For the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/starbucks-recognized-by-japans-pride-index-2021/">second year in a row</a>, Starbucks Japan has been recognized with a Gold ranking from the PRIDE Index 2022, the highest honor for companies promoting diversity and inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community in Japan. Starbucks also recently announced that it has donated more than 5 million yen (approximately $35,000 USD) to local non-profit partner ReBit, to expand a popular diversity and inclusion program which visits schools across Japan.

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The Rainbow School Project was created to raise awareness of gender diversity and LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and help schools provide secure and welcoming spaces for all students. According to a ReBit survey of more than 2,670 LGBTQIA+ youth in Japan, there is a 5.7 year gap between when young people first begin to seek information about their sexuality and gender identity (average age 12.5) and when they feel they actually received answers for the first time (average age 18.2). This period of confusion can be isolating and lonely, so the Rainbow School Project was designed to create an open dialogue between students, teachers and the community, to embrace and celebrate diversity.

"We are delighted to be working with Starbucks Coffee Japan on this project for the third year," said Mika Yakushi, representative director of ReBit. "We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all Starbucks customers whose purchases went towards this donation. We hope that through this project, our collective efforts to increase the number of inclusive schools will spread throughout Japan."

In addition to donations, Starbucks baristas have participated in the school visits, sharing their experiences and encouragement to young people and spreading a culture of warmth and belonging beyond Starbucks stores to the wider community.

“It’s ok to be different”: Starbucks Japan leads in diversity & inclusion : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Stories Asia

“It’s ok to be different”: Starbucks Japan leads in diversity &#038; inclusion

For the second year in a row, Starbucks Japan has been recognized with a Gold ranking from the PRIDE Index 2022.

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https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2022/its-ok-to-be-different-starbucks-japan-leads-in-diversity-inclusion/

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“It’s ok to be different”: Starbucks Japan leads in diversity & inclusion

Starbucks today announced the dedication of its latest Community Store in Korea, reaffirming Starbucks commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and expands career opportunities for Starbucks partners (employees) with disabilities. The store opened in December 2020 as a first-of-its-kind Starbucks <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2020/starbucks-opens-store-focused-on-inclusive-design-in-south-korea/">store focused on inclusive design</a>, and has been focused on creating an inclusive space and impactful programming to support members of the disability community in Seoul. Now, as a Community Store, a portion of proceeds will go to support the local nonprofit Heart Heart Foundation, which advocates for inclusion and awareness of people with disabilities, and support for local artists from the disability community.

In addition, since the store opened a year ago, Starbucks has continued to work with the Korea Employment Promotion Agency for the Disabled (KEPAD) to hire 75 new partners with disabilities across the organization, creating more opportunities for career growth and development with Starbucks.

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“It is very meaningful that our store, which is an inclusive space for all, has been dedicated as a new Community Store for inclusion, furthering disability-inclusion awareness in Korea.” said Elena, assistant store manager, who is hard of hearing. “I feel very proud as a partner. I hope to create meaningful opportunities to build connections through the many activities we will be launching at our store.”

Since entering the market in 1999, Starbucks Coffee Korea has grown rapidly to become Starbucks fourth largest market, with 1,611 stores across 78 cities nationwide. Today, more than 19,700 partners proudly wear the green apron.

Elena, assistant manager, serves a customer at Starbucks third Community Store in Korea

Starbucks newest Community Store in Korea is dedicated to disability inclusion : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks newest Community Store in Korea is dedicated to disability inclusion

Starbucks dedicates third Community Store in Korea, expanding career opportunities for partners with disabilities.

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https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/community-store-in-korea-dedicated-to-disability-inclusion/

On November 11, Starbucks received two recognitions from Japan’s PRIDE Index, a “Gold” score, the highest ranking, and a “Best Practice” award for making positive impact for LGBTQ+ inclusion through the Rainbow School Project. In partnership with local non-profit ReBit, Starbucks Japan supported school programs on diversity and inclusion for more than 5,700 young people at 19 schools throughout FY21. The programs were partially funded by sales of limited-edition merchandise at Starbucks stores across Japan.

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Starbucks recognized by Japan's PRIDE Index 2021 : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks recognized by Japan&#8217;s PRIDE Index 2021

In FY21, Starbucks Japan supported diversity &amp; inclusion program for more than 5,700 students.

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https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/starbucks-recognized-by-japans-pride-index-2021/

Starbucks recognized by Japan’s PRIDE Index 2021

Today, Starbucks announced the opening of a first-of-its-kind Starbucks store focused on inclusive design in South Korea. Located at Seoul National University Dental Hospital (SNUDH), the store reaffirms Starbucks commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and expands career opportunities for Starbucks partners (employees) with disabilities.

“Opening a store focused on inclusive design marks an important moment for Starbucks in South Korea and around the world,” said David Song, ceo, Starbucks Coffee Korea. “We are excited to have this opportunity to bring Starbucks Mission and values to life in our community and expand opportunities for our partners to develop their careers at Starbucks. Through our partnerships with organizations like the Korea Employment Promotion Agency for the Disabled (KEPAD), we hope to lead the way for other business in South Korea to create an inclusive environment for all.”

Starbucks partners in the disability community had raised the concept for such a store as an opportunity for the company to have a positive impact. From the beginning, Starbucks Coffee Korea partners with disabilities guided store development and operational testing to create a welcoming Third Place community for partners and customers alike. The company also partnered with the KEPAD and other advocates in the disability community to consult on store design and training.

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Anyone who is passionate about access and disability inclusion can work at the new store. Half of the staff are partners with disabilities, and hold positions at nearly every level. In partnership with KEPAD, partners all receive customized training and development, including basic expressions in Korean Sign Language.

The store’s central art piece demonstrates the positive impact that Starbucks partners with disabilities have had on the company and partners’ hopes to make a place where all people can come together over a cup of coffee. Partners from across South Korea, as well as partners based at the store, contributed individual clay pieces arranged to create the word “Together” in English, mounted on a background of upcycled Starbucks coffee grounds.

“I’m so proud of this new store and the important role it will play in bringing our community together and enhancing the career development journey of Starbucks Korea partners,” said Elena Choi, assistant manager of the new store, and a partner who is hard of hearing. “Creating an inclusive space expands the ability of partners to learn and grow in their role, and we’re so excited to welcome customers to our new store.”

The store was designed to be a warm and inclusive space for people with a wide range of disabilities, from customers to partners. Partners are equipped with digital tablets to facilitate communication with customers, and the store floor, back room and bar have all been designed with additional space for comfortable wheelchair access—a first-of-its kind for Starbucks globally. At the Starbucks design lab in South Korea, members of the disability community helped test the store’s unique bar to better optimize the space for partners using mobility aids like wheelchairs.

“The new store represents our enduring commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in every market we serve,” said Sara Trilling, president, Starbucks Asia Pacific. “We understand we are still early in our journey, and will continue to learn and expand our design principles. With feedback from partners, customers and the community, we are constantly reimagining how we build stores to create a Third Place environment that nurtures and inspires all people.”

Other unique features of the store include a dual-monitor POS that shows customers their order, mobile POS, contactless speech-to-text voice recognition through a tablet at the register, Braille menu,&nbsp;and digital signage lets customers track the progress of their order.

Braille tactile maps and signs around the store help customers and partners navigate by touch as well as sight. All entrance doors are automatic, with sensors and push button switches to welcome customers and partners into the store with ease. A digital community board inside the store also showcases Starbucks social impact initiatives and local activities.

Starbucks Coffee Korea plans to launch regular community engagement programs at the store to provide a platform for members of the disability community, including partner-led coffee seminars and art contests to design exclusive store merchandise—expanding supplier diversity.

“I’d like to congratulate Starbucks on the opening of this first-of-its-kind store with inclusive design,” said Jong Ran Cho, president of KEPAD. “Starbucks Coffee Korea is a company committed to creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities. KEPAD will continue to support Starbucks in this journey to create social impact through the employment of people with disabilities.”

Since 2012, Starbucks Coffee Korea has worked with the KEPAD to recruit partners with disabilities, and has held an annual Barista Championships for partners with disabilities since 2015, though this year’s event was postponed due to COVID-19. The company has also worked with the Korea Disabled People’s Development Institute (KODDI) to provide additional training and expand career opportunities for people with disabilities across South Korea since 2018.

Since entering the market in 1999, Starbucks Coffee Korea has grown rapidly to become Starbucks fifth largest international market, with more than 1,400 stores across 78 cities nationwide. Today, more than 17,000 partners proudly wear the green apron in South Korea.

Partners at new store in South Korea communicate in Korean Sign Language

Starbucks opens store focused on inclusive design in South Korea : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks opens store focused on inclusive design in South Korea

Starbucks opens a new store focused on inclusive design in South Korea.

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https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2020/starbucks-opens-store-focused-on-inclusive-design-in-south-korea/

Located in the heart of Penang’s historic Deaf community, the Penang Signing Store serves as the Third Place for community events and celebrations of Deaf culture

New store is Starbucks fourth Signing Store globally and second in Malaysia, the first Starbucks market to launch the Signing Store format

Today, Starbucks announced the opening of the Penang Signing Store, its second in Malaysia and fourth globally, as part of its ongoing commitment to inclusion, accessibility and diversity. Located in the heart of Penang’s historic Deaf community, the store creates new career opportunities for Deaf and Hard of Hearing partners (employees), while also serving as the Third Place for Penang’s long-established Deaf community to host sign language workshops and career development seminars. 

“The overwhelming success of our first Signing Store in Kuala Lumpur in 2016 demonstrated the importance of representation and belonging in the workplace,” said Sydney Quays, managing director of Starbucks Malaysia &amp; Brunei. “It taught us how valuing different perspectives not only contributes back to the business, but also make meaningful changes that enriches lives. The reason that we chose Penang is because of its rich culture and historic relationship with the Deaf community in Malaysia, spanning more than 50 years.”

Starbucks Malaysia partnered with the Penang Deaf Association to support the professional training and development of the store’s partners, including internship opportunities and sign language classes for the store’s seven hearing partners. “We’re very excited to partner with Starbucks to provide richer career opportunities and sense of belonging to the Deaf community in Penang,” said Razman Tan Abdullah, President of the Penang Deaf Association. “Starbucks stores are a place for many kinds of people to come together, and we’re proud to invite everyone to experience the vibrant Deaf culture that has thrived here in Penang for over 70 years.”

The three-story, 4,600 sq. ft. store in Penang showcases how digital innovation enhances inclusive design. Touchpoints around the store have been designed specifically to meet the needs of Deaf and Hard of Hearing partners and customers, including visual alarms, digital trays, and point-of-sale systems with an attached customer display.

The store design celebrates Deaf culture with a mural wall created by local Deaf artist Lim Anuar. Exclusive Signing Store merchandise will also be available, including the first Starbucks Cards to feature Starbucks in sign language, as well as mugs and keychains.

The U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia, Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir, attended the opening ceremony and praised Starbucks Malaysia’s innovative Signing Store format, which launched in the U.S. in 2018 and China in May 2019. “Starbucks should be lauded for their proactive approach to diverse hiring. It has set a positive example of how an American company can learn and adapt to a program that was initiated right here in Malaysia, by Malaysians. I continue to take great pride in promoting the commitment to inclusion and the outstanding corporate social responsibility work showcased by American firms like Starbucks that operate in Malaysia.”

“As a global brand, Starbucks believes that one of the most important contributions we can make is to serve as a catalyst for positive impact in the communities where we do business,” said John Culver, group president, International, Channel Development and Global Coffee &amp; Tea. “For nearly 50 years, we’ve aimed to live by our Mission and Values everywhere around the world. We are proud of our partners in Malaysia for taking the lead in inclusion, accessibility and diversity, and inspiring us to expand the Signing Store format around the world.”

In conjunction with the launch day, the store will offer the Vanilla Fig Frappuccino® blended beverage at a special opening price. For each purchase, Starbucks Malaysia will donate RM1 (0.24USD) to the Penang Deaf Association to develop programs that will support the community.

Since Starbucks opened its first store in Malaysia in 1998, Starbucks Malaysia has grown to 300 stores across 58 cities, employing more than 4,000 partners.

Starbucks partner takes customer's order in Malaysian Sign Language at Signing Store in Penang

Starbucks new Signing Store creates development opportunities for Deaf and Hard of Hearing partners in Penang, Malaysia.

Career Opportunities Expand in Malaysia with New Starbucks Signing Store : Starbucks Stories Asia

Career Opportunities Expand in Malaysia with New Starbucks Signing Store

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Store creates opportunities for the Deaf and hard of hearing community as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, accessibility and diversity

Opening Starbucks third signing store globally

Guangzhou, CHINA – Starbucks today announced it has opened its first Signing Store in Guangzhou, China, dedicated to offering employment and career advancement opportunities for the Deaf and hard of hearing community. The store will serve as a welcoming hub for those passionate about improving accessibility and experiences for all and is located near the recognized Guangdong Disabled Association and Guangdong Deaf People Association.

“As a coffee leader deeply rooted in China, for China, Starbucks is committed to creating equal opportunities for everyone, as well as a unique third place experience that addresses a wide range of community needs. The new Signing Store is an example of how we are building inclusive environments and careers for our partners,” said Belinda Wong, chief executive officer of Starbucks China. “This store truly creates a sense of belonging for everyone and is a strong testament to our continued commitment to building a more diverse and inclusive working environment.”

Creating Equal Opportunities for the Deaf Community

The store employs Deaf partners and hard of hearing partners (employees) from across China, who are fluent in Chinese Sign Language. With their deep experience in working with the Deaf community, the team of partners will help to develop talent and create career opportunities at Starbucks and beyond, while raising awareness and understanding of Deaf experiences in the workplace.

Starbucks currently employs over 100 partners with disabilities in China. Building on its efforts to nurture talent and create more opportunities for the Deaf workforce, Starbucks has partnered with the Guangdong Deaf People Association to offer professional skills training, including sign language courses and internship opportunities. 

“The Guangdong Deaf People Association is proud to partner with Starbucks to provide training and opportunities for the Deaf and hard of hearing community,” said Yitao Fan, vice chairman, China’s Deaf People Association &amp; President of Guangdong Deaf People Association. “Thanks to Starbucks, Deaf partners are empowered to develop their careers in a vibrant and supportive environment, while the store provides a strong platform to drive societal awareness around Deaf Culture and the needs of the community.”

Building an Inclusive Retail Experience

Featuring exclusive artwork and unique merchandise designed by Deaf artists, the store provides a platform for the Deaf and hard of hearing community to unleash its talents. The welcoming environment features wooden frames above the bar area that are arranged to express the gesture of love in sign language. 

Sign language symbols are printed on umbrellas in front of the store, and there are indicators throughout the store. Deaf baristas will wear aprons with the word “Starbucks” embroidered in sign language. The store is equipped with a customized ordering system. Customers and partners will be able to communicate using notepads and two-way digital displays. For customers new to sign language, there will be a dedicated area for customers to write down their orders on an electronic board and wireless vibrating pagers will notify customers when their orders are ready. 

To create an inclusive environment and encourage customers to learn more about the Deaf community, the store will also offer sign language lessons and coffee workshops in sign language.

Starbucks as an Employer of Choice in China

In addition to the Signing Store in Guangzhou, Starbucks has a long history of making meaningful investments as an employer of choice in China. This year, China (along with Canada) became the first international market at Starbucks to <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2019/pay-equity-around-the-globe/">achieve 100% gender pay equity</a>, following a global announcement to <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2018/starbucks-commitment-to-gender-racial-pay-equity/">close the gender pay gap for all partners</a> in company-operated markets. The company also offers a <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2017/starbucks-partner-benefits-insurance-plan-for-parents-in-china/">critical illness insurance plan</a> to the parents of Starbucks eligible full-time partners across mainland China – an initiative that addresses one of the market’s most pressing social concerns of elderly care. A monthly housing allowance subsidy is also available to all full-time baristas and shift supervisors who have been employed by Starbucks for more than six months.

Starbucks China’s commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace has resulted in recognition as a leading employer by Aon Hewitt with its <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2017/starbucks-aon-best-employers/">Best Employer in China Award</a> in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2018.

Signing Stores Around the World

In addition to China, Starbucks also opened a Signing Store in <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2016/deaf-partners-build-careers-at-starbucks/">Malaysia in 2016</a> and <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2018/starbucks-opens-first-us-signing-store/">Washington, D.C. in 2018</a>.

The Signing Store opened on 19 May, the National Day for Helping People with Disabilities in China.

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SBX20190519 &#8211; Starbucks Signing Store China (7)

Starbucks Opens First Signing Store in China : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Opens First Signing Store in China

The store creates opportunities for the Deaf and hard of hearing community as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, accessibility and diversity.

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2019/starbucks-opens-first-signing-store-in-china/