The Seattle-based company said that all corporate “people leaders” must be based in either Seattle or Toronto within 12 months. That is a change from February, when it required vice presidents to relocate to Seattle or Toronto.
Starbucks said individual employees working under those leaders would not be asked to relocate. But the company said all hiring for future roles and lateral moves will require employees to be based in Seattle or Toronto.
“We are reestablishing our in-office culture because we do our best work when we’re together. We share ideas more effectively, creatively solve hard problems, and move much faster,” Niccol wrote in the letter.
Niccol said affected workers who choose not to relocate will be eligible for a one-time voluntary exit program with a cash payment.
Since then, Niccol has bought a home in Seattle and is frequently seen at the company’s headquarters, Torgerson said.
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AP Business Writer Cathy Bussewitz contributed from New York.
