Chipotle is staffing up for what it says is its busiest time of year, looking to add as many as 19,000 employees. And it’s offering some notable perks to land them.
The restaurant is bracing for what it calls “burrito season,” the period between March and May, when it traditionally has the most customers. As part of this year’s hiring blitz, the company is introducing enhanced benefits and an employee assistance program.
For Generation Z, which makes up the vast majority of Chipotle’s workers, that means that once they become eligible for the company’s 401(k) plan, the restaurant will match up to 4% of their salary in 401(k) contributions when those workers make eligible student loan payments.
Both private and federal loans are eligible for the student loan match program.
Put another way, if an employee has monthly loan payments of $150, the company will contribute that amount to their 401(k)—up until the contributions reach 4% of the worker’s annual salary. (Wages at the company average $17 per hour.)
Workers become eligible for the benefits after one year, provided they have worked 1,000 hours.
Beyond financial incentives, Chipotle says it is increasing access to mental health resources and giving workers tools to manage their financial wellness and build credit.
“Empowering our talent is embedded in our company’s culture,” said Ilene Eskenazi, the company’s chief human resources officer, in a statement. “As we push toward our long-term goal of operating 7,000 restaurants in North America, it’s crucial that we listen to and adapt to the needs of our team members, so they can grow with us.”
Last year, Chipotle hired 15,000 people as it prepped for the busy months.