McDonald’s refreshes benefits package to attract staff

Employers may offer staff a variety of work perks – whether it’s extra cash to allow staff to travel, something Airbnb offers, or time off to settle in a new pet, a benefit BrewDog is recognised for giving to staff – in order help to retain and attract new talent.

With covid restrictions beginning to ease, organisations will likely start to ramp up their recruitment efforts with the addition of new perks to gain new employees, with fast food chain McDonald’s looking to do the same.

To help attract workers, the business is now set to offer higher hourly wages, help with childcare and education costs.

The majority of restaurants are owned by franchises, who are offering the new benefits with the help of McDonald’s, who owns the brand, reported the BBC. Currently, franchises own around 93% of the 38,000 McDonald’s restaurants worldwide.

While the new benefits are being offered among US franchises, the recruitment strategy will likely encourage UK reward and benefits professionals to offer similar perks to attract workers.

Employee Value Proposition

The new plan, which has been dubbed the ‘Employee Value Proposition’, is based on the responses of 5,000 workers and managers, which is intended to improve the experience of working within the restaurants.

As part of the initiative, restaurant owners in the US will also pilot new perks that include the provision of emergency childcare if employees are called in at the last minute.

Since the decision to revamp the benefits at McDonald’s was made, it has been endorsed by the National Franchise Leadership Alliance (NFLA), a body that represents thousands of US franchises.

Benefits to change

As remote working looks set to continue in some form post-covid, the traditional work perks such as drinks on Fridays, ping pong tables and free food will no longer be considered desirable. With this in mind, employers may need to refresh their benefits offering for a virtual workforce.

Forbes Coaches Council members weighed in on this debate earlier this year and shared a range of perks that employers should consider implementing. Reward Strategy has highlighted the top three below:

1. Growth opportunities

Giving staff members the chance to learn and grow through the job will enhance productivity and engagement. For this to work, consider allowing them to take on projects that are a bit out of their comfort zone with assistance from an experienced mentor.

2. Offer total autonomy

Due to the pandemic, employees have been able to plan and structure their day themselves while also still getting their job done. By continuing this autonomy and offering staff perks such as unlimited time off, employees will be encouraged to work at such a business that offers true flexibility.

3. Prioritise wellbeing

The pandemic has thrust employee wellbeing under the spotlight, and this emphasis on mental and physical wellbeing should continue. One Forbes coach suggested that half-day Fridays, meditation apps and virtual group exercise classes would be good options to consider.