Unlike in hostels, Emmaus Companions work a 40 hour week and normally have two days off a week, a long weekend after three months, and a week's holiday after six months.

Work is to the best of a Companion's ability and could include:

• working in the Emmaus shops and dealing with customers;
• driving or crewing our vans which collect donated furniture and deliver it to customers;
• unloading and moving goods in our warehouse;
• restoring furniture or electrical goods in our workshops;
• sorting clothing and bric-a-brac and preparing it for sale;
• dismantling and sorting our metal waste for sale;
• answering the phone in reception or when customers ring with goods for us to collect;
• preparing food in the Companions' kitchen;
• preparing and serving food in our cafe which is open to the public;
• working in our large gardens;
• working in our home team and keeping the house clean and tidy.

Appropriate free training is provided in health and safety, manual handling, basic food hygiene and other subjects as relevant. Opportunities are provided to access other courses, many of which are local and free. Companions can take on positions of responsibility within the Community such as team leaders, duty team members and 'Community Assistants' who assist the Community Leader.

Most Companions stay for at least a few months but some leave after a short time and others stay for years.