Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) bends HR policies to improve customer service

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By David Scouts on October 18, 2014 Consumer Staples

Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) has made some significant changes to their dress code. The employees working at Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) were not allowed to exhibit their tattoos to the customers, unless they were on an employee’s face. There have also been some revised policies that have allowed employees to use accessories or scarves. It is surprising to see that the coffee house has gone over such changes, considering its past reputation of being very strict when it comes to such policies.

Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) has gone for such differed policies so that employees do not feel constricted to any rules and regulations, that will enable them to connect with customers. The customer reaction has also evolved. This creates an environment of authenticity and genuineness.

Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) is aware of the fact that anyone who comes in to have a cup of coffee is there because the atmosphere of Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) is in synch with their lifestyle. But if they find the opposite, they’ll feel alienated. What helps in this matter are the employees, who are responsible for ensuring good customer service. this is certain to make the Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) experience genuine as well as enjoyable.

Time Miller, a customer services designer has noted that consumers as well as employees are bound to feel more relaxed and comfortable in environments that they find familiar and closer to reality. With these latest moves, Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) has encouraged its employees to feel compassionate towards customers and attend to them as they would expect to be attended to. The employee must have a personality that induces inspiration. In a customer facing operation, what really matters is how successful one is, in giving a customer the feeling of a shared experience. Impressive attire won’t do you any good if an employee has a sour attitude or a sullen face. If an employee is lazy, uninterested or simply boring; chances are that customer would do a lot of bad mouthing about the place later on, let alone coming again.

There is a redundant school of thought which states that customers prefer an employee who is strictly formal rather than pierced and tattooed. However, according to latest findings; the customer isn’t offended if the person waiting tables is dressed in current fashion; in fact it would be something they can relate to. The only thing that matters are how the customer is received tended to and bade farewell.

Of course there are exceptions. A business dinner will have its own atmosphere, its own requirements. But even then an employee with a tattoo or piercing won’t create any problems. Problems will arise if the employee has a disgruntled attitude.

Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) change of policies is a welcome move. Other companies should try to follow in the company’s footsteps, and bring about changes that help in relaxing employees as well as customers. Today’s industry is quite open to such changes. Fast food and breakfast hangouts should be the forerunners in changing their old policies on such matters to ensure good employee customer relation.