Transit matters to tech employees

If you have written a review for a product you bought online, chances are you have interacted with PowerReviews’ technology. Founded in 2006, PowerReviews is a global technology leader in reviews and user-generated content for more than 1,000 brands and retailers. The company recruits software engineers, user experience professionals, product technology experts, designers, data scientists, sales people and client success pros who coach brands and retailers on how to leverage their technology to increase website traffic, improve sales conversion and reduce product churn. Clients span industries including apparel and shoes, health and beauty, food and beverage, plus home and garden. Their roster notable client brands includes Lucky Brand, Crocs, Wrangler, Skechers, Ulta, Estee Lauder, Aveda, MAC, Hershey’s, Teavana, Dean and Deluca, Room and Board, iRobot, and World Kitchen.

In technology, especially SAAS, talent is key. PowerReviews notes that transportation is a critical consideration among candidates at all levels, from executives to entry-level staff. The company actively promotes its transit accessibility, and this continues to be a selling point for employees. In fact, 95 percent of PowerReviews’ 160-person staff ride Metra and CTA. The company makes riding transit as cost-effective as possible by providing pre-tax transit benefits for transit or parking at the Metra station. The company promotes transit accessibility along with other amenities including daily ping-pong tournaments, standing/treadmill desks, and a wifi-enabled rooftop deck.

Transit is a major location factor for tech companies

The company is now located at 1 N. Dearborn. Among the top priorities when considering this location was transit access. At the onset of their search for this location, PowerReviews asked its real estate broker to analyze employees’ home addresses and the modes of transportation that were available at potential locations. The close proximity to CTA Red and Blue lines, as well walkability to Metra, were key determining factors in choosing the current location.

Transit helps the company do business daily

The Loop Location matters not only to staff but also to contractors that travel to PowerReviews’ offices to provide services.  When consultants or remote workers from out of town travel to Chicago they appreciate that PowerReviews’ office is a direct train ride away on the Blue Line from O’Hare Airport.