Target Gives Out Additional Bonuses to Frontline Workers

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Category: Business

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. eligible / ˈɛl ɪ dʒə bəl / (adj) – able to do or receive something
    Example:

    You need to be a citizen aged 18 years or older to be eligible to vote.


  2. welfare / ˈwɛlˌfɛər / (n) – a person’s happiness and physical and mental health
    Example:

    Schools should put children’s welfare above all else.


  3. take pride in (something) / teɪk praɪd ɪn / (idiom) – to feel happiness and satisfaction for the achievement or success of something
    Example:

    The manager takes pride in his branch’s consistent achievement of their sales targets.


  4. bring about / brɪŋ əˈbaʊt / (phrasal) – to cause something to happen
    Example:

    The new management brought about a lot of changes in the company’s policies.


  5. ever-changing / ˈɛv ər tʃeɪndʒ ɪŋ / (adj) – constantly changing or developing
    Example:

    Food preferences of consumers are ever-changing, so manufacturers need to constantly release new products.


Article

Read the text below.

American retail company Target gave a $200 bonus to each of its frontline employees in early November.


More than 350,000 of its employees were given rewards for their contributions and hard work during the pandemic. Those who received the bonus were all eligible hourly employees at the company’s stores, distribution centers, and contact centers. Seasonal hires also received the bonus.


It was the fourth time in 2020 that Target gave out bonuses to frontline employees to recognize their efforts during the pandemic.


The company first awarded bonuses to its store’s team leaders in April. This was followed by another $200 bonus in July for all hourly full- and part-time employees at stores and distribution centers. The company also gave a performance bonus to all store directors, executive team leaders, and salaried distribution center leaders in that same month. Aside from these bonuses, the company raised its starting wage to $15 an hour this past summer.


According to Target, the increase in pay and benefits is part of its commitment to invest in the welfare of every one of its employees.  The company stated that it has decided to invest more than $70 million for its workers’ wellbeing, safety, and health.


Chief Human Resource Officer Melissa Kremer said that Target takes pride in and feels gratitude for the contributions of its employees, especially at a very challenging time. Kremer added that Target’s success was brought about by its team members, who are continuously striving to meet their customers’ ever-changing needs.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Do you think Target’s decision to spend millions of dollars on employee bonuses is a good business move? Why or why not?
• If you were a Target employee, how would you feel about the $200 bonus? Discuss.

Discussion B

• Do you think companies in your country are investing enough in their employees’ well-being, health, and safety? Why or why not?
• Aside from financial bonuses, what else can companies do to support and reward their employees? Explain.