Schnucks expands worker program that allows flexibility with hours, store location

Midwest supermarket operator Schnuck Markets is expanding a work program that allows employees flexibility in choosing their shifts and store locations. 

The “Schnucks Flexforce” program, launched in the St. Louis area last October, has now expanded to 26 areas in Illinois, along with two stores in Indiana and three in Missouri.

“Much like rideshare and food delivery service employees, Flexforce teammates are able to seek and claim shifts at the time and location of their choosing,” Stacy Brandt, vice president of store operations for St. Louis-based Schnucks, said in a statement. “The Flexforce employment option not only allows us to position our teammates for success, it helps us ensure we have the right people, in the right place, at the right time taking care of and serving our customers.”

Program participants, who must be at least 18 years old, can log into a Schnucks scheduling app to view and claim open shifts, while also arranging to receive notifications of open shifts.

The applicable positions are all part-time center store stocking clerks, and each shift has to be a minimum of four hours. 

“At Schnucks, a primary goal is to position our teammates for success, and we are excited to offer this new opportunity to both our current and prospective teammates,” Laura Freeman, Schnucks chief people officer, said in a statement at the initial program launch.

The starting play for Flexforce participants is $12.85 per hour, and the company said workers will receive the same benefits and perks as traditional Schnucks employees.

Flexforce is just the latest initiative by Schnucks to make the company more attractive to current and potential employees. In September 2021, Schnucks began awarding eligible store and facility workers a performance and retention bonus to show appreciation for their continued service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Qualifying personnel received up to a $600 one-time bonus based on hours worked. It was the fourth bonus Schnucks issued to employees since spring 2020.

Schnuck Markets Inc. operates 114 stores in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin and has nearly 15,000 employees with annual sales of more than $2.1 billion.