Starbucks doubles paid leave program—even for part-time baristas

Here’s another reason to love your treat-yourself moment at Starbucks: the coffee giant just unveiled an expanded parental leave policy that’s envy-inducing (hold your peppermint latte).

Starting March 2025, Starbucks is more than doubling paid parental leave for U.S. store partners working an average of 20 hours a week or more. Birth parents will get up to 18 weeks of fully paid leave, and non-birth parents up to 12 weeks.

This move positions Starbucks as a leader in retail—making it possible for hourly workers to access something that most in the industry don’t have (but 100% deserve): paid time off to recover from childbirth and bond with their baby. 

Related: This study proves that paid parental leave benefits moms’ health—for decades

But let’s zoom out. In the U.S., paid family leave is a luxury, especially for retail and lower-income workers. Only 27% of workers have access to paid family leave through their employer, with higher-wage earners more likely to receive these benefits. This leaves many lower-income workers (who need the paid support more!) without support during a critical time in their family’s life. 

In the retail world, the constraints have been even tougher. Many employees are part-time or hourly, and paid parental leave is rare. Studies show that about two-thirds of service-sector workers can’t afford to take leave, or take less than they need, due to financial constraints. 

This lack of support has real consequences. Without adequate leave, new mothers may return to work sooner than is healthy, impacting both maternal and child well-being. That’s why organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics emphasize that paid family leave is essential for improving the health and financial stability of families. Here’s what the AAP said in their recent policy statement endorsing universal access to paid leave:

The positive effects of Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) on the physical and mental health of infants, children, and their families are well documented. Low-income and part-time workers benefit most from PFML programs; however, there would be several positive economic aspects if a universal PFML program were available to all families.

Most employees who take leave return to the same employer, improving talent retention and attracting new employees. Businesses report positive effects on employee productivity and profitability, reduction of attrition costs, improvement in employees’ morale and engagement, and a lower level of public benefit use. 

Related: The U.S. is way behind in paid parental leave–but these 6 companies offer generous policies

The benefits are not just economic, the AAP notes:

A wealth of scientific evidence demonstrates the critical nature of parental presence on infant mental and physical development, allowing for parents to be emotionally available, sensitive, and responsive to the needs of the infant.

PFML is associated with lower rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and child hospital admissions; reduced neonatal, infant, and child mortality rates; higher rates of breastfeeding; and higher timely vaccination rates.

In other words, lives depend on increased access to paid leave for moms and their babies.

So while Starbucks’ policy is a step in the right direction, there’s a pressing need for comprehensive national policies to ensure all workers, regardless of income or job type, have access to paid family leave.  

All new parents deserve support and protection during this vulnerable time. As we celebrate Starbucks’ initiative, let’s also advocate for policies that extend these essential benefits to every worker across the country. And yes, pass me a latte.

Sources:

1. US Department of Labor announces new research. US Department of Labor. US Department of Labor announces new research that underscores benefits of paid family and medical leave.
2. A National Paid Leave Program Would Help Workers, Families. 2021. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. A National Paid Leave Program Would Help Workers, Families.
3. This policy gap is harming Americans’ health. 2024. Market Watch. This policy gap is harming Americans’ health — and finances, doctor group warns.
4. Paid Family and Medical Leave: Policy Statement. 2024. American Academy of Pediatrics. Paid Family and Medical Leave: Policy Statement.