P5-6: Describe in your own words the workplace environment Starbucks has tried to create.

What
impact might such an environment have on motivating employees ? (Nhi)

1 Describe the workplace environment Starbucks has tried to create.  

According to the Principle of Management: Starbucks has worked hard to create a workplace
environment in which employees (partners) are encouraged to and want to put forth their best efforts.
Howard Schultz says he believes that people everywhere have the same desire - to be respected, valued,
and appreciated. The company takes the position that the fair and respectful “direct employment
relationship” it has with its partners - not a third party that acts on behalf of the partners - is the best way
to help ensure a great work environment. 
 Since the beginning, Starbucks has strived to be an employer that nurtured employees and gave
them opportunities to grow and be challenged. The company says it is “propartner” and has
always been committed to providing a flexible and progressive work environment and treating
one another with respect and dignity. 
 Leaders, managers and supervisors emphasize support for subordinates to ensure that every
employee grows in the company. This feature of Starbucks’ corporate culture translates to the
employees-first approach. Starbucks centers employee relationships as a key for success.
Starbucks states that they want their employees to be adaptable, self-motivated, passionate, and
creative team players. Analyzing Starbucks workplace environment, it starts at the beginning of
the Human Resource Management Process, in which Starbucks makes sure that competent
employees are identified and selected, they provide up-to-date training and then ensure to retain
competent and high performing employees.
2. Applications of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in Starbucks and Impact might such an
environment have on motivating employees:

According to PoM, the best known theory of motivation is probably Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of
needs theory. Managers use this theory to motivate employees do things to satisfy 5 basic employees’
needs

 Physiological needs: On the website, when the employees are on their duties, they are allowed to
drink how much lattes they want for free. Starbucks also offers partners the choice of multiple
coverage levels for medical, dental and vision plans, as well as Health Care accounts, life
insurance, disability and accident coverage.
 Safety needs: As to preserve the health and safety of the employees, Starbucks goes further by
offering health benefits such as medical and dental benefits to make their employees feel secure. 
(Website)
 Social needs: Starbucks demonstrates the concern it has for the relationship with its partners is
through an attitude survey that gives partners an opportunity to voice their opinions about
their experiences. (PM)
 Esteem needs: It is stated in SB website, As employees, they have to also be treated and
respected as their superiors. This is applicable for all levels of employees because even the low
level employees deserve to be respected as they put in their contribution in the organization. 
 Partner (employee) recognition is important to Starbucks. The company has several
formal recognition programs in place that partners can use as tools to encourage, reward,
and inspire one another. These programs range from formal company awards to informal
special acknowledgments given by coworkers
 Self-actualisation needs: Starbucks offers many training opportunities such as a program called
Learning to lead for hourly employees (baristas) to develop leadership skills and Starbucks now
 started to provide full payment of tuition fees for employees who are attending or want to attend
college for their career development (On the website)

One of the best reflections of how Starbucks treats its eligible part- and full-time partners is its Total Pay
package, which includes competitive base pay, bonuses, a comprehensive health plan, paid time-off plans,
stock grants, a generous retirement savings program, and partner perks and CUP fund that provides
financial support.  (PM)
=>So managers using Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to motivate employees can perceive a strong
relationship between their performance and the rewards they receive for motivation to be maximized ,
Increase job satisfaction, Decrease turnover rate and Expressing interest
=>In 2015, Starbucks was named one of the top 10 “Best Workplaces in Canada” for the fifth
consecutive year. 
 In 2013, Starbucks again was named one of Fortune maga- zine’s 100 Best Companies to
Work For (in the United States)