New Starbucks CEO Niccol advocates office attendance flexibility
WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES — In his first address to staff since taking over Starbucks Corporation this month, Chief Executive Brian Niccol emphasized the importance of in-office work while refraining from imposing strict mandates.
Niccol, who joined the Seattle-based coffee giant to turn around its declining sales, stressed the “power in having everybody together” but left it to employees to determine their work arrangements.
“This is not a game of tracking. This is a game of winning,” Niccol stated, according to a transcript of his remarks obtained by Bloomberg News.
“I care about seeing everybody here succeed, and if success requires us being together more often than not, let’s be together more often.”
Flexible approach amidst industry shifts
Starbucks’ approach contrasts with that of fellow Seattle-based company Amazon, which recently ordered employees to return to the office five days a week starting January.
Starbucks has maintained its three-day in-office policy, with a spokesperson confirming no changes to this arrangement.
Niccol highlighted various office amenities, including an on-site gym, daycare, and Starbucks store, as incentives for employees to work from the office. The company also offers subsidized transit, free electric-vehicle charging, and other commuter benefits.
New CEO Niccol’s work model creates debate
Niccol’s own work arrangement, which allows him to commute from California to Seattle via corporate jet, initially drew criticism from some employees and observers. However, the CEO emphasized that employees should work wherever they need to be to accomplish their tasks effectively.
“My point of view is we should be together as much as possible. You need to figure out where you need to be to get your job done, then do that,” he said. “We’re all adults here.”
Despite the perks, some Starbucks employees remain concerned about potential future changes to the company’s hybrid work model.
Niccol, who previously led Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. and brought workers back to the office four days a week, stopped short of issuing any new directives at the forum. For now, Starbucks appears to be maintaining a flexible approach, encouraging collaboration without forcing rigid office requirements.
