COVID-19’s impact on Chipotle’s performance would have erased its quarterly bonus pay outs, chief people officer Marissa Andrada said. But the company decided to step in.
The brand approved discretionary bonuses of nearly $6.5 million, it said Thursday. The money will go to field leaders, general managers, and apprentices across Chipotle’s system.
On average, Andrada said, individuals will see quarterly bonuses ranging from $3,700 for field leaders to $1,800 for GMs to $650 for apprentices.
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Additionally, restaurants that reached Chipotle’s specified goals for all-crew bonuses during January and February will still receive funds totaling roughly $360,000. Chipotle has a quarterly bonus program, announced in June, where hourly workers can earn up to an extra month’s pay each year. The perk joined its annual crew bonus available for employees based on tenure and a minimum of one year on staff.
Andrada added Thursday the company’s 83,000 employees can also receive access to a financial counseling benefit through Ayco’s digital platform so they can get support now and prepare for the future.
The move follows an announcement last week that Chipotle increased hourly pay 10 percent for restaurant employees clocking in between March 16 and April 12. The chain also expanded its emergency leave benefits to accommodate those directly affected by COVID-19. Those individuals can receive pay equal to their upcoming two-week schedule or average hours worked (whichever is greater).
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Additionally, for employees using Chipotle’s education benefits, the brand is no longer enforcing the hourly requirements for this semester. “We recognize that some individuals may be unable to work right now, and we want to ensure that employees can further their education with continued financial assistance from Chipotle,” CEO Brian Niccol said in a letter to guests.
“These efforts are in addition to our existing industry leading benefits such as paid sick leave starting on the first day of employment, vacation, paid time off and personal leave options as well as medical care and access to mental health wellness support for employees and their families through an Employee Assistance Program [EAP] and Health Advocate,” Andrada added in a statement.
Chipotle offers employees medical care for $20 annually via 98point6, which grants 24/7 virtual access to doctors with $1 co-pay regardless of whether or not they’re enrolled in one of the brand’s healthcare plans.
“At Chipotle, employees never have to choose between work and taking care of themselves. Health and safety are our top priority and our policy has always been and will continue to be, if an employee is sick, they stay home and are welcomed back when they’re symptom free. All Chipotle employees are entitled to paid sick leave starting on the first day of employment in addition to vacation, paid time off and personal leave options,” Niccol said.
Chipotle introduced a tamper-evident sticker for mobile pick-up and delivery orders early on during the crisis and added wellness checks, air treatment systems, Purell sanitizer for employees and guests, and implemented handwashing every hour.
It also announced Wednesday it would give away a total of up to 100,000 burritos to healthcare facilities to celebrate National Burrito Day.
