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Earlier this month, retail giant Target announced that it will be closed on Thanksgiving 2021 to give employees a well-deserved day off with their families. Now they've announced more good news for employees: a $500 bonus.

In a news release, the heads of Target called their employees "the heart and soul" of the company, and applauded their efforts to show up for each other and customers while working to making stores safer for guests.

"And never has their dedication, resiliency, care and compassion been more appreciated than during the pandemic," the release read.

There's a great deal of glowing praise for employees in the statement, but what really stands out is that the company has pledged a $500 bonus  to all hourly employees in their stores, distribution centers, field offices, and headquarters.

They're calling them "recognition bonuses", which I like. Hey, getting any sort of bonus is great, but emphasizing that it's truly in recognition of people going above and beyond is a nice personal touch, especially for a big retail chain.

I have friends who work retail, and I worry about them. They're potentially exposed to COVID-19 dozens of times every day while doing their jobs. They also have to occasionally deal with customers who aren't interested in helping out by wearing a mask, or who are just not in the most polite folks. (Though my friends in retail tell them they like most of the customers they interact with. I commend them for that.)

With all the political and doom and gloom news out there, I just wanted to share something positive. Call it a PR stunt or whatever cynical label you might be tempted to apply to this gesture, but at the end of the day, it's great to know that folks putting their health on the line every day to do their jobs and serve customers are getting a little something extra as thanks.

Personally, I think more major businesses should be doing this. I know Walmart and HEB have in the past, and I suspect they'll do so again.

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