Starbucks Announces New Backup Childcare Benefits
Starbucks announced earlier this week new childcare benefits for employees, offering 10 subsidized backup care days for children or adults. This latest news comes on the heels of Starbucks decision to offer its workers an expansive new set of benefits in January. At the time, the coffee chain said that it was giving all baristas sick leave plus $500 in stock grants ($2,000 for store managers). Starbucks also announced higher wages and paid parental leave for up to six weeks, including for nonbirth parents. The new care policy "is the final piece of the puzzle," said Ron Crawford, vice president of benefits at Starbucks, in a statement to the press.
Total Retail's Take: Starbucks is following in the footsteps of other retailers, including Apple and Home Depot, by making a concerted effort to improve employee benefit care. With the current tight labor market, brands are taking steps to make their entry-level positions more attractive to potential employees, whether it be increased minimum wages or preferred benefits such as childcare subsidies. Starbucks partnership with Care.com offers employees the choice to pay $1 an hour for in-home care of children or adults, or $5 a day for each child at a center. After the 10 days have been used, workers pay the full cost for services offered by Care.com. Starbucks has long been an advocate for its employees. Just 4 percent of employers offer similar programs.
