LOWE’S TO GIVE BONUSES, SWEETEN BENEFITS

Home improvement retailing giant Lowe’s is awarding employee bonuses of up to $1,000 and improving job benefits, becoming the latest major U.S. employer using a windfall from the federal tax overhaul to invest in its workers. More than 260,000 full- and part-time hourly employees will be eligible for the bonus, which will be paid in addition to Lowe’s existing, store-level bonus program. The Mooresville, N.C.-based chain said its eligible salaried and full-time workers will qualify for 10 weeks of paid maternity leave and two weeks of paid parental leave, plus up to $5,000 in adoption assistance and faster eligibility for the company’s health care benefits.