Starbucks Corp. (NASDAQ: SBUX) is more than just a ubiquitous and dependable place to get your daily cup of coffee. It has a role in driving positive change in the business community and societies around the world. Each year Ethisphere recognizes the world’s most ethical companies, and Starbucks has made the cut every year since the firm began publishing its list of honorees in 2007.
This year, Starbucks is in such august company as Ford, GE, Intel, Microsoft, PepsiCo, Target, T-Mobile and more than 100 others. Starbucks CEO and founder Howard Schultz is no stranger to activism. Earlier this year, in reaction to the new Trump refugee ban, the company said it will hire 10,000 refugees worldwide over the next five years. Schultz’s message to workers was titled “Living Our Values in Uncertain Times,” and it laid out several related initiatives, including supporting employee health benefits, despite attacks on Obamacare.
Starbucks also has a goal to hire 10,000 veterans and veteran spouses by 2018. Back in 2015, the company offered to pay for the college educations of the spouses and children of its employees who were veterans.
Schultz has never reacted to the question about whether his stances cost Starbucks customers. The rapidity of his response to a U.S. ban on refugees shows that he does not care about the customer issue, at least in this case.
While Schultz will soon depart the day-to-day operations as CEO of the company, he is set to become executive chairman, where he will focus on retail innovation and will accelerate the growth of Starbucks ultra-premium retail formats. He also will lead the company’s social impact initiatives.
As of April 3, 2017, Kevin Johnson, president and chief operating officer, will expand his responsibilities as president and chief executive officer. Johnson also has been a member of Starbucks’ board of directors for seven years.
Starbucks also made the 24/7 Wall St. customer service hall of fame. Not only was the high satisfaction of customers driven by product quality, the popular rewards loyalty system and comprehensive online engagement, but Starbucks also ranks high in satisfaction among its employees. Starbucks has one of the highest employee satisfaction scores of any company on Glassdoor.
100 Million Americans Are Missing This Crucial Retirement Tool
The thought of burdening your family with a financial disaster is most Americans’ nightmare. However, recent studies show that over 100 million Americans still don’t have proper life insurance in the event they pass away.
Life insurance can bring peace of mind – ensuring your loved ones are safeguarded against unforeseen expenses and debts. With premiums often lower than expected and a variety of plans tailored to different life stages and health conditions, securing a policy is more accessible than ever.
A quick, no-obligation quote can provide valuable insight into what’s available and what might best suit your family’s needs. Life insurance is a simple step you can take today to help secure peace of mind for your loved ones tomorrow.
Click here to learn how to get a quote in just a few minutes.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
Our expert who first called NVIDIA in 2009 is predicting 2025 will see a historic AI breakthrough.
You can follow him investing $500,000 of his own money on our top AI stocks for free.