How a Store Manager in Alberta found support through Starbucks benefits and community
Names, locations and other personal details have been changed or omitted to maintain partner (employee) privacy.
With over a decade as a Starbucks partner, store manager Sam has supported partners when they’ve needed it most and guided them through the total rewards Starbucks has to offer. A few years ago, Sam’s family was thrust into difficult circumstances that required Sam to not only lean on their benefits, but the Starbucks family they have in their community.
“Because of my family’s specific situation, Starbucks mental health benefits were essential for all of us to come through what was happening and move into a new chapter of our lives. I have learned a lot in the past couple of years about the importance of not only taking care of those around you, but also taking care of yourself.”
Although the circumstances of Sam’s mental health journey are private, they wanted to share their experience in hopes they might inspire or educate others to seek out the supports available to partners. For Sam, when they weren’t sure where to turn, they were able to call Starbucks EAP through TELUS Health to begin mapping out what they needed to do.
“I started my mental health journey with our EAP when I didn’t know who else to call. From there I was able to access resources to get me to the next stage of self-care, used our $5,000 mental health benefit to its full extent, and I even took a leave of absence (LOA) to reconnect with my family when we needed it most.”
Sam also found care through supportive partners – from those who gifted their own resources, shared their stories, checked in on Sam and their family, and made it possible for them to take the time they needed.
“When you talk to partners at the store, they understand you and know what you’re going through. It’s a real community. And it’s important to me that I share my mental health journey, to break any stigma and let partners know you’re not alone. It’s ok to not be ok – there are amazing benefits, resources and partners here to help no matter where you are in your journey.”
Three months back from their LOA, Sam has a new outlook on life: “Looking back, I can say that I am so proud of my journey, for getting the help I needed and taking the time off for myself. Now I show up as my best self for myself, my family, partners and customers, and if I didn’t invest back in me, I’m not sure what my life would look like right now. When you are going through a mental health crisis, your mind can play tricks on you – I was really hard on myself and always questioning if I was doing a good job or not. Now with a clear head and a mental health plan in place, I know I am.”
About Starbucks Canada Mental Health Benefits
As part of its overall total rewards program, Starbucks Canada offers all benefits-eligible partners – whether salaried or retail hourly who work a minimum of 20 hours per week:
- Mental Health Benefit: Eligible partners enrolled in extended health benefits can access up to $5k in long-term counselling.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Our digital wellness platform and app through TELUS Health provides uncapped free and confidential counselling sessions for all partners and their family members.
- Headspace App access to mindfulness tools for all partners on day one.
For more information about the benefits Starbucks Canada offers, visit starbucksbenefits.ca.
