Starbucks Increases Return to Office Mandate for Corporate Workforce

Starbucks has revised its remote work policy, mandating a four-day office return for corporate employees starting this October. The change marks a new phase in the company’s return-to-office (RTO) strategy, aligning with the start of its next fiscal year.

CEO Brian Niccol shared the update in a companywide letter on Monday. The new RTO requirement now extends beyond vice presidents to all corporate people leaders, who must work from Seattle or Toronto offices within a year.

This policy comes months after Starbucks laid off 6.9% of its non-café workforce and ramped up in-office mandates. The shift toward a stricter return to office approach has continued for over two years, despite prior employee resistance.

Previously, corporate staff had petitioned against RTO, urging Starbucks to support remote options and sign an election agreement. Still, the coffee chain remains firm on building in-office collaboration to strengthen company culture and drive performance.

While some in-market roles will stay remote, future corporate hiring will prioritize candidates in Seattle or Toronto. Internal job shifts will also follow the same location criteria to support this updated remote work policy.

Niccol emphasized the need to rebuild “in-office culture,” stating collaboration improves when teams work physically together. However, he acknowledged that employees may travel for business needs such as store visits or partner meetings.

The company will allow some flexibility, enabling employees to leave early for personal appointments or other important matters. Starbucks will also offer a one-time exit payout for those unwilling to follow the updated return-to-office requirement.

Niccol, who joined last year without relocating to Seattle, may face similar relocation expectations. Starbucks has not yet clarified if the new RTO policy will apply to him directly under these revised corporate workforce rules.

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News Source: Hrdive.com