Get All Access for $5/mo

Starbucks' New CEO — Who Lives 1,000 Miles from HQ — Will Not Tell Employees What Specific Days to Come Into the Office New CEO Brian Niccol told employees he's not into a "game of tracking" and "we're all adults here."

By Nora Redmond

Key Takeaways

  • Starbucks' new CEO, Brian Niccol, did not issue a new RTO mandate in his first address to employees.
  • The three-day office policy will remain in place.
  • Niccol will commute from Newport Beach to Seattle using Starbucks' jet.
Chipotle via Business Insider

This article originally appeared on Business Insider.

Starbucks' new CEO, Brian Niccol, has not issued a new mandate about returning to the office.

He told employees to work wherever they needed to ensure they were doing their jobs, according to a transcript from his first forum with staff earlier this month, reported by Bloomberg.

Niccol already has special permission to live at his current home in Newport Beach and commute 995 miles to Starbucks' headquarters in Seattle using the company's jet.

The coffee giant also said it would set up a remote office in the boss' hometown with an assistant of his choice.

The announcement was at first met with criticism, as corporate workers within commuting distance have had to comply with a three-day return-to-office policy.

Niccol did not announce any new on-site requirements. However, the current RTO mandate of three days has also not been changed, per Bloomberg.

Business Insider contacted Starbucks for comment but didn't immediately hear back.

He said there was "power in having everybody together," yet would not be telling employees which specific days or times they had to be in the Seattle head office.

"This is not a game of tracking," Niccol said, "this is a game of winning."

It's a starkly different approach from Amazon's recent move to end remote work entirely. Starting in January, all corporate staffers must be in the office five days a week, and employees will have assigned desks in workplaces that previously had them.

Niccol did, however, cite several amenities at its HQ that could entice people to work in person more frequently, including a daycare and a gym on the grounds.

"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, adding: "We're all adults here."

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Science & Technology

5 Automation Strategies Every Small Business Should Follow

It's time we make IT automation work for us: streamline processes, boost efficiency and drive growth with the right tools and strategy.

Business News

Former Steve Jobs Intern Says This Is How He Would Have Approached AI

The former intern is now the CEO of AI and data company DataStax.

Business Process

How CEOs Can Take Control of Their Emails and Achieve Inbox Zero

Although there are many methodologies that leaders can use to manage their emails effectively, a consistent and thought-through process is the most effective way to systemize and respond to emails and is a step of stewardship for the effective leader.

Side Hustle

'Hustling Every Day': These Friends Started a Side Hustle With $2,500 Each — It 'Snowballed' to Over $500,000 and Became a Multimillion-Dollar Brand

Paris Emily Nicholson and Saskia Teje Jenkins had a 2020 brainstorm session that led to a lucrative business.

Marketing

5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Giving a Presentation

Are you tired of enduring dull presentations? Over the years, I have compiled a list of common presentation mistakes and how to avoid them. Here are my top five tips.

Leadership

Visionaries or Vague Promises? Why Companies Fail Without Leaders Who See Beyond the Bottom Line

Visionary leaders turn bold ideas into lasting impact by building resilience, clarity and future-ready teams.