The company that operates Olive Garden, Longhorn Steakhouse and several other restaurants announced Monday that is providing paid sick leave to all hourly workers. Darden Restaurant Inc. said it has been working on the policy for a while but sped up the process due to the coronavirus outbreak.Employees will accrue one hour of sick leave for every 30 worked. Employees have been granted a starting balance based on their most recent 26 weeks of work and can use the benefit immediately. The pay rate will be based on each employee's 13-week average. The move comes after Popular Information, a political newsletter, reported on Darden’s lack of paid sick leave, which is common in the restaurant industry but could deter ill employees from calling in sick.

The company that operates Olive Garden, Longhorn Steakhouse and several other restaurants announced Monday that is providing paid sick leave to all hourly workers.

Darden Restaurant Inc. said it has been working on the policy for a while but sped up the process due to the coronavirus outbreak.


Employees will accrue one hour of sick leave for every 30 worked. Employees have been granted a starting balance based on their most recent 26 weeks of work and can use the benefit immediately.

The pay rate will be based on each employee's 13-week average.

The move comes after Popular Information, a political newsletter, reported on Darden’s lack of paid sick leave, which is common in the restaurant industry but could deter ill employees from calling in sick.