Bath & Body Works on Friday debuted its “Investing in You” program. The effort aims to support the career development, retention and well-being of employees across the retailer’s U.S. headquarters, stores and distribution centers.
“We are committed to providing growth and development opportunities which give our associates what they need to be at their best both personally and professionally,” Gina Boswell, Bath & Body Works CEO, said in a statement. “We believe that when people feel valued and empowered to be successful, we can continue to grow as a stronger, smarter business.”
Bath & Body Works benefits include:
- A tuition-free platform that offers education opportunities via online courses. Employees can obtain certifications, a GED, associate, bachelor’s or graduate degrees.
- An education reimbursement of up to $3,000 annually for work-related courses.
- Discounted tuition at Otterbein University for employees, their spouses or domestic partners, and dependent children.
- Access to Daily Pay, which provides employees access to a portion of wages prior to payday.
- The ability to access a full-service healthcare facility at the company’s Columbus, Ohio, headquarters.
- The potential to obtain one of 20 scholarships available each year of $5,000 each for further education.
A number of retailers have accelerated employee education benefits over the past few years. In 2021, Target announced that it was partnering with Guild to give workers access to programs at more than 40 schools, colleges and universities.
At the start of this year, Walmart said it was revamping its Live Better U education benefit program by doubling the number of short certificate options that are paid for by the retailer.
“Our goal is to help fast-track Walmart and Sam’s Club associates into approximately 100,000 in-demand jobs we expect to fill over the next three years,” Lorraine Stomski, then-senior vice president of associate learning and leadership at Walmart, said at the time of the announcement.
