• Starbucks shifts from a three-day to a four-day in-office workweek for corporate staff.
• The new policy will take effect in October, requiring presence from Monday to Thursday.
• Employees refusing the new mandate will have the option for a one-time cash payout to quit.
• CEO Brian Niccol emphasizes the importance of in-person work to enhance company culture and performance.
• These changes come as Starbucks faces declining sales and aims for a business turnaround.

Starbucks has announced a significant change in its work policy, requiring corporate employees to be in the office for a minimum of four days each week, up from three. This new requirement will take effect in October, with employees expected to work from Monday to Thursday at support centers located in Seattle and Toronto, as well as other regional offices across North America, according to Reuters and Business Insider.

CEO Brian Niccol, who has been with the company for less than a year, stated that the rationale behind this mandate is to foster better collaboration and strengthen workplace culture. “Being in person also helps us build and strengthen our culture,” Niccol remarked, emphasizing the company's goal to enhance in-store customer experience amidst rising sales challenges. The policy aligns with a broader trend among companies re-evaluating remote work post-pandemic, as noted by BBC and Bangkok Post.

As part of the implementation, employees who are unwilling to comply with the new office requirement will be offered a one-time payout to leave the company. This decision reflects Starbucks' commitment to create a cohesive work environment necessary for its ongoing business turnaround efforts, which have included revamping service models and hiring additional staff in response to labor and customer service challenges, according to Business Insider, Reuters, and BBC.

As Starbucks adapts to these changes, it aims to address a decline in sales, taking measures such as increasing in-store staffing and revising service policies. Niccol has stated that despite previous challenges, the company’s focus is to build a work environment that can handle the competitive landscape ahead, reinforcing the necessity of on-site work among its leaders, as highlighted by Reuters and Bangkok Post.