COLUMBUS, Ind. — A growing list of companies, including some operating in Bartholomew County, are offering financial and other incentives to encourage their workers to get COVID-19 vaccinations when they are eligible and the vaccine is available.
At least seven local companies have announced some sort of incentive for employees, ranging from one-time payments after getting vaccinated to paid-time off and money for transportation to vaccination sites.
Kroger is offering grocery store associates a one-time $100 payment after they receive their final vaccine dose, the company announced Feb. 5.
Employees at JayC Food Store, which is owned by Kroger, also are eligible for the one-time payment, said Erin Grant, a Kroger spokeswoman.
On Wednesday, Target announced that it will offer hourly employees up to two hours of paid-time off for each vaccine dose and pay up to $15 for Lyft rides for employees to travel to vaccination sites, the company said.
Dollar General, which has several locations in the Columbus area, has said it will give employees a one-time payment equivalent to four hours of pay after they get vaccinated.
Petco, which has a location at 1337 N. National Road in Columbus, said in a statement Wednesday that it would offer store employees a one-time $75 payment after they receive their final vaccine dose.
Aldi has said it is providing two additional hours of pay for each vaccine dose employees receive, while Starbucks is offering two additional hours of paid-time off for each dose.
For more on this story, see Sunday’s Republic.
