KENYA – Café and restaurant chain Artcaffé has partnered with fintech company Wagewell to enhance the financial well-being of its employees through access to the fintech company’s innovative On-demand pay solution.
The partnership enables Artcaffé’s 1,700 employees to access a portion of their wages as they earn them.
Wagewell’s On-Demand Pay solution, which carries no cost for the employer, allows employees to access up to 40% of their accrued salary before payday.
Through a user-friendly USSD system, Artcaffé staff can request immediate payouts to their mobile money accounts, avoiding lengthy approval times.
Wagewell’s approach contrasts with high-interest lending by offering this service for a nominal, ATM-like fee per withdrawal.
The amounts accessed are automatically deducted from the employee’s next paycheck and reconciled with Wagewell, ensuring repayment without disrupting Artcaffé’s payroll cycle or cash flow.
By introducing Wagewell, Artcaffé demonstrates a commitment to fostering a supportive workplace. Employees now have flexibility in accessing funds for emergencies, urgent bills, or day-to-day cash flow needs.
James Gibson, CEO and Co-Founder of Wagewell, praised the partnership, saying, “We’re excited to team up with Artcaffé, a forward-thinking organization that truly values its employees.”
“Wagewell believes that workers should have flexible access to their earnings rather than waiting for a monthly payday. Together, we’re supporting financial well-being and helping to build a happier, more engaged, and productive workforce.”
For Artcaffé, this initiative strengthens employee relations and enhances recruitment and retention. Financially secure staff tend to be more motivated and loyal, leading to improved job satisfaction and customer service.
Emma Kagume, Artcaffé’s Head of HR, commented, “At Artcaffé, we continually seek ways to support our team’s well-being. Our partnership with Wagewell allows us to provide a meaningful benefit, helping team members handle unexpected costs without relying on high-interest loans. This initiative aims to reduce financial stress, especially amid current economic challenges.”
Since its founding in 2009, Artcaffé has grown into one of Kenya’s most popular restaurant and bakery chains, with 38 locations nationwide.
Known for its quality food, premium coffee, and inviting atmosphere, Artcaffé remains dedicated to enriching the experiences of both employees and customers across its outlets.
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