Starbucks CEO has harsh words for employees as he returns to the office

Starbucks (SBUX) CEO Brian Niccol has a stern message for his employees, and many may not be too happy about it.

As companies across the country begin to cut back on remote work, some even forcing employees to return to office work five days a week, Niccol revealed in his first speech as Starbucks CEO that there is “power in having all together. ,” according to a new report from Bloomberg.

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“My point of view is that we should be together as much as possible,” Niccol said in his speech. “You have to figure out where you need to be to do your job, then do it. We’re all adults here.”

Starbucks has a mandate, which went into effect in January 2023, that corporate staff must work from the office three days a week, and that policy remains in place.

Niccol also argued during the speech that for the company to succeed, employees should work in person “more often than not.”

Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol plays his shot from the 14th tee during the Pro Am event prior to the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday at Muirfield Village Golf Club on June 05, 2024 in Dublin, Ohio.

Dylan Buell/Getty Images

“This is not a game of chase. This is a game to win,” Niccol said. “I care about seeing everyone here succeed, and if success means being together more often than not, let’s be together more often.”

Starbucks CEO faces criticism over his remote work arrangements

Niccol, who was the former CEO of Chipotle, officially began his role as CEO of Starbucks on September 9, after being appointed to the role last month. He recently faced backlash on social media for his remote jobs.

In a recent filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Starbucks revealed that Niccol “will not be required to relocate” to the company’s headquarters in Seattle, Washington, but will commute from his home in Newport Beach, California , to the office via private jet to fulfill his “duties and responsibilities”.

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The company also revealed that it will set up a “small remote office” for Niccol in California, which “will be maintained at the company’s expense.” In addition, he will have the choice of hiring an assistant for his remote office.

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After facing backlash, a Starbucks spokesperson later clarified in a statement to CBS News that Niccol would follow the company’s mandate, working from the office three days a week.

“While Brian will have an office in Southern California, his primary office and most of his time will be spent in our Seattle Support Center,” a Starbucks spokesperson said in a statement to CBS MoneyWatch. “When he is not traveling for work, he will be in our Seattle office at least three days a week in accordance with our hybrid work policies. He will also have a home in Seattle.”

Remote work is expected to continue to dissipate in corporate America over the next few months. According to a recent KPMG survey of 1,300 CEOs worldwide, 64% of CEOs predict a full return to the office by 2025.

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