H-E-B’s Amazing ‘Grace’

H-E-B, which implemented progressive and permanent investments in its “partners” or employees earlier this year, is not done saying “thank you” for what it has meant to work in grocery in 2020.

The San Antonio, Texas-based grocer said it would direct deposit $500 into the account of every employee—salaried, full- and part-time—across the Lone Star State by Oct. 23. The bonus will be awarded to each of the grocer’s more than 120,000 employees in Texas, including all partners who work in stores, manufacturing, warehousing and transportation positions, and administrative locations. Additionally, this also includes all employees at Central Market, Mi Tienda and Joe V’s locations as well as Favor Team Members.

“At H-E-B, our success starts with our people. In the face of many challenges this year, our partners have confronted each obstacle with grace, compassion, strength, and resilience,” said Craig Boyan, H-E-B President, in a statement. “Our partners continue to raise the bar in pursuit of excellence, uplifting and inspiring people across our great state and beyond.

“As we look toward the holiday season and to 2021, it’s with immense pride and great excitement we celebrate our partners and their families for the passion and heart they exhibit every day to Texans across our great state,” he continued.

When the pandemic hit in March, H-E-B announced the implementation of its Texas Proud Pay program that included a $2 hourly pay raise for store, manufacturing, transportation and warehouse employees.

In June, H-E-B made the largest investment in pay in the history of the company, transitioning Proud Pay into a long-term, permanent program with merit increases. It included short-term and long-term investments for partners across the business. Since 2014, H-E-B’s total investment in partner pay has roughly doubled, according to the company.

According to local news station KSAT, all H-E-B employees will also receive a thank you card, a pair of socks with the H-E-B logo and a shirt from one of its brands: H-E-B, Central Market, Joe V’s, Mi Tienda or Favor.