Starbucks is more than a coffee shop, it's a place where careers can grow.
Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has turned what could be a part time temporary job into a place that keeps dreams alive for legions of Millennials who serve Espressos and Frappuccino’s.
How? Three ways:
First, like Costco, Starbucks pays workers hourly rates higher than most retailers.
Second, the company has been liberal with health coverage.
Third, its newest initiative starts this autumn - the Starbucks College Achievement Plan will reimburse tuition costs for workers completing online courses towards a Bachelor’s Degree at Arizona State University. One of the best aspects, we feel at The Lempert Report, is the additional support the chain plans to give – a dedicated enrollment coach, financial aid counselor and academic advisor.
Investing in the future of its employees is a wise corporate move. It can help qualify the chain’s next wave of managers, it could lessen staff turnover, which is notoriously high in retail. And it is an assist people won’t forget; even employees that leave the chain, degrees in hand for other work, could be richer for their Starbucks experience and become willing long-term customers. Starbucks is smart to invest in the future of its employees as see a bigger picture for success.