Starbucks Partner Availability: How to Get the Shifts You Want in 2025
Working at Starbucks can be flexible but only if you manage your partner availability the right way. Whether you’re a new barista juggling school or a long-time partner aiming for more hours, setting your availability correctly helps you get the shifts that fit your life.
In 2025, Starbucks has improved its digital scheduling tools like Teamworks and the Partner Hub to make it easier and faster to manage your schedule. This guide will show you how to update your availability, get the shifts you prefer, and use Starbucks’ tools to make scheduling simple.
What Is Starbucks Partner Availability?
Your partner availability means the days and times you can work. You send this information to your manager—either online or on paper so they can make schedules that match your availability and the store’s needs.
For example, if you can only work mornings because of school, you’ll mark mornings as available. Your manager will try to give you morning shifts. However, availability doesn’t guarantee specific shifts it just helps guide scheduling.
Why Partner Availability Matters
Giving your manager the right availability helps both you and them. Here’s why it’s important:
- Avoids conflicts with school, childcare, or other jobs
- Builds trust with your manager
- Helps you get more consistent and preferred shifts
- Improves your work-life balance with 2025’s new tools
Partners who update their availability often usually get better, more stable schedules.
How to Set or Update Your Starbucks Partner Availability
You can manage your availability in several ways:
1. Fill Out the Partner Availability Form
When you’re hired or your schedule changes, fill out an availability form.
- Paper form: Hand it to your manager
- Digital form: Submit it on Teamworks and Partner Hub
💡 Tip: Keep a copy or screenshot of your submitted availability.
2. Update in the WorkJam App
In 2025, WorkJam is the main tool for scheduling.
Here’s how:
- Open the WorkJam app
- Tap “My Availability” under Scheduling
- Choose your available days and times
- Add notes if needed (e.g., “class ends at 3 PM, available after 4”)
- Tap Submit — manager approval may be needed
Your changes usually show up in 1–2 days.
3. Log into the Partner Hub
If your store still uses the Partner Hub:
- Log in with your employee info
- Go to Scheduling
- Review or edit your availability
- Submit and confirm updates
You can also use your phone for quick changes.
4. Talk to Your Manager
Even after submitting your availability online, talk to your manager in person. Clear communication helps avoid confusion—especially during busy times or holidays.
The 150% Availability Rule (Important!)
Starbucks asks partners to give 150% of their desired hours as available time.
For example:
| Desired Hours | Required Availability |
|---|---|
| 20 hours/week | 30 hours available |
| 30–40 hours/week | 45–60 hours available |
This gives managers enough flexibility to assign shifts smoothly. Partners who are more open and consistent usually get more hours.
Sample Availability Setup
| Day | Start | End | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 7:00 AM | 3:00 PM | Open to overtime |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM | 5:00 PM | No evenings |
| Wednesday | Flexible | Flexible | Full day available |
| Thursday | 6:00 AM | 2:00 PM | Mornings only |
| Friday | 10:00 AM | 6:00 PM | Late shift okay |
| Saturday | Off | Off | Family day |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM | Weekend shift |
Use this as an example and adjust it to your needs.
How Starbucks Builds the Schedule
Managers create schedules based on:
- Your availability
- Store needs (openers, closers, drive-thru)
- Seniority and experience
- Weekly labor hours
Even if you’re fully available, schedules depend on store priorities. Being reliable and flexible helps you get better shifts over time.
Using the Shift Marketplace for More Hours
If you want more hours, use Shift Marketplace in the WorkJam app.
What It Does
- Lets partners give away shifts they can’t work
- Allows others to claim open shifts
- In 2025, some areas allow district-wide shift pickup
How to Use It
- Open the WorkJam app
- Tap “Marketplace” or “Available Shifts”
- Browse open shifts
- Tap “Claim” to request one
- Wait for manager approval
💡 Pro Tip: Check daily—popular shifts go fast.
Real Partner Insights (2025)
Here’s what real partners are saying:
“I gave full availability and still got only 15 hours this week.” — Reddit user
“I updated my availability three weeks ago, and it just showed up.” — WorkJam thread
“Seniority matters, but flexibility helps.” — 1-year partner
It can be frustrating, but being patient, consistent, and communicative pays off.
Best Tips for Getting the Shifts You Want
- Update Often: Check your availability every month
- Talk to Your Manager: Share your goals clearly
- Stay Flexible: Be open to different shifts at first
- Use Shift Swaps: Claim or trade shifts through WorkJam
- Know Busy Times: Make yourself available during rush hours
2025 Scheduling Updates
Starbucks added new features for better scheduling:
- Voice commands for quick updates
- AI suggestions for best shift matches
- Instant notifications for approvals or conflicts
- District-wide shift pickups for more options
These updates make scheduling faster and clearer for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Anytime but submit changes at least two weeks in advance.
It’s strongly recommended, but some stores still use Partner Hub or paper forms.
Yes, through WorkJam. Submit early for a better chance of approval.
Talk to them respectfully. If nothing changes, contact HR or your district manager.
Post your shift in WorkJam. Once another partner claims it and your manager approves, it’s updated automatically.
Conclusion
Managing your Starbucks partner availability helps you balance work and life. By updating your schedule often, using tools like WorkJam, and staying flexible, you’ll have more control and less stress. Whether you want more hours or a better routine, understanding your schedule is the first step toward a successful Starbucks career. Check Also: The Global Journey of Starbucks
