Starbucks is launching new resources for the military community, including expanded career development as well as mental health and hiring initiatives.
These focus areas were chosen based on feedback from those within the military community. The coffee giant took inspiration from conversations with Starbucks Armed Forces Network (AFN), an employee resource group for Starbucks veterans, military spouses and advocates.
The chain is also offering a new centralized service that connects employees being relocated to Starbucks job opportunities. Starbucks said this service will help employees and their families grow their careers while embarking on military relocation.
“At Starbucks, two of our promises that underpin our mission are building a bridge to a better future for our partners and we contribute positively to every community we serve and, our announcements today reinforce these promises from a company grounded in human connection,” said Laxman Narasimhan, CEO of Starbucks, in a statement. “I had the opportunity to work alongside many partners from our Military Family Stores. This feedback from our partners within our own military community has been invaluable to helping us offer innovative, industry-leading support where they need it most.”
Starbucks is also working with Lyra Health on a new workshop for veteran employees and their families. Last April, the chain teamed up with Lyra, a mental health care network, to offer employees and their families up to 20 free sessions a year with a mental health therapist or coach, according to a statement.
Starbucks also plans to more than double its military family stores by 2025, putting 100 of the new stores on family bases.
The chain says its military family stores serve as gathering places for active military personnel, veterans and their families.
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