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Starbucks is set to introduce a new dress code for its North American employees starting May 12, which will require staff to wear solid black tops with khaki, black, or blue denim bottoms. The company stated that the change is intended to help the iconic green apron stand out and foster a more consistent brand image across all its stores. As part of this rollout, employees will receive two branded shirts at no cost. Starbucks emphasized that simplifying the dress code will enhance customer experience and allow employees to focus on delivering quality service.
However, the announcement has drawn criticism from Starbucks Workers United, the union representing a large portion of the workforce. The union contends that instead of addressing urgent concerns like understaffing and inconsistent hours, Starbucks is focusing on appearance-based policies. They argue that the new dress code may alienate both employees and customers by making the work environment feel less inclusive.
The union also highlighted the potential harm the dress code could cause to a diverse employee base, including LGBTQ+, disabled, and racially diverse workers. They expressed concern that the restrictions may limit self-expression and even negatively affect transgender workers by forcing them into clothing that does not align with their gender identity. Additionally, the policy could place a financial strain on employees who need to buy new clothing to comply.
This update is part of a broader shift in operations at Starbucks. In February, the company announced a menu reduction plan aimed at cutting less popular and complex drinks to streamline offerings by 30% by the end of fiscal year 2025. The decision was made to improve operational efficiency and reaffirm the company’s identity as a coffee-focused brand.
In conjunction with these changes, Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol revealed a corporate restructuring initiative that includes the elimination of 1,100 existing support roles and several hundred open positions. The move aims to simplify the organizational structure, reduce redundancy, and enable smaller, more agile teams to drive the company forward. These steps reflect Starbucks’ ongoing efforts to reshape its business model amid growing internal and external challenges.
