Starbucks spends more on employee healthcare ($250M+ yearly) than on coffee beans, a rare perk in retail. Unlike most chains, it offers insurance to part-timers (20+ hrs/week), covering medical, dental, mental health, and even gender-affirming care. This began in 1988 when CEO Howard Schultz, inspired by his father’s lack of benefits, prioritized worker welfare. The policy boosts loyalty and baristas stay 2.5x longer than fast-food peers.