The Exception for CEOs: Remote Work Flexibility at Starbucks

The latest trend among CEOs is the ability to work remotely, with Starbucks’ incoming CEO Brian Niccol leading the charge. While most employees are required to commute to the office at least three days a week, Niccol will be allowed to work from his home in Newport Beach, California, with a remote office set up by Starbucks. This flexibility is not extended to all employees, highlighting the perks that come with being at the top of the corporate ladder.

This move by Niccol follows a similar decision by Victoria’s Secret’s new CEO, Hillary Super, who will also be working remotely from her home in New York instead of relocating to the company’s headquarters in Ohio. This trend of CEOs working from anywhere is gaining traction, with experts like Harvard Business School professor Raj Choudhury commending the move.

While this flexibility for CEOs is a recent development, some executives have been working remotely for years, with mixed results. Former Sears CEO Eddie Lampert faced criticism for living far from the company’s base, while Ron Johnson’s decision to not move near JCPenney’s headquarters was also called into question.

Despite the perks of remote work for CEOs, Starbucks spokesperson Andrew Trull clarified that Niccol will still spend a majority of his time in the Seattle office, in line with the company’s hybrid work policies. This highlights the balance that CEOs must strike between remote work and in-person presence.

In conclusion, the ability to work remotely is becoming more common for CEOs, showcasing the perks that come with being at the top of the corporate hierarchy. While this trend may not be extended to all employees, it highlights the changing landscape of work in the corporate world.