Dive Brief:
- Chipotle workers will soon be able to earn gift cards, healthcare discounts and other benefits by achieving well-being goals set on virtual wellness platform Strive, the restaurant announced May 19.
- Strive also provides one-on-one coaching. Restaurant managers, field leaders and restaurant support center workers will gain access to the platform next month.
- The fast casual restaurant is offering the benefit through its recent partnership with Aduro, a corporate wellness service provider.
Dive Insight:
Chipotle is adding Strive to a number of mental health-focused benefits it's already providing. Chipotle associates and their families can meet with a licensed counselor through the restaurant's partnership with Health Advocate, even if they're not enrolled in the company's medical plan, according to the Strive announcement.
The restaurant also provides workers a number of other benefits in order to stand out from many of its competitors. Workers have access to debt-free degree programs, tuition reimbursement, English language training and retirement benefits.
The eatery recently announced it will raise its average hourly wage to $15, positioning the change as a recruiting tool. "Chipotle is committed to providing industry-leading benefits and accelerated growth opportunities, and we hope to attract even more talent by showcasing the potential income that can be achieved in a few short years," Chipotle Chief Diversity, Inclusion and People Officer Marissa Andrada said in a press release.
Compensation and benefits can serve as powerful recruiting and retention tools. One in six U.S. workers are working a job they would otherwise leave because they want to keep their health benefits, a recent Gallup survey found. As employers explore benefits outside the traditional realms of health, vision and dental, wellness-oriented offerings are gaining popularity. Several household names — Target and Starbucks, for example — rolled out employee access to well-being apps during the pandemic.
