CSR is the responsibility of every company to its community. It’s a commitment to improving employees’ lives, their families, and the community as a whole.
It starts with understanding what matters most to employees, customers, and key stakeholders. What are their needs, and how can we help them? We also need to identify the company’s unique capabilities – what we do best – and use those strengths to make a difference. One particular company that has mastered this is Starbucks.
Company Profile
Starbucks is an international coffee chain and coffeehouse chain based in Seattle, Washington. With more than 24,000 stores in over 70 countries, it is the largest coffee company globally. Starbucks’ goal is to source and roast the best arabica coffee ethically.
The company has a net worth of over $50 billion, making it one of the most valuable brands in the world. But it has built its brand through its CSR initiatives, one of them is by building community stores.
Community Stores
Starbucks’ community stores are designed to create a sense of belonging, provide employment opportunities for youth, and strengthen communities.
At least 50% of the employees in each community store are young people aged 16-24 who come from the local community. These employees receive training and development opportunities to progress in their careers.
The stores also partner with local organizations to offer free space for events and activities that benefit the community. For example, Starbucks partners with a local non-profit organization to provide complimentary financial counseling services to the community in Philadelphia.
Additionally, the company aims to create a digital ‘third place,’ a robust digital community platform that aims to connect communities. It’s a place where people can come together virtually to learn, secure, and grow. ‘third place’ are these community stores at the head of this.
In addition to its community stores, Starbucks has also launched other CSR initiatives such as the Starbucks Foundation and the Starbucks Global Academy.
The Starbucks Foundation
The Starbucks Foundation focuses on supporting youth education and employment opportunities globally. In 2018, the foundation committed $100 million over four years to help create pathways to opportunity for young people around the world.
The Starbucks Global Academy is an online learning platform that offers courses on everything from coffee roasting to store operations. The academy aims to provide employees with the skills they need to be successful in their careers.
Starbucks Global Academy
The academy offers a variety of courses that are designed to help employees progress in their careers. The courses cover coffee roasting, store operations, and customer service. The academy also offers courses on business and leadership skills.
The Starbucks Global Academy is an integral part of its CSR initiatives because it provides employees with the skills they need to be successful in their careers. It also helps to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The company has also set up a $10 million fund to support small businesses and entrepreneurs worldwide. The fund will provide grants and loans to help small businesses grow and create jobs.
Aside from these initiatives, it’s also important to note the company’s ethical sourcing.
Ethical Sourcing
Starbucks is committed to the ethical sourcing of its coffee. The company has a strict set of guidelines that farmers must follow to consider sourcing. These guidelines cover water use, waste management, and farmer support.
The company also offers farmers training and development opportunities to help them improve their coffee-growing practices.
The company’s ethical sourcing initiatives have helped improve farmers’ lives and their families. These initiatives have also helped create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly supply chain.
Starbucks’ CSR initiatives show that the company is committed to its community and its employees. It is clear that Starbucks understands the needs of its stakeholders and is using its unique strengths to make a difference in the world. But what can other companies learn from this coffee magnate?
What can other companies learn from Starbucks?
Other companies can learn from Starbucks by understanding that CSR is not just about donating money to charity. It’s about using the company’s unique strengths to make a difference in the lives of employees, customers, and the community. It’s also about creating long-term sustainable value for the company.
When done correctly, CSR can help to improve brand image and reputation, attract and retain talent, and create long-term value for the company. Other companies should also be aware that Starbucks’ CSR initiatives are not just about giving back to the community. They’re also about creating opportunities for employees and investing in their future.
Your business can learn a lot from Starbucks and create a more sustainable, ethical, and profitable business by putting CSR in mind. Through this, you can grow your business alongside the community.
