Chipotle increases paid leave; testing unlimited paid time off

Chipotle Mexican Grill is enhancing some employee benefits as it and other retail and restaurant chains struggle to retain talent.

The fast-casual eatery announced that, beginning this year, it will increase its paid parental leave for restaurant support center and eligible field employees to 12 weeks for birth moms and four weeks for new dads and individuals adopting children. Chipotle also is testing unlimited paid time off for senior level staff, including directors and above in its restaurant support center as well as executive team directors and team directors.

In other new benefits, Chipotle said it will cover costs for nursing mothers to utilize breastmilk shipping services during work travel. Additionally, Chipotle's HUSTLE (Humans Uniting to Support the Ladies' Experience), an employee resource group, will offer special 'Returnity' Guides for corporate employees to help ease their transition back to the workplace.  

"Over the past year, we've positioned ourselves as a leader in curating an environment that maximizes the potential of our outstanding workforce," said Marissa Andrada, chief people officer. "We want to ensure our employees are able to share important moments with their family and have the necessary time away from work to recharge after a monumental life event." 

Chipotle said its new unlimited PTO test for senior level staff will help reward the leaders “who are ultimately accountable for innovating and supporting the brand's mission to cultivate a better world.”