Starbucks’ new CEO, living 1,000 miles from HQ, won’t set office days.

Starbucks’ newly appointed CEO, Brian Niccol, has opted not to establish a new mandate for returning to the office in his initial address to employees. In a meeting that took place earlier this month, Niccol informed staff that they could work from wherever they deemed fit to effectively fulfill their roles. This information was revealed in a transcript obtained by Bloomberg.

Niccol has received special authorization to continue residing in Newport Beach while commuting to Seattle, where Starbucks’ headquarters is located. This journey covers a distance of approximately 995 miles, and Niccol is allowed to travel using the company’s jet.

In a notable development, Starbucks plans to establish a remote office in Newport Beach, from which Niccol will work alongside an assistant of his choosing.

The announcement initially drew some backlash, especially from corporate staff who are required to adhere to a three-day return-to-office policy if they reside within commuting distance of the headquarters. However, while Ne took a step back from enforcing additional on-site requirements, he did not alter the existing three-day office visit guideline, as confirmed by Bloomberg.

In response to inquiries, Business Insider reached out to Starbucks for comments but did not receive a response immediately.

Niccol articulated the importance of collaboration, stating, “There is power in having everybody together,” yet he refrained from dictating the exact days or times staff members needed to be present at the Seattle office. He emphasized, “This is not a game of tracking; this is a game of winning.”

This approach diverges sharply from recent policies adopted by other major corporations, notably Amazon, which has enacted a strict return to the office protocol. Starting in January, Amazon’s corporate employees will be required to report to the office five days a week and will have assigned desks in workspaces that previously had a more flexible setup.

As part of his strategy, Niccol highlighted the various amenities available at the Starbucks headquarters that could encourage employees to work on-site more often. These include facilities such as a daycare center and a gym, which could make in-office work more attractive.

Expressing his perspective on workplace dynamics, Niccol stated, “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.” His statement reflects a belief in the professionalism of the workforce, adding, “We’re all adults here.”

With these initial steps, Niccol outlines a leadership style that promotes flexibility while acknowledging the benefits of collaborative in-person work. Starbucks employees are awaiting further guidance as they navigate the current policies under their new CEO’s leadership.

Source: Business Insider