Starbucks launching new employee rewards program
Starbucks Coffee Company wants to incentivize store associates to help its corporate transformation efforts.
The coffee giant will introduce a new initiative it says will give baristas (its term for hourly associates) and shift supervisors more opportunity to share in the success of “Back to Starbucks,” a broad turnaround strategy instituted by CEO Brian Niccol in 2024 that includes cost controls and changes to how the company manages its workforce.
[READ MORE: Starbucks' new strategy includes four-minute service, cozier cafes, simpler menu]
Scheduled for rollout in July 2026, the program introduces a new store performance-based bonus structure. Baristas and shift supervisors can now earn up to an additional $1,200 per year ($300 per quarter) when their store meets and exceeds certain sales, operational and customer service targets.
In addition, baristas will have expanded opportunities to receive tips across more ordering and payment channels — including mobile order & pay and when using scan & pay at the register. Taken together, Starbucks estimates the new bonus and expanded tipping options have the potential to increase what eligible workers receive by approximately 5–8%, on top of what they currently receive.
And response to feedback from associates who do not already receive weekly pay, Starbucks will move to weekly pay for all U.S. employees. The company also plans to introduce new store leadership roles in addition to its previously announced full-time coffeehouse coach assistant store manager role, and says it will soon share plans for a new “Next Leadership Academy” to help employees grow into management positions.
Since launching its Back to Starbucks transformation, Starbucks says it has invested more than $500 million in additional hours and expanded rosters so that there are more workers during the busiest shifts.
During 2025, the company enacted changes designed to help its hourly store employees including:
- Implementing a generative AI solution designed to assist store associates with performing routine tasks at 35 stores during June 2025, with widespread rollout planned starting fall 2025.
- Offering 18 weeks of fully-paid parental leave for birth parents, up from its previous benefit of six weeks.
"Today we’re announcing some exciting news to help hourly partners have more ways to share in the success of Back to Starbucks," Starbucks COO Mike Grams and executive VP, chief partner offer Sara Kelly said in an open letter to employees posted on a corporate blog. "Every day, you bring the Starbucks experience to life in our coffeehouses, from the way you welcome customers to how you support one another on shift. Your hard work is paying off. We are gaining momentum, and the shine is back on the Starbucks brand."
At the approximately 5% of U.S. locations where employees have a union, this program will be subject to collective bargaining as required by federal law.
Founded in Seattle in 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company operates a global footprint of more than 41,000 company-operated and licensed stores.
