Starbucks Partner Vacation and Time Off Benefits 2025
Starbucks, one of the world’s most popular coffee brands, continues to care deeply about its employees’ well-being. Known as “partners,” Starbucks employees receive many vacation and time-off benefits that help them stay healthy, rested, and supported in every part of life.
From paid vacation and sick leave to parental, bereavement, and jury duty leave, these benefits make sure partners can rest and take care of themselves and their families. This guide explains everything about Starbucks’ vacation and time-off policies and how to request time off using the Partner Central.
Eligibility for Starbucks Partner Vacation and Time Of
Starbucks makes sure most benefits are available soon after hiring. For example, retail hourly partners begin earning vacation after 90 days of work, while managers and non-retail partners often get vacation time immediately when they start.
Eligibility can vary depending on your role, location, and hours worked. Most partners need to work a minimum number of hours per week to qualify for full benefits. Sick leave, however, starts building from day one for many employees, so they can manage health needs right away.
Other benefits, like holiday pay and bereavement leave, apply to all partners immediately, creating a caring and supportive workplace from the start.
How Starbucks Partner Vacation Accrues
At Starbucks, vacation time builds up (accrues) based on your role and how long you have worked. You earn vacation hours according to either the hours you work or your years of service. This system rewards long-term employees and encourages loyalty. Unused vacation time can often carry over into the next year, and any remaining vacation balance is usually paid when you leave the company.
| Role Type | Accrual Start | Basis | Carryover | Payout on Separation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Hourly | After 90 days | Hours worked | Yes | Yes |
| Management/Non-Retail | Upon hire | Tenure | Yes | Yes |
Retail Hourly Partners
Retail partners start earning vacation after 90 days of continuous work. They earn vacation hours every pay period based on the number of hours worked. This lets them plan time off throughout the year for rest or holidays.
Management and Non-Retail Partners
These partners receive vacation time when they are hired. The amount of vacation grows with their years of service. In some U.S. states, the company uses an accrual system instead of a grant to meet local labor laws, making sure it’s fair for everyone.
Starbucks Sick Leave Policy
Sick leave gives partners the freedom to recover when they’re ill or to care for family members. Partners usually earn one hour of sick time for every 25 hours worked and can use it as soon as it’s earned. Sick time can be used for personal illness, medical appointments, or taking care of family members.
To check your sick leave balance, log in to the Starbucks Partner Hub or Partner Portal anytime.
Starbucks Paid Holidays
Starbucks celebrates several major U.S. holidays each year. Partners may get paid time off or extra pay for working on these days, depending on their role and store rules.
Recognized Holidays Include:
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
If you work on a holiday, you may earn time-and-a-half pay, giving you extra income during the holiday season.
Personal Days
Along with regular paid time off, Starbucks gives personal days to some employees.
- Retail management and non-retail partners get one personal day every six months (on January 1 and July 1).
- Personal days must be used within six months of being given.
- They can be used for personal reasons not covered by other leave types.
Parental and Family Leave
Starbucks offers one of the best parental leave programs in retail. Starting in March 2025, partners working 20 or more hours a week can take 12 to 18 weeks of paid parental leave, depending on their role and how long they’ve worked.
This benefit is for all parents welcoming a child by birth, adoption, or surrogacy. It provides time and financial support during an important life event, showing Starbucks’ strong support for families.
Starbucks also offers bereavement leave — partners can take two paid days off, or four days if travel is needed, after the loss of a loved one.
Jury Duty and Other Leave Options
Starbucks supports civic responsibility. If you are called for jury or witness duty, the company pays you for your missed scheduled shifts.
Starbucks also offers other leave types for different situations:
- Medical Leave – to recover from health issues
- Military Leave – for military service
- Personal Leave – for personal matters
- Career Coffee Break (Sabbatical) – for long-term partners who need extended time off
Eligibility for these leaves depends on how long you’ve worked and the reason for leave, but all are meant to support you during life’s important events.
How to Request Vacation or Time Off
Here’s how to request time off through the Starbucks Partner Portal:
- Log in to the Partner Portal with your Starbucks credentials.
- Go to “My Schedule” or “Request Time Off.”
- Choose the type of leave (PTO, sick leave, personal day, etc.).
- Select your desired dates and add a reason if needed.
- Submit the request for manager approval.
Your manager will review and either approve or suggest new dates depending on store needs. Once approved, your time off will show in your schedule.
Tips for Managing Starbucks Partner Vacation
- Plan Early: Request vacation well ahead, especially during busy times.
- Check Balances Often: Track PTO and sick hours using the Partner Portal.
- Communicate Clearly: Keep your manager updated about your plans.
- Use Your Time: Don’t let earned time go unused — your rest is important.
Why Time Off Matters at Starbucks
At Starbucks, time off isn’t just an extra benefit — it’s part of the company’s values. Taking breaks helps partners stay happy, healthy, and motivated. Rested partners give better service, stay productive, and enjoy their jobs more. Whether you’re taking a vacation, spending time with family, or simply recharging, Starbucks encourages you to use your earned time and live fully.
The Partner Portal makes managing your time off easy, helping every partner balance work and personal life smoothly.
FAQs
Go to the Partner Hub and click “My Schedule” or “Time Off” to see your current vacation balance.
Retail hourly partners start earning vacation after 90 days, while management and non-retail partners usually receive vacation when hired.
There are eight paid holidays, including Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Independence Day.
Starting March 2025, eligible partners can take 12 to 18 weeks of paid parental leave, up from the previous six-week policy.
Yes, unused vacation is usually paid when you leave Starbucks.
Your manager will let you know, and you can talk about different dates or reapply later.
Conclusion
Starbucks’ vacation and time-off benefits show its strong care for partner well-being. From paid time off and sick leave to family, jury, and bereavement leave, every policy helps partners live balanced and happy lives.
Whether you’re planning a holiday, taking care of family, or just recharging, Starbucks gives you the flexibility and support you deserve. Make sure to use your time off — because a refreshed partner is a stronger partner.
Check Also: Starbucks Partner Resources and Hours
