Starbucks SBUX -0.33%decrease; red down pointing triangle Chief Executive Officer Brian Niccol is delivering a tough-love message to corporate workers: Step it up, get back in the office and take responsibility for improving the company’s performance. 

In his first address to employees since announcing widespread layoffs last month, Niccol said Tuesday that Starbucks needed to reorganize to make leaders more accountable for financial and operational improvements.