Free employee meal isn’t actually free
I recently started working at Chipotle about three weeks ago, and I was reading through parts of the employee handbook. When I got to the employee discount and meal section, I saw that employees get a 50% discount when they aren’t working, while employees working that day can get a free meal during their break or after their shift. However, the meal has to be eaten in the restaurant because employees aren’t allowed to take it home or give it to someone else.
I understand that businesses have policies in place to prevent abuse of employee benefits, but I honestly have mixed feelings about this one.
For example, imagine an employee who is a single parent trying to provide for their kids. If that employee receives a free meal during their shift, why shouldn’t they be able to take it home to their children if they choose to? If they’re not allowed to, it feels less like a truly “free meal” and more like a meal that comes with restrictions.
I’m not saying employees should be able to take unlimited food home or abuse the policy. I just think there could be more flexibility for employees who genuinely need the benefit to help feed their families.
I’m curious what other Chipotle employees think about this. Do you agree with the policy, or do you think employees should be allowed to take their meal home?