Starbucks Canada adds to its total benefits package with commitment to paying above minimum wage

core/paragraph

Starbucks has always believed in being a different kind of company – guided by Our Mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit. &nbsp;For nearly 50 years, Starbucks has been putting partner (employee) care at the centre of everything it does and has continued to invest in and share its success with partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Recently, the company raised wages for all its hourly partners by at least 5% - the most significant investment in retail hourly pay in Starbucks Canada’s history - and has committed to paying partners above minimum wage across the country.

core/separator

“Starbucks is proud to recognize the work of the more than 19,000 partners who wear the green apron every day,” says Lori Digulla, senior vice president and general manager for Starbucks Canada.&nbsp; “This past year has forever changed us. We changed some plans, put other plans on hold and made some very difficult decisions. But what will always remain true at Starbucks is our commitment to sharing our success with our partners.”

core/heading

The retail wage increases are a significant step in the company’s multi-year aspiration to make meaningful investments in&nbsp;pay&nbsp;and partner&nbsp;care. The changes took effect as of May 31, 2021 and offer at least a 5% increase for all baristas, shift supervisors and café attendants, and increase the&nbsp;starting hourly rate&nbsp;for partners to&nbsp;$0.25 above&nbsp;provincial&nbsp;minimum wages.&nbsp; 

Starbucks has long held the belief that partners deserve competitive wages plus leading benefits that support their total wellbeing.&nbsp;&nbsp; All partners, even on their first day as a barista, are entitled to many of the supports and perks Starbucks offers such as free coffee or tea each week, free beverages on shift, a 30% partner discount, free Headspace app subscriptions, free access to LifeWorks and more. Additionally,&nbsp; all Starbucks partners who work a minimum of 20 hour per week are entitled to the company’s vast array of benefits and perks including comprehensive medical and dental coverage, $5,000 mental health benefit, up to $1,000 in tuition reimbursement per year, RRSP Future Savings Plan, shares in the company through annual Beanstock grants and more.

core/image

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/9/2022/01/Partner-Care-Infographic-1.png

core/file

In maintaining the company’s commitment, Starbucks continues to invest in its wide-ranging <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/navigating-through-covid-19/">COVID-19 safety measures and supports </a>&nbsp;like paid time-off to all store partners to get the COVID-19 vaccine, COVID-19 Sick Day Pay, Vaccine Side Effect Pay&nbsp;and Self-Isolation Pay.&nbsp;

Starbucks Canada adds to its total benefits package with commitment to paying above minimum wage

Starbucks strengthens partner care with most significant investment in hourly wages - Starbucks Canada

Starbucks Canada

Starbucks strengthens partner care with most significant investment in hourly wages

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/9/2021/06/SBX20190318-Pay-Equity-Header-Image-10-1.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2021/starbucks-strengthens-partner-care-with-most-significant-investment-in-hourly-wages/

twitter:card

twitter:description

twitter:image

twitter:title

In a letter to partners (employees) today, Starbucks Canada general manager, Lori Digulla reaffirms commitment to Partner Care and confirms continued investment in hourly partner wages including annual increases of 3% and stock grants in 2021.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/9/2022/01/Partner-Care-Infographic.png

Every success, every ounce of progress, every positive moment we’ve experienced navigating this pandemic is thanks to our commitment to our Mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit. We’re getting through the challenge of a lifetime because we are working together, in service of each other, our customers and our communities. It hasn’t been easy and it hasn’t been perfect, but it has been remarkable with so much to be proud of. &nbsp;Thank you! And you have my commitment to keep supporting you every step of the way.

The truth is we’re still very much rebuilding our business with continued changes ahead to adapt to and overcome. But one thing that will always be true is we will be 100% committed to our Mission, and partner care and safety will always be at the heart of all our decisions. This pandemic has brought some of the biggest challenges any of us have faced, personally and professionally, but there is so much support available to you now, with more coming, that I want to be sure you know about.

We have always offered leading benefits and support for partners, and we looked for more and new ways to support you from the very start of the pandemic including comprehensive safety protocols and modified operations; multiple pay supports from March through October like Catastrophe Pay, Service Pay, COVID-19 Partner Care pay, COVID-19 leave options; and millions of dollars issued in CUP Fund grants. Importantly, months of closing and reopening stores limited hours worked so we also decreased eligibility hours to ensure benefits-enrolled partners would continue to qualify for benefits.

We sometimes hear that partners are not fully aware of everything available to them so we are re-publishing links and have created a quick reference infographic to capture all the benefits and supports that are available to you – financial, mental, physical, emotional and so much more. Please make some time to explore everything we have to support you and your families. We continue to assess, add and adjust our full package of support to ensure the most valuable and relevant resources are available to you, including some that you have told us are game-changers for you like our mental health benefits, tuition reimbursement, LifeWorks and enhanced resources committed to internal talent advancement and opportunity coming later this year.

In addition to leading benefits we offer competitive pay. We’ve increased scheduled hours and we continue to work hard to build our business back up, to provide more hours that can further increase your earnings. Despite the fact that we are still rebuilding our business, &nbsp;I’m happy to share that we’ve made the important decisions to proceed with a 3% annual wage increase for all hourly partners in 2021 which exceeds inflation and what we know most Canadian companies are planning; and we will maintain our pay differential for shift supervisors as we continue to invest in these partners and attract and reward our best baristas to this important role. &nbsp;More information will be available next month as we prepare for these increases to take effect in January (increase dates remain the same, happening every 6 months, and tied to your anniversary date).

I’m proud to share Starbucks U.S. is also invested in supporting partners by increasing wages for hourly partners. In Canada, we’ve made investments to increase minimum wage by up to 35% over the last five years. At Starbucks, we have a multi-year aspiration to make meaningful investments in pay. It will require all of us, working together, to rebuild and grow our business, so that we all can continue to share in our success.

In addition to the wage increase, we are maintaining our <a href="https://departments.starbucks.com/sites/stock/en-us/beanstock/Pages/beanstock.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bean Stock</a> grants, which are a significant investment in your future financial stabililty. Bean Stock grants are what make us “partners”, and later this month we will announce this year’s grant to our eligible baristas and shift supervisors. In FY19 baristas received grants of $600 USD and shift supervisors received grants of $875 USD. When you receive your Bean Stock grant, you are automatically set-up with a Fidelity account and will need to go to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.netbenefits.com/" target="_blank">Fidelity NetBenefits</a> to: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://workplaceservices.fidelity.com/bin-public/070_NB_SPS_Pages/documents/dcl/shared/StockPlanServices/SPS_INTL_ActivateInstructions.pdf" target="_blank">Open your account</a>&nbsp; and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://workplaceservices.fidelity.com/bin-public/070_NB_SPS_Pages/documents/dcl/shared/StockPlanServices/SPS_OGA_INTL_ACCEPT_GRANT.pdf" target="_blank">View and accept your grant</a>.

Compensation is important, but it’s critical that you are, and feel, safe at work. Everything we learned and reimagined since we entered this pandemic has prepared us to navigate what may come. We’re confident and ready to face the challenges ahead together, because we have the operations models, protocols and tools to run our stores safely for partners and customers. We will stay vigilant and flexible&nbsp;to adjust store operations as we need to, store by store and community by community while we maintain all the best-in-class&nbsp;control measures we have in place.

core/list

Partners, I am so very proud of our team and how we live our Mission every day, with a smile, bringing hope to each other and millions of customers every week. This is how we will get through our toughest challenges, and I have every confidence we will continue to lead through this to emerge even stronger, and even more committed to each other, our customers and communities, together.

Behind the Green Apron: Our Sustained Commitment to Partner Care

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/9/2022/01/Partner-Care-Jan-2022-3-620x1024.png

https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2020/behind-the-green-apron-our-sustained-commitment-to-partner-care/

The mental health crisis is incredibly complex with <a href="https://cmha.ca/fast-facts-about-mental-illness" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">one in five Canadians</a>* personally experiencing a mental health problem in any given year. Mental health can affect Starbucks partners (employees) in their personal lives, in their stores, and in the neighbourhoods we serve, which is why the company is committed to eliminating the stigma and providing ongoing mental health resources and support.&nbsp;

Partner care has always been at the core of Starbucks. The company is constantly listening to partner feedback to inform how it will enhance the innovative benefits it offers to support them and their families. Starbucks wants to ensure that every partner, in every store, knows how and where to seek help for themselves and others.

Mental health is a fundamental part of our humanity, and Starbucks is committed to providing its partners with resources that are truly relevant to their needs.&nbsp;

Read on to learn more about Starbucks mental health initiatives.&nbsp;

A reimagined mental health care benefit

LifeWorks, a leading digital wellness platform and app, becomes available to all 24,000 Canadian partners and their family members in August, offering access to critical support services, such as uncapped short-term 24/7 counselling sessions and financial advice.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/starbucks-canada-invests-in-comprehensive-total-wellness-for-its-partners-at-a-critical-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reimagined mental health benefit</a> is more accessible, robust and tailored to partners specific needs than ever before. Going beyond the traditional Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services, such as counselling, referrals, and advice, LifeWorks provides a more comprehensive mental, financial, physical and lifestyle health resource for all partners, including those working fewer than 20-hours a week who may not be eligible for benefits.&nbsp;

Dedicated mental health training

In July, Starbucks invests in mental health training for store managers in Canada and the U.S. Developed by the National Council for Behavioral Health and inspired by<a href="https://www.mhfa.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Mental Health First Aid</a>, the program teaches partners the skills to listen for, recognize and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use.&nbsp;

This training equips Starbucks leaders with the tools and knowledge to guide their teams at any stage of a mental health crisis. This additional in-store support also means retail partners can feel comfortable talking to their leaders about their mental health challenges and be able to easily find resources specific to their needs.

A mindful investment&nbsp;

In January, Starbucks adds the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/starbucks-headspace-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meditation app Headspace</a> to its suite of comprehensive benefits and resources to support its partners. All Canadian partners — as well as over 200,000 partners in North American stores and offices — receive a subscription. Partners can sign up and get access to hundreds of themed sessions and easy guided meditations on everything from stress and sleep to focus and anxiety.&nbsp;

Research shows many mental health-related <a href="https://www.headspace.com/meditation/benefits" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">benefits of meditation</a>. With this powerful tool, partners will be able to improve their overall well-being in a long-lasting, positive way.

Starbucks $5,000 per year mental health benefit includes an even greater list of practitioners this year. This includes psychotherapists, social workers, psychologists, guidance counsellors, marriage counsellors, and couple and family therapists.&nbsp;

Declaring mental health matters

Starbucks lays out its comprehensive mental health initiative at a <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2019/12000-starbucks-partners-gather-in-chicago-for-transformative-leadership-experience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chicago leadership event</a> in September, which brings together 12,000 store managers and field leaders from Canada and the U.S. “Together, we’re on a mission to take a stand, help break the stigma, and get even more partners and their family the support they need,” Starbucks chief partner officer, Lucy Helm said.

Continuing the conversation

The leadership event sparks conversations about mental well-being and emotional health. Partners begin sharing dialogue, feedback and ideas regarding mental health and well-being in the company’s Mental Health Matters online forum, with nearly 5,000 partners contributing.

Supporting Starbucks leaders

In partnership with mental health experts, Starbucks creates a pocketbook resource to provide Starbucks leaders with resources to support mental health conversations with their partners. The guide also directs leaders on how to support a partner who is having a mental health crisis.

The <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2019/update-on-starbucks-ongoing-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-efforts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Third Place Development Series</a> training rolls out to partners in Canada and the U.S. The training focuses on creating a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment in Starbucks stores and corporate offices, and tackles topics such as loneliness, vulnerability, mindful decision making, building resiliency, and the power of small acts and conversation to strengthen human connection.&nbsp;

Starbucks Canada launches an unprecedented <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2016/starbucks-canada-mental-health-benefit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">$5,000 per year mental health benefit</a> for all eligible employees, who work a minimum of 20 hours per week, and their dependents. This represents among the highest mental health benefits offered at any company in Canada across all industries. Most employer support for mental health covers the cost of three to four counselling sessions without recovery or mitigation, whereas a $5,000 benefit will allow for longer-term treatment.&nbsp;

Starbucks offers full extended health and dental care benefits to eligible full and part-time partners, including a mental health benefit.

*Source: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://cmha.ca/fast-facts-about-mental-illness" target="_blank">Canadian Mental Health Association</a>

Mental health can affect Starbucks partners (employees) in their personal lives, in their stores, and in the neighbourhoods we serve, which is why the company is committed to eliminating the stigma and providing ongoing mental health resources and support.

Starbucks Canada’s Comprehensive Mental Health Initiative: A Timeline

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/9/2020/08/Starbucks-Drive-Thru-Facial-Covering-1024x683.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2020/starbucks-canada-comprehensive-mental-health-initiative-a-timeline/

More than 20,000 Canadian partners (employees) and their families now have access to LifeWorks total suite of mental, financial, physical and lifestyle wellness services

Starbucks Canada this week is making LifeWorks, a leading digital wellness platform and app, available to all 24,000 Canadian partners (employees) and their family members, offering access to critical support services including uncapped short-term 24/7 counselling sessions and financial advice at a time when it is needed most.

LifeWorks’ total wellbeing platform goes significantly beyond the traditional Employee Assistance Program (EAP). It includes rewards and recognition, proactive advice, and easy-to-use learning modules and assessment tools. The platform also provides more comprehensive mental, physical, social and financial health resource that better meets the individual needs of partners. Importantly, Starbucks is making LifeWorks available to all partners, including those working fewer than 20-hours a week who may not be eligible for benefits.

“Caring for partners is fundamental to who we are at our core as a company,” says Cara Beck, Starbucks Canada’s vice president of Partner Resources. “We know that now, more than ever, we have a responsibility as a company to do more to support partners wherever they are on their wellness journey. Our commitment is unwavering.” 

Canadians have faced so much change over the last several months navigating the global pandemic and struggles with uncertainty have heightened mental health concerns. A recent survey by Statistics Canada&nbsp; found 88 per cent of Canadians have experienced at least one symptom of anxiety since physical distancing began.* And, according to a monthly <a href="https://morneaushepell.mediaroom.com/2020-08-05-Anti-Black-racism-awareness-and-response-linked-to-Canadians-mental-health" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mental Health Index™ report</a> from Morneau Shepell, who developed the LifeWorks platform, Canadians’ mental health has been on the decline for the past four consecutive months.**

“The LifeWorks platform provides support for mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing. If any one of these four pillars falters, it can negatively affect the others,” said Neil King, President, LifeWorks and Executive Vice President, Morneau Shepell. “Canadians across all industries are struggling with their mental health right now, which is why it is so critical that we approach wellbeing in a holistic way.”

LifeWorks is one more step in Starbucks commitment to supporting partners and breaking the stigma around mental health. In 2016, Starbucks Canada introduced an unprecedented <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2016/starbucks-canada-mental-health-benefit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">$5,000 mental health benefit</a>, which for three consecutive years has been the single most-used benefit behind drug coverage among Canadian benefits-eligible partners. Earlier this year, Starbucks also provided all partners with free subscriptions to the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/starbucks-headspace-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meditation app Headspace</a> to make mental health support even more accessible and to improve partners’ overall wellbeing in a long-lasting, positive way.

And, this month, the company will begin dedicated mental health training for Canadian store managers to enable these leaders with the tools and knowledge to guide their teams at any stage of a mental health crisis. This additional in-store support means retail partners can feel comfortable talking to their leaders about their mental health challenges and be able to easily find resources specific to their needs.

<a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/starbucks-canada-comprehensive-mental-health-initiative-a-timeline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here</a>&nbsp;to learn more about Starbucks Canada’s commitment to break the stigma around mental health.

*Source: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/200527/dq200527b-eng.htm" target="_blank">Statistics Canada</a> **Source: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://morneaushepell.mediaroom.com/2020-08-05-Anti-Black-racism-awareness-and-response-linked-to-Canadians-mental-health" target="_blank">Morneau Shepell</a>

More than 20,000 Canadian partners (employees) and their families now have access to LifeWorks total suite of mental, financial, physical and lifestyle wellness services.

Starbucks Canada Invests in Comprehensive Total Wellness for its Partners at a Critical Time

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/9/2020/08/SBX-LifeWorks-Ring-EN@2x-100-1024x1024.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2020/starbucks-canada-invests-in-comprehensive-total-wellness-for-its-partners-at-a-critical-time/

Starbucks benefits

Starbucks strengthens partner care with most significant investment in hourly wages

Behind the Green Apron: Our Sustained Commitment to Partner Care

Starbucks Canada’s Comprehensive Mental Health Initiative: A Timeline

Starbucks Canada Invests in Comprehensive Total Wellness for its Partners at a Critical Time