Starbucks Baristas Criticize New Dress Code for Additional Costs and Lack of Operational Focus

Starbucks baristas have voiced their concerns over the chain's new dress code, which is set to take effect on May 12. The new policy requires store employees, whom the company refers to as "partners," to wear solid black tops and black, denim blue, or beige bottoms, highlighting the green aprons they wear. Three Starbucks employees interviewed by Business Insider share these concerns. One employee from North Carolina, who requested anonymity but whose identity and relationship with Starbucks were verified, noted that many employees will have to foot the bill for additional clothing to meet the new dress code and avoid frequent washing. For employees like Jasmine Leli, from a Starbucks in Buffalo, New York, who work more than two shifts a week, finding time and funds to regularly launder their work clothes will be a challenge. Work garments tend to get dirty quickly, making it impractical to wash them after each shift. Leli, who is also a union negotiator for "Workers United Starbucks," is worried that the new dress code could divert attention from more critical operational issues, such as understaffing, which leads to long wait times during peak hours. “My store often has only two or three employees managing the entire busy café,” Leli said, highlighting the chronic shortage of staff. Another employee, Neha Cremin, who works at a Starbucks near Oklahoma City's gayborhood, expressed concerns that the new dress code might prevent employees from wearing shirts that promote Pride or LGBTQ+ activities, including some that Starbucks previously produced. These shirts, which are not solid black, could be seen as non-compliant with the new policy. Cremin emphasized that this change does not address the underlying issues of recruitment and staffing. In response to these concerns, Starbucks has committed to providing each employee with two compliant black tops, offering a variety of styles, including designs that cater to minority groups. A company spokesperson told Business Insider, "We understand the importance of partners expressing their true selves and hope these new options will help them do so." However, the company also acknowledged the need to enhance service standards and the overall customer experience through consistent and professional attire. Despite these efforts, reactions to the new dress code within the industry are mixed. Some support Starbucks, arguing that a uniform dress code can improve brand recognition and enhance the company's image. Critics, however, point out that while focusing on external appearance, the company should not ignore long-standing operational issues like understaffing and low efficiency, which directly impact customer satisfaction. These issues, they argue, are at the core of delivering a positive customer experience. Starbucks, a global leader in the coffee industry, is known for its high-quality beverages and distinctive store atmosphere. Under the leadership of new CEO Brian Niccol, the company has embarked on several reforms aimed at making Starbucks stores more inviting and comfortable spaces that foster interaction between customers and employees. While the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen, they demonstrate Starbucks' proactive stance in responding to market changes and modernizing its brand. Ultimately, the new dress code is just one aspect of Starbucks' broader strategy to enhance its image and customer experience. However, for the employees who will have to implement it, the policy raises practical and financial concerns, as well as worries about the impact on their personal expression and the store's welcoming atmosphere. The success of these changes will depend on how well the company balances these needs with its broader goals.