Starbucks to boost barista pay, perks

Starbucks says it will raise its baristas’ pay — and allow visible tattoos — as it seeks to retain talent and address hardship among its workers.

In a message to employees, Chief Operating Officer Troy Alstead said the company will increase starting-pay rates in the United States in January. That month all baristas and shift supervisors will also receive a raise, and experienced partners will be eligible for a “lump sum increase” to reward tenure.

Baristas will be able to display more sartorial flair — by showing their tattoos, or sporting colored ties and neck scarves, as well as black denim. The company didn’t disclose pay rates, which vary according to market. Job reviews website Glassdoor indicates that the average barista hourly wage is $9.32 an hour.

Starbucks, which has been criticized for hectic and inconsistent work schedules, will also offer employees more time with managers to talk about personal goals and the work environment. In addition, the company will offer bonuses to 28,000 outstanding employees each quarter, while eliminating performance review forms and ratings for baristas and shift supervisors.

Store employees will also get one free food item per shift.

Starbucks has long offered benefits unusual in the retail sector, such as health-care insurance, even for part timers, and stock. Recently it started a program to subsidize college education for its baristas.

But the company hasn’t avoided criticism over relatively low pay and on inconsistent work schedules assigned with the help of scheduling software.