diff --git a/lib/utils.pm b/lib/utils.pm
index c2bd23ae..3ae8e4ea 100644
--- a/lib/utils.pm
+++ b/lib/utils.pm
@@ -806,6 +806,11 @@ sub start_with_launcher {
         if ($submenu) {
             assert_and_click $submenu;
             wait_still_screen 5;
+            # workaround for https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gnome-shell/-/issues/2878
+            send_key 'esc';
+            wait_still_screen 3;
+            assert_and_click $submenu;
+            wait_still_screen 3;
         }
         # Click on the launcher
         if (!check_screen($launcher)) {