Elearning! Magazine: Building Smarter Companies via Learning & Workplace Technologies.
Starbucks Gives the Whole Economy a Jolt
ing partners with discounts on educa- tion-related needs such as computers, electronics, and books.
Although Starbucks is staunchly commit- ted to 'partner' (employee) development through advanced learning opportunities, their leadership extended beyond their internal learning culture. In 2011, with a stagnant economy and the highest unem- ployment rate since the Depression, the Starbucks Foundation donated $5,000,000 to Create Jobs for USA, a program operat- ed by the Opportunity Finance Network in conjunction with Starbucks. Starbucks hoped to bring people and
communities together by sparking new financing for community businesses. Their goal was to help jumpstart the economy by creating and preserving jobs in many of America's underserved communities.
SENDING EMPLOYEES TO STARBUCKS U. Starbucks believes that their employees combination of skills and experiences make them great partners, citizens and leaders. Their internal development strategy uses a modeling mix of learning and development that takes place on the job, coaching and feedback, and formal training. This devel- opment approach is a shared responsibility between partner and manager. All partners have access to the learning tools that sup- port their development. Many partners also attend college. In
direct response to partner feedback, Starbucks developed programs that provide enhanced educational benefits to assist with personal development and career goals. In January, Starbucks rolled out Starbucks U, a comprehensive partner edu- cation program that offers U.S. partners a five-part program of benefits. The frame- work includes the following elements: >>Tuition Reimbursement – providing financial support as partners advance their professional development.
>>Starbucks Student Discounts – provid-
>>Academic and Career Advisement – providing partners the personalized, professional support to build educa- tional plans that align with their career aspirations.
>>College Credit for Starbucks Training – enabling partners to receive credit for completing Starbucks retail training.
>>Savings and Scholarships at Select Schools – includes a 20 percent tuition discount for partners and eligible fam- ily members at City University of Seattle and Strayer University.
The Starbucks Store Experience program
is part of their global onboarding pro- gram, which provides new partners with training and tools that they need to suc- ceed in Starbucks fast-paced, collabora- tive, and cross-functional work environ- ment. This program is in direct response to partner feedback. The program offers an opportunity for new Starbucks partners who work at the support center (corpo- rate), regional offices, and their Roasting Plants, to spend a full day working in a Starbucks store connecting with other partners, customers, and the business. As part of their store experience, new
Kevin Hansen, Director of Core, Governance and Technology, Global Learning and Development, Starbucks, pictured with Angeli Primlani (left) and Joe DiDonato (right) EMG
Kalen Holmes, executive vice president,
Partner Resources commented, "At Starbucks, we have always understood that our success is due in part to the inspired moments of con- nection our partners create for our customers every day. We are equally committed to creat- ing and investing in the programs partners have told us inspire them.
"
IMMERSING IN THE STARBUCKS STORE EXPERIENCE
The Starbucks culture continues to renew itself. Starting in May, a new Starbucks Store Experience immersion program will become available to new partners in the U.S. It provides all new, non-retail part- ners an opportunity to experience work- ing in a Starbucks store.
partners get a first-hand opportunity to see how store partners create "inspired moments of connection" every day – the core element of the Starbucks Experience for their customers. High-performing store managers are selected to host the store experience as a unique development oppor- tunity. Through their interactions with new, non-retail partners at all levels of the company, store managers and other part- ners in the host store are able to influence future business decisions and gain a broader understanding of Starbucks' business. Starbucks is committed to providing a
work environment where partners can be their personal best, as well as have their best career experience. The immersion program aims to further strengthen the Starbucks culture by: >>Elevating new hire engagement and connection to Starbucks;
>>Providing new hires with a basic understanding of store operations;
>>Demonstrating how the Starbucks Mission comes to life in their stores every day; and
>>Connecting store partners and support partners, thereby fostering a mutual appreciation for each other's roles.
Learn More:
Experience Starbucks: http://youtu.be/HDFJUUmtD6I
Elearning! May / June 2012 19