• Starbucks launches a revamped happy-hour deal on Thursday from 2 to 7 p.m.
  • Many baristas are worried that the updated buy-one-get-one-free deal will mean a chaotic day at work.
  • Some saw the decision to launch the deal on World Mental Health Day as ironic, especially as Starbucks has recently emphasized employees’ mental health.
  • Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.

Starbucks has a new happy-hour deal. And, while customers are celebrating, some baristas are bracing for a hectic afternoon.

The coffee giant announced this week that, starting on Thursday, Starbucks will now offer a buy-one-get-one-free happy-hour deal on any grande or larger handcrafted beverage between 2 and 7 p.m.

Previously, Starbucks’ happy hour was more limited; now customers can order drinks including flat whites, Frappuccinos, macchiatos, and cold brew. Happy hour previously started at 3 p.m. and lasted until stores’ closing.

Starbucks’ happy-hour promotion has long been a customer favorite, driving traffic during the afternoon sales slump. However, the prospect of a rush of customers ordering two-for-one drinks means that many Starbucks employees are dreading the promotion.

Read more: Starbucks is cutting complicated drinks that baristas hate, and analysts are celebrating

Some elements of the revamped happy hour could make employees' lives easier.

A Starbucks representative told Business Insider that the chain shifted the deal's hours based on employee feedback. The revamped happy-hour promotion will occur on a more regular basis, with Starbucks saying the deal will pop up on select Thursdays. Expanding offerings can also prevent baristas from being forced to make a single, sometimes complicated, drink - such as the Frappuccino, which was the only happy-hour offering when the deal launched in 2010 - over and over again.

Still, with the new happy hour comes a new wave of barista concerns. A post in r/Starbucks soon after the news was announced summed up the sentiment: "condolences to anyone working evening tomorrow."

"I already want to die," one person responded.

"Working a noon to close tomorrow. F--- my life," commented another.

https://twitter.com/FinalPaige/status/1182282010804523011?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Others noted the apparent disconnect in launching a hectic event on World Mental Health Day, especially as Starbucks has recently emphasized the importance of employees' mental health.

https://twitter.com/idola_dea/status/1181541430692630528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfwhttps://twitter.com/crabgk/status/1182310522491944962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfwhttps://twitter.com/ANDROID__LOVE/status/1182323132113264641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

"Make meaningful connections with your customers while they wait for their 14 different fraps and 5 refreshers by making them aware of the travesty that is your mental health!" one person commented sarcastically on Reddit.

https://twitter.com/6ftofsarcasm/status/1182311217244839938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfwhttps://twitter.com/domenikisabel/status/1182148241065795584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Customers' excitement over the return of the happy hour indicates that Starbucks' locations will likely be full of deal seekers Thursday afternoon.

https://twitter.com/jennaoleo/status/1182323373508046848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Remember, if you're in a crowded Starbucks during happy hour - tip your barista!

If you work at Starbucks or another chain and have a story to share, contact this reporter at [email protected].