Starbucks workers are sounding the alarm about serious staffing problems that are causing chaos behind the counter and long wait times for customers. According to an internal survey reported by “Bloomberg,” only 33 percent of employees say their stores have enough staff to keep things running smoothly. With just a “skeleton crew” in many locations, baristas are overwhelmed, leading to snaking lines, frustrated customers, and delays that are becoming the new normal.
These staffing woes are one of the biggest headaches for new CEO Brian Niccol, who just took over last month. On only his second day in the role, employees hit him with questions about the issue at a company forum, where he promised action. “You are being heard,” Niccol assured workers, pledging to give baristas the “tools and time” they need to better care for customers. In an open letter, he emphasized that the company was already working on solutions.
Baristas and shift supervisors at several U.S. stores told “Bloomberg” that they’re skipping breaks and meals just to keep up with the constant flow of orders. In some cases, workers are juggling multiple tasks—handling the drive-thru, warming food, and making drinks at the same time—which only slows service further. Managers say they barely have time for essential tasks like scheduling and training because they’re stuck behind the counter, making drinks right alongside their staff.
Grumpy employees are blaming the lines and service for the slump in sales.
In addition to understaffing, equipment failures are compounding the issue, with fewer than half of surveyed workers saying their gear is reliable. It’s no surprise, then, that customers are starting to notice.
Folks, the lines aren’t the problem. The problem with Starbucks is the economy what used to be a $3 cup of coffee is now $7-8. Who the heck has $7-8 for a cup of coffee!? That is outrageous.
Between grocery store prices and everything else going through the roof people just don’t have the extra income to pay for a $7 cup of coffee.