It’s one big McFamily at McDonald’s

Before arriving at the McDonald’s Singapore office for the interview, I was expecting a corporate looking office – at least not one that looks like their restaurant. But not only does it look like it, it feels like one too – not because of its busyness, but the family vibes you get when you’re at a McDonald’s.

And that was the feeling I got from Lynn Hong, HR Director of McDonald’s Singapore, who explained why both customers and employees feel that way.

“We are very inclusive and welcome anyone. We will give everyone equal opportunities.”

“We can say that we are one big McFamily. At McDonald’s, it’s about growing with us and how we can add value to your development and hone your skills,” she shared as we sat at the learning corner of the office where employees can borrow books for their personal development.

McDonald’s Singapore has over 11,000 employees – out of which about 100 are in its head office while the rest are restaurant crew. So it’s not just a big ‘McFamily’, it’s also a very diverse and inclusive one.

“We are very inclusive and welcome anyone. We will give everyone equal opportunities,” she said.

“We are very closely knitted with the community and have largely a Singaporean workforce which is very diversified and inclusive. We have employees from students to the silver haired generation and even those with disabilities.”

Not just about flipping burgers

With the fast food industry known for its high turn-over rate, you wouldn’t blame them for not investing in the personal growth and development of its employees.

But that’s not the case at McDonald’s.

“Our promise that every employee who walks through the golden arches will find meaning in working for us.”

Hong insists they want their staff to see it not just as a job, but a place where they can find meaning and develop themselves. And that has not changed since she walked through the famous golden arches seven years ago.

“It’s not just about what has changed. There are things that have worked well for us which we will continue to evolve and enhance,” she said.

“At McDonald’s, it’s not just about flipping burgers. Our promise that every employee who walks through the golden arches will find meaning in working for us – this will never change. And that everyone can be a leader in their own right, from a student part-timer to our mature workforce.”

“Every crew has the opportunity to be a crew leader. And after that, even a restaurant manager. In fact, 50% of our managers started as a crew. We have an internal lookout program where we look out for aspiring talents, some of whom may be put onto a high-potential scheme.”