Starbucks Requires Four-Day Office Return, Offers Exit Payouts

Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol has announced a new policy requiring corporate employees to return to the office four days a week starting in October 2024, increasing from the previous three-day mandate. This change affects staff in Seattle and Toronto support centers and North America regional offices, with leaders and managers expected to be physically present to foster collaboration and strengthen company culture as part of the 'Back to Starbucks' turnaround strategy. Employees unwilling to comply with the new in-office requirement are offered a one-time voluntary exit program with cash payments. Niccol emphasized that in-person work enables faster problem-solving, idea sharing, and cultural rebuilding, which are crucial to reversing slumping U.S. sales and improving customer experience. Additionally, all support center people leaders must relocate to Seattle or Toronto within the next 12 months to be with their teams. These moves reflect Starbucks' effort to balance operational efficiency with employee presence amid broader efforts to revitalize the company.