Target will permanently increase its starting minimum wage for associates to $15 per hour as of July 5. The company also will give a one-time recognition bonus of $200 to its frontline store and distribution center hourly workers for their efforts throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Additionally, Target will offer new and extended COVID-19 benefits to its employees, including free virtual doctor visits through December 2020 regardless of whether a particular worker subscribes to the Target health care plan. The text-first virtual visits also let associates securely share images and hold video chats with a doctor. Other new and extended benefits include:
- The extension of a 30-day paid leave option for vulnerable workers, including those who are 65 or older, pregnant or with underlying medical conditions;
- Free backup care for family members through the end of August, including access to center-based and in-home options for children and elderly family members;
- Target will continue to waive its absenteeism policy and offer paid leave options for team members who are symptomatic, have a confirmed case of coronavirus or have been quarantined due to exposure;
- Workers will now have access to free counseling sessions, along with new anxiety and sleep resources that have been made available to all team members
In total, Target has invested nearly $1 billion more in employee well-being, health and safety in 2020 than in 2019, including through increased wages and benefits. The company also has made a $1 million donation to the Target Team Member Giving Fund.
“The most important investments we make are in our team. I have tremendous gratitude for the way our team members show up with such purpose and pride for our guests, communities and one another,” said Melissa Kremer, Chief Human Resources Officer at Target in a statement. “These investments help ensure that team members can build meaningful careers, take care of themselves and their families and contribute to building our communities through their work inside and outside of Target.”
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