Today, I’d like to take a moment to share with you what we’re doing to support our team, our friends and neighbours, and our loyal community of Marley Spoon customers like you.
While COVID-19 has changed the way all of us currently live our lives, some have been more gravely affected than others. It’s why we’ve launched a series of initiatives aimed at helping to navigate these uncertain times.
STAFF SUPPORT
Having been deemed an “essential service” business, we are acutely aware of our obligation not only to our customers, but also to our team of dedicated fulfillment center employees working to ensure that every member of our Marley Spoon community continues receiving their meals each week.
To ensure their health and well-being, we have canceled non-essential meetings; implemented daily health checks and surveys; added social distancing indicators to our work spaces; installed dividers and screens; and reinforced our stringent sanitation and hygiene practices.
Additionally, all staff have been advised that, if they feel at all unwell, they will receive financial assistance for the duration of their time off. We did this both to maintain a safe and healthy workplace, and to alleviate the financial fear of losing income due to illness.
For those who are healthy and able to continue working, we’ve increased some of the benefits of working for Marley Spoon, such as ability to take home excess fresh produce or reduced wait periods for all new employees so they receive our “free boxes for all employees” benefit within two weeks of hire. While these steps will not alleviate all financial burdens, we believe that every little bit can help.
FREE REFERRAL BOXES
Customers who have ordered more than two boxes from us will have seen an announcement on our website or received an email saying that they could now refer 10 friends to receive their first box for free, plus shipping. That number used to be three. We increased it because we suspect that you, like all of us, are close to someone—a colleague, a neighbour, a family member—who has lost a job and/or seen their personal circumstances negatively impacted due to COVID-19.
A free meal kit will not change this, we know. But we also know that food is not a luxury, and everyone, no matter their circumstances, should have access to it.
HIRING NEW EMPLOYEES
As food providers, we are experiencing a surge in demand for our meal kits. Due to this increase, we are hiring more staff, which we hope will provide much-needed jobs to displaced workers living near our two fulfillment centres. It is a social responsibility and a privilege to aid those whose lives have been impacted by job loss as we continue to support communities across Australia who rely on our deliveries.
SERVICE LEVELS
Over the last couple of weeks, many people in Australia have shifted purchasing their groceries and meals online and many consumers have been stocking up on essential goods. In addition restaurants, bistros and cafes are temporarily closing to reduce transmission of the virus.
Besides the tragic impact on the lives of many employees working in these businesses, the impact is also severe and sudden on the underlying food supply chains, which will need some time to calibrate again. The impact of this on Marley Spoon has been minimal so far. However, we may experience some disturbances over the coming weeks.
To that end, please remain patient with us as we may have to shift deliveries away from your preferred time slot during this period or may have to substitute an ingredient.
Now more than ever, I am grateful for the Marley Spoon meals I receive and cook with my family every week and the dedicated people who make it possible. These measures will neither adequately thank them nor solve all of the challenges we, as a society, are facing. But it’s my personal belief that small steps can have a big impact.
Thank you for your continued support in these endeavors and being part of our Marley Spoon community.
Fabian Siegel, Founder & CEO
