Starbucks Chile Recognized for Efforts to Promote LGBTQIA+ Inclusion in the Workplace

For the third consecutive year, Starbucks Chile obtained the highest rating in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s annual report Equidad CL, which is based on initiatives to promote inclusion in the workplace.

Santiago, Chile - Starbucks Chile, operated by licensed retail operator Alsea, was recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) Equidad CL as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality for the third consecutive year. The company was included in the sixth annual report HRC Equidad CL: Global Workplace Equality Program, which was published on May 23, 2024, and assesses LGBTQIA+ equality and inclusion in the workplace among employers in Chile.

The HRC Equidad CL report and survey were launched in 2019 in partnership with Fundación Iguales, Chile's largest LGBTQIA+ advocacy group, and Pride Connection Chile, a network of local companies and organizations that seek to achieve equality in the workplace. Today, the report is a leading benchmark in Chile with over 150 companies evaluated annually. Companies are assessed on their adoption of non-discrimination policies, creation of employee resource groups or diversity and inclusion councils, LGBTQIA+ training and education, engagement in public activities to support LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and initiatives with an LGBTQIA+ focus that are not obligatory through a legal framework. This year, a record was set with over 70 companies earning the highest possible rating in the report, including Starbucks.

"We are honored to once again be recognized by HRC Equidad CL as a leading company for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in Chile – reinforcing our efforts to create safe, inclusive environments for people to connect over coffee,” said Claudia Aburto, Starbucks South Cone’s brand director. “At Starbucks, we care for our partners (employees), and strive to create experiences where everyone is welcome and respected. From offering inclusive training programs to using our voice to advocate in support of civil rights and equality – Starbucks is proud to support and celebrate the LGBTQIA2+ community every day.”

The recognition is a reflection of Starbucks Chile’s efforts to promote LGBTQIA+ inclusion in 2023, including:  

• Gender-neutral Restroom Signage – Starbucks Chile implemented gender-neutral restroom signage in all Starbucks Chile stores to create greater inclusion.
• Ads for Good – A traveling exhibition of creative pieces made by advertising students from Chile, Argentina and Uruguay, Starbucks Ads for Good program invited community members to reflect on inclusion and diversity topics, addressing them as a relevant social challenge for the community.
• Pride Connection Mentoring Program – Starbucks Chile was certified by Pride Connection as a mentor company in 2023. This certification is awarded to companies that demonstrate mentoring, guidance, and advice to other organizations regarding inclusion & diversity topics, specifically regarding the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Training Programs – Starbucks Chile initiated a series of monthly training programs to foster a culture of inclusion and a collaborative work environment amongst partners (employees).
• Inclusion & Diversity Policy – Through its I&D policy, Starbucks Chile promotes an inclusive culture of non-discrimination, establishing prevention and support measures that respect and value the diversity that characterize the Starbucks community, as well as establishing guidelines that promote a culture of respect.

For more information on Starbucks commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion & diversity, please visit Timeline: Starbucks History of LGBTQIA+ Inclusion.