Starting in July, Starbucks will introduce a performance-based incentive for U.S. baristas and shift supervisors, offering up to $1,200 annually if stores meet specified sales, operations and customer service goals. The first quarterly payouts are scheduled for fall, aiming to boost in-store execution and customer experience under CEO Brian Niccol’s turnaround plan.

Global comparable sales climbed 4% in the most recent quarter, marking the fastest growth rate in two years. The stronger-than-expected outlook for fiscal 2026 suggests confidence that the incentive program and operational improvements will sustain momentum.

Starbucks is enabling customers to tip via credit and debit cards through the app or at registers and shifting all U.S. employees to weekly pay. The company is also adding an in-store coach role to support managers, streamline operations and raise average worker pay by 5% to 8%.

The company has committed roughly $500 million to hiring additional staff during peak periods, applying these initiatives across its 214,000 U.S. company-operated employees. Approximately 5% of locations are unionized and will negotiate bonuses and tipping enhancements separately under collective bargaining agreements.