Starbucks is set to cut more than 200 corporate jobs as the coffee chain completes a previously announced reorganisation of its workforce and operations.
The company has filed a required notice detailing the planned workforce reductions. The affected positions are expected to be spread across its corporate operations, with coffeehouse and design functions likely to account for a significant portion of the job losses.
Cuts linked to earlier restructuring
Starbucks has clarified that the latest layoffs are not part of a new restructuring programme. Instead, they represent the final workforce reductions associated with the corporate reorganisation announced earlier.
As part of the earlier changes, some employees reportedly had the option of retaining their positions by relocating to Nashville, Tennessee, where Starbucks has its Southeast corporate office.
Employees who chose not to relocate are among those expected to be affected by the latest job cuts.
Corporate workforce being streamlined
The layoffs come as Starbucks continues to consolidate certain corporate functions and adjust its organisational structure.
The company has been working to streamline its corporate operations and bring selected teams and functions together in key locations. Such consolidation can reduce duplication and improve operational coordination, but can also require employees to relocate or leave the organisation.
Coffeehouse and design teams among those affected
The coffeehouse and design functions are expected to account for a substantial share of the workforce reductions.
Starbucks maintains that the latest cuts should be viewed as the completion of its existing reorganisation, rather than the start of another restructuring exercise.
The planned layoffs highlight the employment impact of corporate consolidation, particularly when companies centralise teams in specific locations and employees are unable or unwilling to relocate.
Get it on Play Store