You are hit with a craving so you open the Deliveroo app, tap on the screen for a bit, and food magically appears at your doorstep half an hour later. We rarely stop to consider the hundreds of dedicated individuals who work invisibly behind the scenes so that we can have our little conveniences.

The riders at Deliveroo rely on their phone apps to know when they have to pick up a new order. They then have to navigate traffic, pick up the order and deliver it to your door. They are also the only people you will meet from Deliveroo. And they do their best to keep customers happy by being courteous and delivering their orders on time, since they are the real representatives of the brand.

A lot of technological magic happens behind the scenes and Deliveroo have perfected their apps to make them as user friendly as possible. Banderson Manyera has been with the company since March and according to him, the driver version of the app is intuitive and easy to use. “If you can read and write then you can use the app, and there are different languages so you can select the one that is easiest for you” he said. However, the delivery teams receive rigorous training for everything else they need to do from dealing with customers and driving safely. “If I do face a problem, we have direct access to a service help desk and a live chat via the app, they always walk us through a solution,” Banderson added.

“Last month we went to the Kuwait Motoring Company for a large safety training, that everyone had to do,” he continued “… and we all have first aid kits that we carry at all times. If I am injured, I can use it, or a passerby can use it. And if I witness an accident, I can stop and help too.” 

The kits and courses are only one part of Deliveroo’s overall program to keep their drivers safe. There are three Roo buses that are stationed across Kuwait in the zones where they operate, they are equipped with air conditioning and are a respite for the drivers to take a break and grab a snack. 

When we asked about what he found most challenging, Banderson said “The heat in summer can be tough, but we have the gear for that.” It is no secret that summers can be brutal but Deliveroo stated their “Beat The Heat” initiative and in addition to the cooled buses, all riders received cooling vests, water bottles and bar muffs to cover the motorcycle’s handlebars.

We asked Bandersan how he felt about working for Deliveroo and he told me that he felt the company cared and showed it by also providing off-duty hour support. Over the last few months, the company has been treating its riders to restaurant outings and movie tickets so they could have fun. Top performers are recognized, awarded and rewarded every month.

The recent introduction of GAP insurance for riders proves Deliveroo’s commitment to the wellbeing of their employees. Deliveroo riders in Kuwait will now be able to access an enhanced insurance package, in addition to the cover provided by the company. The new policy, from Warba Insurance Company, means Deliveroo riders will receive additional support should an accident occur whilst working for Deliveroo. When we asked Banderson what he planned to do in the future he told us that he hoped to continue working his way up in Deliveroo, and to someday work in the Accounting or Business divisions. We are totally sure that he has the right attitude and determination which will be fostered by Deliveroo until he hits his goals. 

Follow Deliveroo on Instagram @deliveroo_kw or visit deliveroo.com.kw, where you can order your next meal. Download the app, on the App Store or Google Play for quick and easy delivery from all of your favorite restaurants.

All images by bazaar Studios.