Starbucks to Hire 7,500 People: Of AI, human touch and economic impact
No, the hiring is not in Malaysia but good news elsewhere is good news to the world.
I love coffee. I drink 2-3 lattes daily. I do not add sugar as milk itself has sufficient sweetness to it. However, the very last time I went to Starbucks was probably many months back. Probably the reason was because there were no other choices nearby.
I was in Coffee Bean last Sunday for breakfast. I still have balance in my ZUS Coffee wallet. I no longer have an active Starbucks app and I could no longer remember my password too. All these do not matter because Starbucks continue to do well with or without me drinking 1 latte per day. Once upon a time, I did! Easily 5 lattes per week from Starbucks. Let’s get to know why I say Starbucks is doing very well.
Article in nst.com.my Starbucks plans to recruit 7,500 new baristas across the UK over the next five years, supporting its ambition to open 500 new coffee shops by 2031. The recruitment drive will add to its existing UK workforce of more than 18,000 employees, with hiring focused particularly on the Midlands, northern England, Wales and Scotland. The expansion follows a business turnaround involving menu simplification, investment in staffing and operational improvements. More than half of Starbucks’ employees in company-operated UK stores are under 24, making the recruitment plan particularly relevant to young jobseekers. The company says these entry-level positions will offer training, skills development and career opportunities. The announcement comes despite rising labour costs, including a planned 3.9% increase in the UK national minimum wage in April 2027. Please do read the full article here: Article in nst.com.my
What about you? When was the last time you went to Starbucks?
Did you go there simply because you wanted a cup of coffee? Or was it also because you wanted somewhere comfortable to sit, have a conversation, meet someone or simply enjoy a little break?
I think there is something interesting about Starbucks’ latest announcement.
The coffee giant plans to hire another 7,500 baristas across the UK over the next five years. This is part of its plan to open 500 new coffee shops by 2031.
That’s a lot of new jobs!
But I think there are three important lessons we can take away from this announcement, especially at a time when artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly capable of performing tasks traditionally done by humans.
#1 – AI Can Make Coffee. But Can It Make Someone Feel Welcome?
Let’s be honest. Making coffee is not necessarily the most complicated task in the world. I could not of course but people do NOT visit their favourite cafe just because of that coffee.
Machines can already prepare coffee consistently. AI can help process orders, recommend drinks and answer common customer questions. Technology will continue improving, and businesses should absolutely embrace it where it makes sense.
However, is making coffee the only reason someone works as a barista?
I don’t think so.
A good barista does more than prepare a customer’s favourite drink. There is communication, friendliness, understanding and the ability to make customers feel welcome.
Imagine walking into a coffee shop after a difficult day. You may appreciate someone greeting you with a smile, remembering your usual order or simply having a pleasant conversation.
Can AI replicate every part of that human connection?
Perhaps technology can simulate some interactions, but genuine human communication is still valuable.
This is why I believe AI may change the work of baristas, but it does not necessarily mean baristas will disappear. Businesses that understand the value of customer experience will continue to need people who can build relationships with customers.
After all, people do not always buy coffee. Sometimes, they buy the experience.
#2 – More Hiring Means the Business Sees Growth Opportunities
Think about it.
Starbucks already employs more than 18,000 people in the UK. Now, it plans to recruit another 7,500 over five years.
Why would a company commit to hiring so many people if it did not see opportunities to grow?
It also plans to open 500 new coffee shops by 2031, with expansion focusing particularly on the Midlands, northern England, Wales and Scotland.
Of course, this does not mean the entire UK economy is guaranteed to perform better. A company’s expansion plan is not the same as proof that the whole economy is booming.
Businesses do not usually commit to opening hundreds of stores without considering the potential demand, operating costs and expected returns.
That investment creates employment, supports suppliers and brings more economic activity into local communities.
#3 – More Stores Mean More Employment. More Employment Means More Spending Power.
Here is another interesting point.
If Starbucks opens 500 additional stores, who will visit them?
Obviously, it needs people to visit all these stores!
And if more people have jobs, they have income to spend. Some of that income may eventually go towards buying coffee, eating out, shopping and other everyday activities.
This is an important connection between employment and consumer spending.
A business needs customers who can afford its products. At the same time, a healthy economy needs businesses that create jobs and provide people with income.
Think about it from another angle. If everyone is worried about losing their jobs, would they be so willing to spend money on a cup of Starbucks coffee?
Probably not!
This is why job creation matters. It gives people opportunities to earn an income, develop skills and participate in the economy.
Conclusion: Technology Is Important, But People Still Matter
I find this Starbucks announcement interesting because it reminds us that technology and employment do not always have to work against each other.
Yes, AI will change many jobs. Some tasks will become automated, and businesses will certainly look for ways to improve efficiency.
But customer-facing businesses still need people who can communicate, understand customers and create a welcoming experience.
Starbucks is planning to hire 7,500 people while opening 500 new stores. It is a business decision, but it also tells us something about the continued importance of human interaction, employment and consumer spending.
And no, I am not saying we should buy Starbucks coffee every day. Our personal finances still matter! Haha.
Happy understanding!
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