Starbucks’ newly appointed CEO, Brian Niccol, is requiring employees to work from the company’s offices at least four days a week, citing the importance of in-person collaboration for fostering a sense of community. This decision impacts employees in Seattle, Toronto, and other North American offices.

The announcement, detailed in a message to employees, emphasizes that the company believes it operates most effectively when teams are physically together. This new requirement builds upon a previous policy that already mandated three days of in-office work per week.

Starbucks is offering a cash payment and a gradual transition period for employees who choose to resign rather than comply with the new attendance policy. The specific amount of the severance package has not been disclosed.

Starbucks joins a growing number of companies that are scaling back remote work options adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amazon, for example, eliminated its work-from-home policy in January, requiring employees to return to the office five days a week.

A 2024 survey by the Confederation of Danish Industry revealed that while employees benefit from remote work, many companies are seeking to increase in-office presence. Approximately 65% of companies indicated they would encourage attendance through strategies such as improving office environments and scheduling mandatory meetings and social events.

Other companies such as Nykredit and Joe & the Juice have similarly reduced work-from-home opportunities, emphasizing the importance of team spirit and decisiveness. Joe & the Juice CEO Thomas Nørøxe has stated that employees working from home must be able to justify their remote work activities.