From the start, we were careful to develop step-by-step systematic procedures for every sphere. The Company defined a uniform methodology for its procedures and the way they are written, updated and distributed. For over two years, we consulted with and were assisted in writing the procedures, by a number of outside specialists. All the Company's activities are based on these procedures, on professional regulations of the food industry and on legal and regulatory requirements. Every Arcaffè manager and employee is invited to initiate and forward suggestions concerning writing new procedures; in doing so he must explain the exact purpose of the procedure.

In this way, we update our procedures periodically. Just as in the leading American retail chains, our employees are obliged to learn and implement the relevant procedures in order to carry out their duties properly. The procedures book is the branch manager's "bible". It promotes uniformity within the chain and supports the managers' preparatory training.

In addition, it helps us provide the necessary knowledge for the employees so that they can successfully and effectively fit in to work at their branch in particular and the Company in general. The training and qualification process, as well as the procedures and the instructions, are all aimed at encouraging the teams to develop.

The training provides the tools for employees to develop, both in the sphere of coffee and in management and leadership. Our work ethic encourages teamwork, social cohesion and striving for excellence. We make sure to hold decisive discussions with employees, in order to gauge the employee's satisfaction with his work, as well as to get feedback on ourselves. Moreover, we find it important to coordinate expectations between the employees and us. Employees are invited to initiate such conversations with their superiors.

 We are committed to providing employees with everything to which they are entitled by law, and more. Employees are entitled to annual vacations, convalescence allowance and sick days as per the law. Demobilized soldiers are awarded rights to tax exemptions. The Company has number of bonus programs, where the bonus is awarded to outstanding barmen and duty managers, at the discretion of their immediate supervisors.

Recognizing the value of group support and team spirit, the branches and management arrange fun days, solidarity outings, "Arcaffè coffee Olympics", parties, meals and inter-branch competitions. Perhaps as a result, we can be proud of the unusually high numbers of couples who met and subsequently married while working at Arcaffè.