Starbucks India adds a step forward in coffee giant's gender diversity push
The chain recently opened two stores operated entirely by women.
Starbucks’ joint venture in India has opened two stores operated entirely by women, part of a bid to promote an inclusive and diverse workforce.
The first store is located at Shijavi Stadium in Delhi whilst is located along the Western Express Highway, in Goregaon. Two more female-led stores are expected to be built by the end of the year.
The all-women stores are described by the company as “another significant step toward creating meaningful opportunities for women in leadership within the company and an important part of our efforts to achieve 40 percent gender diversity by the end of 2022.”
“Tata Starbucks remains focused on creating and strengthening opportunities for women and fostering diversity across our organization,” Tata Starbucks CEO Navin Gurnaney said in a statement. “We are proud to open these all-women stores that will increase our commitment to diversity and inclusion in India and empower our female partners in new and meaningful ways.”
In 2019, Tata Starbucks achieved 100% gender pay equity and said it continues to create opportunities for all partners “to shine in leadership roles.” Their Brew of Balance initiative, for example, creates opportunities for women returning to the workforce from maternity leave, career break, offers more flexibility, including a five-day work schedule, childcare assistance, access to the Women Inclusion Network @ Starbucks platform, as well as family and sabbatical leave.
In addition, Tata Starbucks boasts for being the first food and beverage retailer in India to deploy a five-day work schedule. Currently, women make up 28% of Tata Starbucks’ workforce.
