### Starbucks Faces Staffing Challenges Amid Customization Craze and Rising Unionization

Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol acknowledges the company's ongoing staffing shortages and is currently investigating the underlying causes. Reports from Bloomberg indicate that Niccol, who recently took over the helm, has been informed about the "skeleton staff" issues plaguing various locations and is working towards solutions.

Internal survey results, which were previously confidential but obtained by Bloomberg, reveal a significant concern: only 33% of Starbucks employees believe their stores are consistently well-staffed for efficient operations. This survey was conducted in April and included 45 questions, with staffing receiving the lowest approval rating. Despite this troubling statistic, the company notes growth in several aspects of employee experience and an uptick in overall satisfaction.

One former employee, Nicole Palmer, who now serves as the CFO of IGY6 and advocates for military families, has offered an explanation for the high level of job dissatisfaction. Palmer suggested that the overwhelming increase in drink customization, driven largely by social media trends, is a major contributor to employee stress. In a LinkedIn post, she detailed how complex orders requiring multiple baristas and heightened customer service standards have placed an unbearable strain on the staff.

"Customization is a double-edged sword. It attracts customers but also overwhelms employees," Palmer wrote. She noted that while customization is key to Starbucks' success, it has significant drawbacks. "During peak hours, we had just 45 seconds to prepare and serve an order, but with custom drinks needing multiple baristas, those moments stretched into minutes. It wasn't just about making the drinks; it was about managing the stress and burnout from this constant juggling act."

Adding to the challenges sparked by working conditions, Starbucks faces a growing wave of employee unionization. The coffee giant recently saw its 500th store in Bellingham, Washington, successfully complete the unionization process. According to a news release from CNBC, more than 11,000 baristas have joined the union since the first store chose to do so in 2021.

"This milestone is a testament to workers building power from the ground up," stated Lynne Fox, president of Workers United. "Starbucks partners have boldly demanded a voice on the job and with it, strong contracts that ensure respect, living wages, racial and gender equity, fair scheduling and more."

These developments underscore the pressing need for Starbucks to address its internal challenges. As the company continues to expand and evolve, finding a balance between customer satisfaction and employee well-being will be crucial for its sustained success.