Starbucks employees look forward to fall

The end of summer is often a sad time, but workers at U.S. Starbucks stores have more to look forward to with the coming of autumn than football and the changing of leaf colors.



Effective Oct. 3, 2016, the coffee retailer is giving all employees and managers in U.S. company-operated stores an increase in base pay of 5% or greater. The range of increase will be determined by geographic and market factors.



Starbucks will also double the annual stock award in its Bean Stock program for employees with two years of continuous service. The retailer said the combination of these changes will result in compensation increases between 8%-16%.



Furthermore, Starbucks will allow employees to shop, compare and choose personalized health coverage using interactive tools on its site starting Monday, July 18. The retailer also pledged to improve scheduling procedures, as well as announce changes to its dress code that will allow more “self-expression” at the end of July.



In an official statement explaining the surprise move, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz acknowledged the increase is intended to ensure the coffee chain remains a competitive employer. However, he also cited the need to establish trust with employees in the aftermath of recent tragic events of violence across the country.



“The world around us is increasingly fragile,” said Schultz. “But our commitment to you is not. We are in this together, and honoring your needs is essential to Starbucks success … I remain grateful for your continued trust in Starbucks to help you realize your individual aspirations as we work together to realize our shared goals.”