In a time when many businesses are fighting against paying their employees a fair wage and providing more benefits, one local company stands out.

Ruby Slipper Café was opened by Jennifer and Erich Weishaupt in 2008. The concept of an all-day brunch restaurant serving signature cocktails quickly caught on, and today has expanded to 13 restaurants employing over 500 people.

In an article published by Biz New Orleans, Ruby Slipper Cafe and its various area franchises/restaurants were highlighted for their work in providing employees with excellent benefits. These benefits go beyond, it would seem, comprehensive healthcare (including dental) and paid time off (which are provided).

For example, the company has partnered with Ed Navigator to offer services offered to all staff. This non-profit covers assisting workers with education plans for their student children and themselves even during their breaks and after-hours.

Alleviating this stress is an excellent way Ruby Slipper assists in the lives of its people.

Reward points for job performance are provided through the Kazoo App, and staff anniversaries are often celebrated by the management.

Reward points for job performance are provided through the Kazoo App, and staff anniversaries are often celebrated by the management. During the Mother’s Day flood earlier this month, employees weren’t punished for missing work, but they were rewarded for coming in with points from the app.

With Ruby Slipper, a little bit of care goes a long way to a happy work environment.

Bill Arceneaux has been an independent writer and film critic in the New Orleans area since 2011, working with outlets like Film Threat, DIG Baton Rouge, Crosstown Conversations, and Occupy. He is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and is Rotten Tomatoes approved.