STARBUCKS EMPLOYEE POLICY MEMO
GLOBAL PARTNER RESOURCES & STORE OPERATIONS OFFICE
TO:
All Retail Partners, Store Managers, Assistant Store Managers, District Managers, and Regional
Leadership
FROM:
Sara Kelly, Executive Vice President & Chief Partner Officer
Partner Resources Policy Office (PRPO), Starbucks Coffee Company
DATE:
May 15, 2024
SUBJECT:
Comprehensive Update: Partner Workplace Standards, Dress Code Guidelines, Attendance
& Timekeeping Protocols
LOCATION:
Starbucks Support Center (SSC), Seattle, WA & Company-Operated Stores (U.S. & Canada)
1. EXECUTIVE PURPOSE & CORE MISSION
At Starbucks, our partners (employees) are the heart of the Starbucks Experience. Our commitment to inspiring and
nurturing the human spirit begins with creating a safe, inclusive, welcoming, and accountable workplace for all. As we
continuously enhance our retail operations, Partner Resources is issuing this official policy memorandum to provide
updated operational standards across key retail partner Touchpoints: Workplace Safety, Dress Code Standards,
Timekeeping & Attendance, and Equal Employment Standards.
This memorandum consolidates existing Partner Guide directives and introduces refreshed compliance expectations to
ensure consistency, partner safety, and food safety across all company-operated store locations.
“We are performance driven through the lens of humanity. Creating a warm, respectful environment where every
partner can thrive while upholding food safety and operational standards is core to our shared commitment.”
— Starbucks Mission & Values Directive
2. STORE DRESS CODE & PERSONAL APPEARANCE STANDARDS
The green apron is an icon of craft and connection. What partners wear beneath the apron must uphold food safety
regulations (FDA Food Code standards) while reflecting professional pride and comfort.
CATEGORY
APPROVED STANDARDS (YES)
PROHIBITED ITEMS (NO)
Apron & Tops
Clean, wrinkle-free Starbucks green apron; solid color
or muted pattern shirts covering armpits/midsection.
Holes, tears, sheer fabrics, hooded tops/
sweatshirts, large commercial non-Starbucks
logos.
Bottoms &
Footwear
Pants, jeans, skirts/dresses (max 4" above knee);
leather, suede, or rubber non-slip closed-toe shoes.
Gym/workout wear, sweatpants, canvas or mesh
open shoes, footwear with open heels/toes.
Jewelry &
Hands
One plain band ring without stones or etchings (food
safety compliant). Clean, natural fingernails.
Nail polish, artificial/acrylic nails, wristwatches,
bracelets, or stone-set rings on hands/wrists.
Hair &
Piercings
Hair secured away from face; one facial piercing (no
larger than a dime); approved head coverings/turbans.
Unsecured long hair, temporary glitter/hair spray,
facial tattoos, obscene or offensive body art.
STARBUCKS
P A R T N E R
R E S O U R C
STARBUCKS COFFEE COMPANY — INTERNAL PARTNER POLICY MEMORANDUM
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3. ATTENDANCE, PUNCTUALITY, AND TIMEKEEPING COMPLIANCE
Reliable attendance and accurate time reporting are essential to store team success and maintaining customer
connection. Partners must adhere strictly to scheduled shifts and time tracking procedures:
Punching In/Out:
Partners must clock in at the beginning of their shift, out and in for required unpaid meal breaks,
and out at the end of their shift using the Partner Hub timecard terminal or approved mobile app. Working off-the-
clock is strictly prohibited under all circumstances.
Punctuality & Absence Reporting:
Partners are expected to be on the floor ready to work at their scheduled start
time. In the event of an unexpected illness or emergency, partners must contact the Store Manager or Shift
Supervisor on duty via phone at least 2 hours prior to shift commencement. Texting is not an acceptable notification
method.
Meal & Rest Period Policy:
Partners working shifts of 4 hours or more are entitled to one paid 10-minute rest break.
Shifts of 6 hours or more require one mandatory 30-minute unpaid meal break prior to the 5th hour of work, in
addition to two paid rest breaks.
4. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, HARASSMENT PREVENTION & ANTI-RETALIATION
Starbucks Coffee Company is deeply committed to ensuring equal opportunity and a workplace free from discrimination,
harassment, and retaliation.
CORE WORKPLACE PROTECTIONS & REPORTING CHANNELS
Zero Tolerance:
Starbucks strictly prohibits discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex,
national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or protected veteran status.
Anti-Retaliation Policy:
Starbucks does not tolerate any form of retaliation against a partner who raises
concerns, reports potential policy violations, or participates in an investigation.
Partner Contact Center (PCC):
Partners seeking workplace accommodations or reporting concerns can
contact the PCC at
(888) SBUX411 (728-9411)
or access the Partner Service Portal.
Ethics & Compliance Helpline:
Confidential reporting is available 24/7 via the Ethics Helpline at
(888)
803-1477
or online at ethicsandcompliance.starbucks.com.
5. IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE & MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIES
Store Managers (SMs) and District Managers (DMs) are responsible for ensuring that all store partners review and
acknowledge these policy standards during shift huddles and monthly store meetings:
Effective Date:
Immediate implementation across all company-operated stores in North America.
Store Poster Placement:
Store Managers must post the updated EEO Policy Statement and Dress Code
Infographic on the partner communications bulletin board in the backroom.
Quarterly Policy Audits:
District Managers will conduct quarterly random reviews during store visits to ensure full
compliance with timekeeping and safety policies.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to operational excellence and making Starbucks a place of belonging for all
partners and customers.
Sara Kelly
Executive Vice President & Chief Partner Officer
Starbucks Coffee Company
Partner Resources Policy Office
Global Human Resources & Legal Compliance
Starbucks Support Center, Seattle WA
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