Noodles & Company announced today that it will offer employees four hours of PTO to receive both doses of the COVID vaccine. 

“Since the onset of COVID nearly a year ago, nothing has mattered more than the health and safety of our guests and team members," says CEO Dave Boennighausen. "From industry leading cleaning and safety standards to implementing paid sick leave for all, our priority has been, and will continue to be, ensuring our team members have the information and resources needed to keep themselves and our guests safe."

"We are encouraged by the COVID-19 vaccines and we are strongly recommending our team members receive the vaccine, however, they will not be required to do so. Team members who do receive the vaccine can receive up to four hours of paid time off. We will continue to review all information as it becomes available by public health officials and the CDC as we continue to enhance our health and safety protocols in response to COVID-19.”

Other brands incentivizing employees include McDonald's, Shake Shack, and Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse parent Darden Restaurants.

Throughout the pandemic, Noodles & Company has rolled out a number of initiatives that prioritize its employees including expanded paid sick leave, free mental health counseling, student loan debt assistance, and increased paternity leave.