The last two years under COVID-19 lock-down restrictions have been very challenging, in so many ways, but also a great blessing. You, our community, have been the blessing.
You have brightened our every day with your conversation, interactions and support of all we do.
We wouldn’t be here without you. It’s made a huge difference. Thank you.
As we look ahead to the next two years, we have made the difficult, yet exciting decision to change the model of our business.
Entering into the new COVID-19 protection framework (The Traffic Light System) presents four major challenges for Elements that will prevent us from operating in the same way we have in the past.
- Mandated vaccination for our team and customers
- Health risks for our team and customers as Delta spreads
- Possible further lockdowns for indefinite periods
- Continued financial viability for our business.
As always when making any changes, we return to ‘who we are’ to inform our decision making.
Below are three core values from our team handbook. These have informed our interactions within our teams and with our customers in the past and are the basis of Elements culture and decision making.
Generosity – of spirit – unselfish, kind, considerate, hospitable, not judgemental, willing to listen, big hearted, open minded, generous with our time and finances.
Integrity – following through on our convictions or principles regardless of the cost. Respect for others. Walking the talk. Openness and transparency.
Honesty – a commitment to open and honest communication and respect to all. Value and respect for persons and property.
The Changes
To operate as a Hospitality venue under the traffic light system, using a vaccine passport, would require us to abandon some of these values. Therefore, to remain true to ‘who we are’ and address the four challenges, we have decided the following:
When Wellington enters the new COVID-19 protection framework, on Friday December 3rd, Elements will no longer operate as a “seated hospitality venue”.
However, Elements will be open to all of our community for the following services :
– Takeaway coffee, cold beverages, cakes and treats, (order onsite or click and collect)
– Takeaway lunch and dinner service, (order onsite or click and collect)
– Retail sales
Our retail store will expand to include a large selection of gourmet and grocery food items (think fresh breads, pastries, deli and dairy from our favourite NZ producers).
This new model will allow us to maintain our values and continue providing our entire community with “Real Food Everyday”.
Health & Safety
The Delta variant appears to be highly transmissible in close contact settings even amongst vaccinated groups. For us, the decision to be fully vaccinated is only part of the solution to stopping the spread of COVID-19.
Our change to a takeaway and retail environment allows us to still provide personal service but in a way that is more socially distanced. We believe this provides a greater level of safety, helping resolve health concerns we have for our team and customers.
Business Viability
Whilst we are extremely grateful for the government’s financial support thus far, (this has enabled us to continue trading), the NZ economy cannot sustain such subsidies in the longer term. We would far rather be in a position of contributing to our economy than draining it.
Our changes will ensure the continued financial viability of Elements whilst enabling us to continue trading in whichever COVID-19 framework levels we face.
For several years now we have practiced “open book management” with our team. When Elements makes a profit, our team receive a weekly profit share. This is our way of rewarding our entire team for their hard work each and every day.
Under the recent lock-downs and restrictions we have been unable to provide this payment as profits have dissipated. Our desire is to return to this place and has also informed our decisions in a financial capacity .
It’s a big change to our modus operandi, but it is a change for good.
We are still Elements and it’s still “Real Food Everyday“.
We thank you again for your support and trust that you will understand and support us on our continued journey.
We’ll keep you updated on our new products and services as they become available both in-store and online.
See you soon!
Angela & The Elements Team
From Elements Lyall Bay here.
Photos from facebook.
