Starbucks is telling its corporate staff to return to the office four days a week – or take a one-off payment and leave. From October, employees in the US and Canada must be in between Monday and Thursday, up from three days.

The company’s CEO, Brian Niccol, says the change is part of a broader turnaround plan to revive sales and performance. In-person working, he argues, is essential to rebuild collaboration and company culture.

This move follows similar decisions from firms like Amazon and JP Morgan. Research shows about one-third of remote-capable workers in the US are now back in the office full-time, while around 45% follow a hybrid model.

Is this something you should think about?

In the UK, hybrid working is still common – but some employers are starting to rethink how flexible they want to be.

Here are some points to consider:

  • Review what your business needs: If you’re trying to drive growth or change, more in-person time may help. If things are stable, hybrid may still work well.
  • Be clear and consistent: Whatever model you choose, make sure expectations are understood by your team.
  • Focus on results: If remote staff are delivering, think carefully before requiring more office time without a strong reason.
  • Stay alert to staff needs: The right balance may shift over time. Keep communication open with your team.
  • Flexibility still matters: In a tight labour market, hybrid working remains a big draw for attracting and keeping talent.

Starbucks’ move won’t be right for everyone – but it’s a sign that some firms are pushing back against remote work. It may be time to review your own policy and ask: is it still working for the business?

See: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce9xpdvgv8vo