“People can make more money sitting at home,” said Roxane. “I don’t blame them,” she added. “If you’re given a free lunch, you’re going to take it.” Small businesses also can face strong competition from larger chains looking to fill jobs at a time when some prospective applicants don't want to risk infection or face child-care concerns. The Wawa chain, which wants to add 5,000 workers over the next three months, is offering a $500 bonus — boosted Thursday from an initial offer of $125 — to "new hires in certain positions" through June 15. Another convenience-store operator, Royal Farms, is offering a $500 bonus "at select locations" as it seeks to add 4,500 employees. It's also providing a $300 referral bonus to current employees who help fill a job.