The corporate commute is about to be redefined by Starbucks new CEO Brian Niccol. Instead of moving to Seattle, he will super commute 1,000 miles from his home in Newport Beach, California. This decision sees a huge shift in the ways top executives balance work and personal life.
The trend of high-ranking executives “working from anywhere” is highlighted by Niccol’s unique arrangement. With Starbucks facing obstacles in its largest markets, Niccol’s remote work could be the key to Starbucks moments of resurgence.
With an impressive record at Chipotle where he revitalised the brand, Niccol is expected to apply his turnaround skills on Starbucks. His new role includes base pay of $1.6 million besides having the chance to earn significantly more through bonuses and equity.
Starbucks aims at Niccol’s experience to enhance its performance globally. This smart move by allowing him remote work may become a new standard for executive flexibility.
This arrangement shows how there is still a huge difference between what executives can do compared to other employees. While many workers are required to be in the office, top talent like Niccol can negotiate remote work agreements that offer a better work-life balance.
According to data up to October 2023, Niccol's super commuting setup consists of a remote office in Newport Beach and regular trips to Seattle. Regardless of the distance involved, he is determined to spend most of his time at the Seattle headquarters or visiting Starbucks stores around the world.
With companies competing for scarce talent, flexible work arrangements for executives such as Niccol may become commonplace at some point. Such a trend may inspire a larger shift in workplace culture that provides flexibility for workers at every level.