Pros
This review is in the context of working at HQ in Seattle in the Global Technology (IT) department. There is an energy in the air like no other place I've worked. HQ really does feel like a big store, with people chatting over coffee everywhere you look. The warm, hip, contemporary atmosphere and group-thinking culture is quite fun at first and seems to thrive off the latest progressive cultural ideals. Who would have thought that doing something as boring as selling coffee could be so inspiring. Unfortunately, this surface level perception is where the fairy tale ends. Silly trinket benefits like free coffee (gasp!) and a Spotify subscription. Medical / stock / retirement are average.
Cons
Within the heart of Starbucks' corporate culture lives a lumbering, toxic, MILITANT behemoth of top-down managerial condescension that passive-aggressively crushes any opposing viewpoints, opinions, or ideas. It is remarkable to watch as senior leaders claim to be open to new ideas and feedback solicitation, only to turn right back around and belittle, isolate, or even fire those who dare speak up and oppose them. Starbucks is the definition of the much hated top-down managerial style. It all seems to start with Howard, our smiling, benevolent dictator. Pick your place on the assembly line, but do not question the man in charge or else you might be whipped. Compensation is low (by about 25%) compared to market (tech in Seattle). Everyone seems to be obsessed with title and reporting structures.
