A guide to Panera Bread benefits
With more than 2,000 locations across the United States, Panera Bread is a popular choice for hungry people looking for a quick and tasty meal. But the company isn't just known for its delicious food. Panera Bread is also an employer of choice, offering a variety of great benefits and perks to its employees.
This article covers all the facts you need to know about Panera Bread's employee benefits, from health insurance to company culture. By the end, you'll have a good idea of what it's like to work at Panera Bread and whether the company's benefits are right for you.
What is Panera Bread?
Panera Bread is a chain of fast-casual restaurants founded in 1987. The company specializes in fresh, made-to-order sandwiches, soups, salads, and bakery items.
With headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, Panera Bread is known for its relaxed atmosphere and focus on healthy, fresh food. Some of the most iconic menu items include mac and cheese, BBQ chicken salad, and chicken noodle soup.
This company is a great choice for those who are looking for a fast-casual dining experience with healthy food options. Panera focuses on providing a great customer experience and giving back to the community.
The company is an excellent choice for those who are looking for employment. In addition to offering competitive pay and benefits, Panera Bread is also known for its positive company culture. Numerous employee reviews mention the upbeat working environment and supportive management team.
A lesser-known fact about Panera Bread is that the original name was St. Louis Bread until Au Bon Pain purchased the company in 1981. Starting from a small shop in Downtown Boston, the company eventually grew a dedicated fanbase and opened additional locations.
Since then, Panera has continued to grow and expand across the United States and Canada. In recent years, the chain started offering a delivery service, as well as online ordering and pickup.
A guide to Panera Bread’s job benefits
Panera Bread is the tenth-largest chain in the United States by sales volume and continues to grow. The company employs over 60,000 people and is always looking for talented individuals to join the team.
If you're considering a job at Panera Bread, it's crucial to understand the employee benefits package and how it compares to other employers.
Health insurance
Panera Bread offers comprehensive health insurance plans to its employees. Coverage includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, each with multiple tiers of coverage. The number of tiers and the level of coverage will vary depending on the location.
Health insurance plans make up a significant portion of employee benefits at Panera Bread. All of the plans are comprehensive and offer a good range of benefits. As one of the highest-paying fast-food jobs, Panera offers a very competitive insurance package.
401(k) retirement plans
Panera Bread offers 401(k) retirement plans to its employees. The company matches a certain percentage of employee contributions, up to 6%. For example, if you contribute 3% of your salary to the 401(k) plan, Panera will match that with an additional 3%.
The company's 401(k) retirement plans are very generous and offer a great way to save for the future. Panera Bread's matching contribution is one of the highest in the industry, and it's a great way to boost your savings.
Employee stock purchase plan
Panera Bread offers its employees an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP). The ESPP allows employees to purchase Panera Bread stock at a discounted price. The discount is typically 15%, and stock can be purchased through payroll deductions.
The ESPP is a great way to start investing, and it's a benefit not many employers offer. If you're interested in purchasing Panera Bread stock, the ESPP is a great way to do it.
Life insurance
Panera Bread offers life insurance to its full-time employees. The coverage is at a competitive rate and is through a national provider. Specific coverages can depend on the location and the role held by the employee with the company.
Life insurance is an important benefit, especially for those with families. Panera Bread's life insurance coverage is very competitive and can be a great way to provide financial security for loved ones.
Disability program
Panera Bread offers a disability program to its employees. The program provides income protection if an employee cannot work due to an illness or injury. Coverage can be for a short-term or long-term disability, and it can vary depending on the location.
The disability program is a great way to protect yourself financially if you're unable to work. Panera Bread's program is comprehensive and can provide peace of mind.
Paid time off
Panera Bread offers paid time off (PTO) to its employees. The amount of PTO varies depending on the location and position, but it typically starts at two weeks per year. Employees can also accrue additional PTO based on the length of service with the company.
Paid time off is an excellent benefit that allows employees to take time off when they need it. Utilizing Panera Bread's PTO policy is a great way to enjoy some time off.
Full-time vs. part-time employees
There are some differences in the Panera Bread employee benefits for full-time and part-time employees. For example, full-time employees are eligible for health insurance and the 401(k) retirement plan. Part-time employees do not qualify for these benefits.
Paid time off is also different for full-time and part-time employees. Full-time employees accrue PTO based on the length of service with the company, while part-time employees do not.
Some of the common benefits for part-time employees include a discount on food or a free meal while working, as well as a flexible schedule. Some employees prefer the freedom of a part-time schedule, while others appreciate the stability of a full-time job. Part-time employees also have the advantage of being able to work at multiple locations or pick up additional shifts when needed.
Overall, there are some noteworthy differences in the benefits offered to full-time and part-time employees. However, both groups of employees are eligible for some great benefits.
Additional perks for Panera employees
In addition to the Panera Bread employee benefits, there are also some additional perks that employees can enjoy. For example, Panera often has employee special events, such as holiday parties or summer picnics.
These events are an incredible way to spend time with fellow employees and get to know people in different departments. Some Panera Bread locations also offer discounts on products and services, such as cell phone service or gym memberships. Promoting a healthy lifestyle is important to the company, and these discounts can be a great way to save some money.
Panera is also an environmentally-conscious company. Some locations have recycling programs, and the Panera Bread company often donates unsold food to its local food bank.
Panera employee discount
The Panera Bread employee discount is one of the most generous in the industry. Employees can receive a discount of up to 65% off food items, which they can use at any time. Cafe employees have unlimited free coffee and tea and can also receive an additional discount on baked goods.
Quarterly bonuses
Panera Bread also offers quarterly bonuses to its employees. With a quarterly bonus, employees can receive a raise without waiting for their annual review. The bonus amount depends on location and position, but it can be significant.
Tuition reimbursement
Panera Bread even offers tuition reimbursement to its employees. The reimbursement amount depends on the location and position, but it can be up to 100% of the cost of tuition. This benefit is a great way to further your education while working at the corporate office or as a cafe associate.
Panera Bread is also committed to giving back to the community. The company has a foundation that provides grants to local non-profit organizations. Employees can also volunteer their time to assist with various projects.
Flexible scheduling
Panera Bread offers flexible scheduling to its employees. This benefit allows employees to have a more flexible work schedule, which can benefit those with children or other commitments.
Making the best of your job benefits is a key part of being a Panera employee. Utilizing the company's PTO policy, taking advantage of the employee discount, and signing up for tuition reimbursement are all great ways to make the most of your job.
Apply for a job at Panera Bread today
Panera Bread offers a variety of benefits to its employees, both full-time and part-time. These benefits include health insurance, the 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, and a hefty discount on food. Employees can also enjoy a free meal during their shifts and receive a quarterly bonus.
If you're ready to apply for a job at Panera Bread, be sure to check the Jobcase job board for the latest openings. If you need additional help, head over to the Getting Hired Resource Center for more tips on job hunting and the hiring process.