Starbucks and I have a love/hate relationship. It’s mostly one-sided since I’m sure the employees have no idea of the struggle that goes on before I walk into their shop. Do I really need that tall mocha with whipped cream? No. Nobody needs that to survive, but on certain days it’s all I need to help me feel right with the world again. So, you see, it’s completely one-sided, but once I get a sip of that delicious chocolate & coffee mix nothing else matters.
Thankfully, one thing that’ll help me feel better about dishing out those $5 bucks, is the fact that Starbucks just made an announcement stating that all their baristas will be allowed to show off their ink while on the job. Not only that, but starting January 2020, all shift supervisors and baristas will receive a much-needed raise. As an ex-Starbucks barista, I’m happy to see that the company is continuing to relax their dress code in order to cater to its workforce.
Employees are now allowed to show off visible tattoos while on the job. Although face and neck tattoos are still not allowed, the company has taken this path to bring "self-expression, empowerment and inclusion," to the work place. Baristas will also enjoy the freedom to wear color ties, neck scarves and black denim.
The updated dress code comes after Starbucks barista, Kristie Williams, got over 25,000 signatures on a Coworker.org petition. "I am jumping up and down and am so excited that we can now be more comfortable at work!" Williams said in a statement addressing the dress code revamp. "I'm thrilled that Starbucks listened to feedback from employees like me and has updated its policy."
As a tattoo-lover, I’m happy to hear the news and even more excited to see people’s ink on display as they hand me that deliciously sinful café-mocha. I wish I would’ve had the opportunity to not worry about my tattoos when I worked at Starbucks, but I’m glad to see big companies are relaxing their dress code. Hopefully, it won’t be too long before we see CEOs and directors sporting their arm sleeves at corporate meetings.
