make the world a better place is something to be proud of.

Volunteering Day at Greening Australia

Perks that make work a delight

And lastly, how can I forget our coffee discount, first dibs on new merch, birthday gift cards, plus unlimited coffee at HQ! We also have team gatherings and FriYAY games. What more can you ask? It’s these little perks that make working here more enjoyable.

Working at Pablo and Rusty's Coffee Roasters is more than just a job. It’s being part of a community that cares about its people, its product and its planet. From the well-being initiatives to the opportunities for growth and community engagement, it’s clear why this is a great place to work.