Lowe’s hiring 30,000; giving out bonuses; takes new store safety measures

Lowe’s is taking new preventative measures and announced an additional $80 million commitment in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The home improvement giant is looking to hire 30,000 in-store positions across the U.S., including full-time, part-time, seasonal and overnight roles available for displaced workers who are seeking short-term opportunities. Positions are also available at distribution centers and other supply chain facilities.

Lowe’s said it is giving its hourly associates a special payment in recognition of their efforts to serve customers and communities during the coronavirus crisis. Full-time associates will receive an additional payment amount of $300 with part-time and seasonal employees receiving $150.

The retailer also continues to take added measures in its stores as it adjusts procedures with employee and customer health in mind. Lowe’s already has reduced its operating hours and increased the time spent cleaning and sanitizing stores, especially in the most frequented areas such as restrooms, associate breakrooms and checkout lanes. It’s also taken increased measures to ensure cashiers and front-end teams are regularly cleaning their work areas and registers after each customer interaction.

But Lowe’s has since taken other actions, including:
•    Adding overhead announcements, store signage, and customer and associate guidelines that emphasize the importance of social distancing;

•    Increasing the services of its third-party cleaning providers and implemented additional morning, afternoon and after-hours cleaning practices;

•    Working to implement a more “robust” curbside pickup process so customers can be served without coming into the store; and

• Temporarily changing delivery procedures to safeguard customer and associate health by leaving items at the front door, garage or alternative location, or by asking if anyone in a customer’s home has tested positive for COVID-19 before completing an in-home installation.

The retailer has also extended emergency paid leave up to a total of four weeks for those at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Lowe’s previously announced two weeks of emergency paid leave for associates as part of its initial $25 million commitment during the coronavirus pandemic.

Lowe’s noted that it has distributed all of its respirators through two of the nation’s largest healthcare distribution organizations. The companies cover 85% of the nation’s acute facilities/healthcare facilities, according to the retailer. As additional inventory becomes available, Lowe’s said that it will continue to use this process.