The outbreak of the coronavirus across the United States has shuttered whole industries. Still, demand for essentials, such as food, toilet paper, and even pizza delivery, has increased hiring by over 400,000 jobs as people shelter in their homes and stock up on necessities.
Walmart, the largest employer in the U.S., wants to hire an additional 150,000 temporary workers by the end of May to meet the increase in demand at its stores. However, those temporary jobs could become permanent.
“These roles will be temporary at first, but many will convert to permanent roles over time,” it stated in a press release.
The company will also implement a new process to expedite hiring dramatically for critical roles, such as cashiers and stockers. What is usually a two-week application cycle will be reduced to a 24-hour process.
Walmart looks to hire people who have been recently laid off because of the pandemic, said its president and CEO, Doug McMillon.
“We know millions of Americans who are usually employed at this time are temporarily out of work, and at the same time, we’re currently seeing strong demand in our stores,” said McMillon. “We’re looking for people who see Walmart as a chance to earn some extra money and perform a vital service to their community.”
Amazon seeks to hire an additional 100,000 full- and part-time workers to keep up with e-commerce demand. It plans to invest over $350 million worldwide, which would include pay increases of $2 per hour for U.S. employees who work in its fulfillment centers, transportation operations, or stores, or those making deliveries so that others can remain at home.
Like Walmart, Amazon has called out for people who have recently lost their jobs to apply for their opinion positions.
“Many people have been economically impacted as jobs in areas like hospitality, restaurants, and travel are lost or furloughed as part of this crisis. We want those people to know we welcome them on our teams until things return to normal, and their past employer is able to bring them back,” Amazon stated in a press release.
Albertsons Companies, which owns grocery stores such as Safeway, seeks to hire 30,000 new workers. It is also looking for workers recently laid off because of the coronavirus.
“So many businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors are scaling back hours or temporarily closing as their customers remain home and adhere to shelter-in-place orders. We are grateful to be a resource to help fill a critical need in our own business and take care of people who want to continue working during this time of national emergency,” said President and CEO Vivek Sankaran.
CVS Health wants to fill 50,000 positions and is giving current workers who are required to come to work during the pandemic bonuses of up to $500.
Dollar Tree, the chain of discount stores, plans to increase its ranks of workers by 25,000 to meet the increased customer traffic at its locations.
7-Eleven seeks to hire 20,000 new employees to meet the increased demand.
“We expect as many as 20,000 store employees to be hired in the coming months. This will provide job opportunities and ensure 7‑Eleven stores remain clean and in-stock with the goods our customers need during this critical time,” said President and CEO Joe DePinto.
Domino’s looks to hire 10,000 new employees. Its CEO, Richard Allison, hopes the new hires will help to bring a “sense of normalcy” as people contend with the virus outbreak.
“While many local, state, and federal rules are closing dine-in restaurants, the opportunity to keep feeding our neighbors through delivery and carryout means that a small sense of normalcy is still available to everyone,” said Allison. “Our corporate and franchise stores want to make sure they’re not only feeding people but also providing opportunity to those looking for work at this time, especially those in the heavily impacted restaurant industry.”
Papa John’s and Pizza Hut are also hiring 20,000 and 30,000 workers, respectively.
For Papa John’s, a person could be interviewed and start work on the same day.
“We are in a unique position, as a restaurant that specializes in delivery and carryout, to help our communities through the crisis,” said Papa John’s chief people and diversity officer, Marvin Boakye.
Open positions at Pizza Hut run the gamut, from cook to virtual call center agent.
