Starbucks is taking significant steps to improve the customer experience and reduce the workload on its employees. The company will soon give shift supervisors and managers the authority to pause mobile orders during peak hours.
Starting from January, an updated version of the store iPad app will be rolled out to facilitate this. This move is aimed at addressing situations where the influx of mobile orders is too high or if employee absences are hindering the smooth running of operations.
Mobile ordering is an increasingly popular feature among Starbucks’ customers. In the recent quarter, it contributed to nearly 27% of the company’s US sales. As per the data, approximately 31.2 million people used the Starbucks app to place orders and make payments in 2021.
Effects of the Changes
- Customers will be informed via an alert on the app if they are unable to place an order due to paused mobile orders.
- On the employees’ side, this new feature is set to be a welcome change. Current reports suggest that baristas often feel overwhelmed, mainly due to persistent understaffing which gets exacerbated with constant mobile orders, specifically on promotional days.
Starbucks baristas have been advocating for improved staffing and scheduling over the past few years. The current changes seem to be in line with their demands. Supervisors and managers, with the current system, do have the power to halt mobile orders citing staffing issues.
Interestingly, while this new feature appears to be a response to recent union strikes, a representative from Starbucks has clarified that it was in the planning stages months before the strikes. They insisted that this is an enhancement to the technology in use, rather than a change in policy.
My name is Ethan and I am a passionate journalist at Sherburne County Citizen. With a keen eye for celebrity news, I bring you the latest updates and insider scoops on your favorite stars. One of my favorite moments in the newsroom was when we uncovered a wild story about a local politician’s secret rendezvous, shaking up the whole town’s political scene.As a valuable member of the Sherburne County Citizen team, I am dedicated to keeping you informed about major economic trends and providing practical tips for your home. Whether it’s investment advice or DIY hacks, I strive to equip you with everything you need for a successful and fulfilling daily life. Join me on this exciting journey as we uncover stories that shape our community and beyond.
