Tata Starbucks, a 50:50 joint venture between Tata Consumer Products Limited and Starbucks Corporation, has long been recognised as a leader in the Indian coffee industry. Since its inception in 2012, Tata Starbucks has not just delivered a premium coffeehouse experience. Instead, they have also prioritised social responsibility and community building. A significant part of their success lies in their unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). DEI at Tata Starbucks has become a core pillar of their workplace culture.
In a country with deep-rooted social hierarchies, Tata Starbucks stands out as a shining example of how DEI can transform an organisation. The company’s approach is coined as “Brewing a Culture of Warmth and Belonging.” It focuses on creating a workplace where every employee, referred to as a Partner, feels included, respected, and part of something bigger. The company’s diversity initiatives have seen remarkable success. This is especially true in terms of gender diversity, workforce flexibility, and leadership development for women.
DEI at Tata Starbucks: The journey towards gender diversity
Since its early years, Tata Starbucks has been steadfast in promoting gender equity. The company has grown its women representation in its workforce from 16% in 2014 to 26% by 2018, and this growth continues today. This is not just a matter of numbers but part of a broader strategy to create a workplace that values the unique strengths of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
To ensure equal representation, Tata Starbucks has implemented innovative recruitment strategies. They partner with women-centric sourcing channels such as hotel management institutes, educational campuses, and NGOs like Magic Bus and Teach India. This approach has enabled the company to access a diverse and reliable talent pool.
The company also promotes gender-neutral hiring practices. Additionally, they target women who are returning to the workforce through the Tata Second Careers, Inspiring Possibilities (SCIP) platform. They have even launched a Special Referral Scheme called “Brew of Balance.” It offers flexible employment opportunities for women who may have taken a career break or are starting their careers anew.
Creating a workplace that works for everyone
While hiring diverse talent is essential, Tata Starbucks understands that retaining these employees is equally crucial. To this end, the company has implemented flexible work hours. This allows employees to balance their personal and professional lives more effectively. Partners can switch between full-time and part-time roles based on their needs. This benefit has resulted in an attrition rate that is half of the industry benchmark.
For example, a single mother who has worked with Starbucks for over five years highlights the importance of this flexibility. “The work-life balance is great, and I never feel that I am unable to spend enough time with my child,” she says. It is a testament to the company’s commitment to supporting its Partners.
Leadership development and opportunities for growth
Tata Starbucks is not just focused on hiring but also on nurturing its talent for the future. The company invests heavily in creating development pathways for its employees. The company offers leadership development programs like BLEND, a year-long initiative embedded with Lean Six Sigma action learning projects. Additionally, Tata Starbucks supports cross-functional projects, job rotations, and access to free online courses on the Starbucks Global Academy.
Women-specific leadership programs are also a key focus. Initiatives like Tata Mentors help women develop the skills and confidence to take on managerial and leadership roles. Through this approach, Tata Starbucks is building a pipeline of future leaders that can drive the company’s and their personal success.
DEI at Tata Starbucks: A commitment to employee well-being
Tata Starbucks goes beyond just professional development. The company has implemented several policies that prioritise the well-being of its employees, especially during significant life events. These include:
- A five-day workweek for all store partners, the first in the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry in India.
- Clearly defined shift timings and safe travel arrangements for female employees.
- Extended leave policies for events like adoption, bereavement, and maternity or paternity breaks.
- Lactation rooms for new mothers and child care assistance through tie-ups with daycare centres.
These initiatives ensure that employees can thrive not just at work but also in their personal lives.
Gender pay equity and inclusive culture
In 2019, Tata Starbucks took another monumental step by achieving 100% gender pay equity. This means that men and women across the company receive equal pay for equal work. Unfortunately, it is still a rarity in today’s corporate world. The company uses a structured, data-driven approach to ensure that compensation is based solely on position and performance. It eliminates gender biases from the equation.
Tata Starbucks is also committed to creating a supportive culture where employees from diverse backgrounds feel genuinely welcome. The company has established various feedback and support mechanisms to ensure that employees’ concerns are heard and addressed. These initiatives include an Ethics Helpline, Partner Round Tables, and iCall, a free counselling service in partnership with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences.
DEI at Tata Starbucks: Celebrating diversity and inclusion
Tata Starbucks’ DEI efforts have earned it numerous accolades. One of them is the recognition as one of India’s Top 10 Best Workplaces in Retail. The company is also listed among the “100 Best Companies to Work for Women” by Working Mother and Avatar. The company’s commitment to diversity goes beyond gender, embracing employees of all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and ages. This diversity, Tata Starbucks believes, is not just good for its employees but also drives business success.
Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan interacting with the team at a Starbucks outlet
As a store manager at Tata Starbucks puts it, “I am proud to be part of an organisation that is recognised as one of the best places to work for women.” Her words capture the essence of Tata Starbucks’ mission: to create a place where everyone feels they belong, no matter who they are or where they come from.
Summing up the lessons from DEI at Tata Starbucks
DEI at Tata Starbucks is more than just a set of policies. It is a deeply ingrained part of the company’s culture. By fostering an environment of inclusion, equity, and belonging, Tata Starbucks is setting an example for other companies. The company is also making a tangible impact on the lives of its Partners. Their efforts show that when businesses commit to DEI, the benefits extend beyond the workplace—transforming communities, strengthening relationships, and ultimately contributing to a more inclusive world.
Source: Tata Newsroom
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