Kroger ramps up hiring — for the second time; onboarding time down to 72 hours

The Kroger Company is doubling down on its hiring efforts.

The supermarket giant said it plans to hire 20,000 workers across its stores, manufacturing plants and distribution centers during the next several weeks to help it to continue to provide fresh food and useful supplies amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The new hires will be in addition to the 23,500 new employees that have joined Kroger in recent weeks.

Kroger initiated its expedited hiring process two weeks ago to shorten the time between application and employment. It is now onboarding new hires in an average of 72 hours. The chain said its human resources leaders are working seven days a week to quickly interview and recruit new talent. 

Additionally, Kroger is forming employment partnerships with local, regional and national businesses from the most-affected industries to create a shared-resource model to temporarily flex employees to Kroger roles, ensuring the food supply chain continues without disruption. Current partners include Frisch's, Marriott International, McLane Foodservice, Shamrocks Food, Sodexo, SodexoMAGIC, Sysco, Thunderdome Restaurant Group, US Foods and VF Corporation. 

"Kroger's top priority continues to be uplifting our associates and serving our communities, whether that's by ensuring customers always can find food and products on our shelves or by providing a nearly immediate job opportunity to help an unemployed person to begin working again," said Tim Massa, Kroger's senior VP and chief people officer. "During this time of uncertainty, Kroger is committed to remaining a constant. We have a responsibility to our associates, customers and communities, and we will continue to be here…for any need." 

Kroger's average hourly wage is $15 an hour.