Module 3: Starbuck’s A Diverse Workplace

Theresa Perkes

OGL350

Dr. Kermit Brown

November 1, 2023
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Module 3: Starbuck’s A Diverse Workplace

Today, organizations are talking about diversity and inclusion, but what does it mean for
an organization to be diverse and inclusive? Diversity in the workplace means that the
individuals employed by an organization should represent the members of society in that
neighborhood. This allows new perspectives and backgrounds to bring creativity to the
workplace. Along with diversity, everyone who is employed in an organization, should feel
included, valued, and respected. When employees feel connected, they will be happier and more
productive. Starbuck’s is an organization that speaks highly about being a diverse and inclusive
workplace. What is the companies approach to diversity and inclusion? What motivates the
employees to conform, and do they go through any extensive diversity and inclusion training?
Starbucks’s mission statement is: “With every cup, with every conversation, with every
community – we nurture the limitless possibilities of human connection.” (Starbucks Stories and
News). Starbucks’s approach to diversity and inclusion stems from four pillars: partners,
customers, suppliers, and communities. When hiring new partners (employees), they look for
diverse individuals who represent the communities they serve. They want customers to feel
welcome and have a sense of belonging by relating to partners employed at their local Starbucks
store. The partners at Starbucks recognize the customers’ preferences and needs by delivering the
Starbucks Experience through connecting cultures, talents and experiences and showing the spirit
of kindness to ensure everyone is welcome. Starbucks supports and invests in local communities
through partnerships and donations such as supporting military families through Blue Star
Families and Operation Gratitude. Starbucks has a suppliers diversity program that includes a
pipeline of minority and women owned suppliers. (Partner Hub, 2023)
When you visit a Starbucks location, you will find a team that communicates and
motivates each other to perform at their highest ability. From the first day of training to the
tenured partners, conforming is something most partners appear to enjoy. They seem comfortable
and energized with a sense of confidence and belonging. They have mutual respect and share
optimism through daily goals and constructive feedback. Instead of bi-annual reviews, they hold
quarterly partner development conversations, which is an opportunity for the partner to sit down
with their manager and discuss the partners impact, growth, and aspirations for the future.
Starbucks mission and values are discussed, including what success looks like and what the
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Module 3: Starbuck’s A Diverse Workplace

partners role is in achieving that success. It is also a time to create an action plan if the partner if
they are interested in moving towards the next position.
They refer to each other as partners, rather than employees because everyone who is
employed for a year receives stock benefits, including part time partners. Part of the company’s
culture is to foster a relationship-driven, employees-first approach. This helps to encourage close
friendships, creates partner empowerment, and provides a third-place environment for customers.
Partners are encouraged to get to know their customers, use their first names and memorize their
orders. Enthusiasm and excitement are felt at most Starbucks which provides a ‘glad you’re
here’ environment. (Leinwand, P. and Davidson, V., 2016).
Starbucks’s standards of performance encourage contribution from all team members.
They rotate work duties to ensure all partners are efficient in all areas of production. When there
is an opportunity for teaching and training, the team supports each other to bring each partner to
the level of efficiency that is needed.

“Starbucks equips its partners with the tools and trainings needed to create
inclusive environments by requiring all leaders who are vice presidents and above to
complete extensive anti-bias training and courses from the To Be Welcoming curriculum.
This training is also made available to all partners and the public. During the onboarding
process of new hired partners, they receive a discussion guide with role play scenarios, so
they can understand how to connect with each other more deeply. Starbucks has Partner
Networks, which are for partners and ran by partners “

“Starbucks Partner Networks create moments of connection that promote diversity, foster
inclusion, and contribute to the success of our partners and our company. They are thoughtful
advocates and powerful voices to help promote change and understanding within the organization
and beyond. Through Networks, Starbucks partners build communities of belonging and moments
that invite us to learn, celebrate, contribute, and reflect on the diverse cultures, experiences and
convictions that make us human.” (Starbucks Stories web)

A few of the Partner Networks that partners can participate in include Pride Alliance
Network which supports LGBTQIA2, Black Partner Network, Armed Forces Network, Hora del
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Module 3: Starbuck’s A Diverse Workplace

Café advocates for Latin American partners and community, Indigenous Partner Network,
Disability Advocacy Network, and Partners for Sustainability. These networks are a great way for
partners to engage with each other as well as members of their community. (Starbucks web).

In 2018 Starbucks created a new curriculum on racial bias that it implemented into its
training program. The company showed a short film to 175,000 employees documenting the
horrible acts of racial biases towards people of color. The film’s purpose was to show how
differently black and white people are treated in everyday areas such as the subway. (Please be
advised the film may be difficult to watch.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDPTVEqkGa4.
(YouTube, 2018). The mission for Starbucks was for its employees to understand diversity and
biases so they can create an environment where everyone is welcomed. The third-place
environment is designed to provide customers with a local coffee shop feel where you want to
come often and stay. It is a place where you can spend time together with friends in a relaxing
enjoyable environment. (CNN Business, 2018)

Discrimination is something that should not be tolerated! Even though society has come a
long way since 1950, the world still sees people through a bias lens. Many organizations are
recognizing that an all-inclusive workforce is becoming a requirement. Being fair and able to
identify biases will bring value to organizations as well as have a more engaged team with less
turnover. Diverse teams bring various skills, experiences and backgrounds which provides for
smatter decision-making and creative problem solving. Starbucks is one of the many companies
that paves the path for change. Their innovation and design of the third-place is only the beginning
of how businesses can incorporate the ‘family’ feel of large companies. Their approach to diversity
will enable others to follow suit and create teaching and training plans for their employees that will
empower them with a new mindset to deliver company expectations and an all-inclusive attitude.
As businesses institute teaching and training on diversity and inclusion, perhaps the world will
become a kinder place with equality for all.
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Module 3: Starbuck’s A Diverse Workplace

References

Diversity at Starbucks. Aside from extraordinary coffee, Starbucks has made a business out of
human connections, community involvement and the celebration of cultures.

https://www.starbucks.com.kh/about-us/company-information/diversity-at-starbucks

Leinwand, P. and Davidson, V. (2016 December). How Starbucks’s Culture Brings Its Strategy to
Life. Harvard Business Review.
https://hbr.org/2016/12/how-starbuckss-culture-brings-its-strategy-to-life

Nelson, Stanley. (2018, June). NowThis. YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDPTVEqkGa4

NinjaSuitable. NEXT Partner Network. Reddit.

https://www.reddit.com/r/starbucks/comments/q6svv1/next_partner_network/

People: Inclusion and Diversity. Starbucks Stories and News.

https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/inclusion-diversity/

Q4 Community Update Contributing Positively to Our Communities. (2023, September). Partner

Hub.

https://partner.starbucks.com/en-us/Pages/Q4-Community-Update-Contributing-
Positively-to-Our-Communities.aspx

Wiener-Bronner, Danielle. (2018 September). Why Starbucks needs you to feel at home. CNN
Business.
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Module 3: Starbuck’s A Diverse Workplace

https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/30/business/starbucks-third-place/index.html