There are several reasons why employees leave a company, and it is not usually because of compensation alone. It also works the same way for employees who opt to stick with the same company for years and, yes, the reasons behind loyalty are likewise beyond the money. While it is understandable how fair and reasonable compensation packages and benefits make employees feel valued and their efforts rewarded (enough not to proactively seek better-paying jobs elsewhere), it is always more about how they are treated and mentored, and how the company invests in opportunities and continuous training for their professional and personal growth that make them stay.
Employee recognition fuels inspiration and confidence, thus, appreciation of their hard work such as giving great feedback or small rewards can help create a positive working environment and in the long run, instill unmatched loyalty. When a company promotes work-life balance and guarantees financial stability and job security, people are assured that their overall well-being and their future are upheld and prioritized. Supportive employers acknowledge that a paycheck isn’t sufficient to drive motivation and loyalty but a healthy company culture, continuous opportunities for learning and growth, one that provides avenues for employees to reach their full potential is the perfect kind of working environment, McDonald’s Philippines, owned and operated by Chairman & Founder George Yang, and President & CEO Kenneth Yang, is one of the country’s forerunners in the fast-food industry, that has always championed people. At the heart and soul of the company lies its genuine desire to promote a positive and inclusive culture, making employees feel valued and respected, with everyone empowered to be the best versions of their authentic selves. It is evident in the company’s corporate values (such as being customer-driven, instilling compassion or malasakit, integrity, teamwork, and excellence) mindfully implements actions and activities which do not only meet the needs of both internal and external partners—from co-workers, employees, business partners to customers—but exceed them. Always advocating for values that are much needed in today’s world, McDonald’s pushes its employees to be frontliners of honesty, trust, dependability, and integrity, both professionally and in their personal lives. And with the camaraderie and teamwork in the workplace plus the responsibility and the shared belief in loving what they do, the best dining experiences are being delivered daily, resulting to satisfied diners always relishing in what McDonald’s has to offer.
McDonald’s proactively supports each employee’s growth and development through world-class training and learning opportunities, enabling them to reach their full potential, become productive citizens, and contribute to national development. McDonald’s does not offer contractual jobs and directly hires all incoming employees, who may apply online through its official website. The company also promotes work-life balance by recognizing the diverse personal commitments of its employee and offering part-time job or flexible working arrangements to support their well-being and satisfaction.
Not just a job but a beautiful journey
Everyone has a “Love ko ‘to” McDonald’s story, whether one is a manager who rose from the ranks, a service crew savoring a first job, a college student completing an internship program, or a customer who has been a frequent at the store over the years. But perhaps the best kind of stories are about McDonald’s employees who have looked back and realized that without the company training, mentorship, and working experience, they would not achieve half as much as they have. These people have proven that beyond the money, being part of McDonald’s is not merely a job but is, in itself, a meaningful journey that molded them from where they used to be who they have become now.
Rico Hizon, a broadcast journalist at ABS-CBN, GMA, CNN Philippines and other news agencies across the world, was a former McDonald’s crew, batch 1983. Admittedly a shy guy then, he decided to join the crew training in a Greenhills branch and there, he met new people, learned new things in the counter, the drive-thru and basically all the stations of the store, even cleaning the toilets. To this day, he couldn’t help but be proud of his 60-second service because, according to him, when you achieve that service without delays, you get a pin. It was during his three-year stint in McDonald’s that he learned to be friendly to everyone he met, to always have a smile on his face, and that everything should be on time. In fact, Hizon proudly shared that, to this day, he has never been late for anything. “The service aspect of McDonald’s and the hospitality of a McDonald’s crew is what I’ve imbibed and what I continue to use in my daily life. So, whenever I see the Yang family, I always tell them: Thank you very much. If I did not join you in 1983 as a third-year college student, most probably I won’t even be a journalist,” Hizon mused.
“McDonald’s hire working students because they encourage them to continue studying even with the financial limitations,” Tess Lopez, who worked in McDonald’s Katipunan branch, shared. During her first year in the company, McDonald’s Marketing Manager had to go to the US and Lopez accepted the offer to be the OIC. One of the first things she realized was how enhancing marketing for the birthday party packages could boost sales. She didn’t pass on the chance, so she planted trees in different villages in Katipunan and even reached out to schools in Marikina. Then, from an average of 20 parties per month, Lopez jacked numbers up to 80, and according to her, there were days when they would have four parties, all in the same slot—two in-store and another two take-home parties. Soon, her Katipunan branch outdid the Greenbelt branch (the number one store at the time) in terms of sales and everyone was wondering: who is Tess Lopez? “Back when we served unlimited coffee during breakfast, I was the only one who would go around to offer a refill. I had a regular customer, a UP professor who brought her child to Ateneo, and I would strike a conversation with her. I found out later on that she is the wife of Dinky Villanueva, McDonald’s VP for Marketing, who eventually interviewed me, and told me that he personally witnessed my efforts in one of the villages in Katipunan where he resides. He then promoted me as Marketing Manager. I think I was the first to be promoted while still in college,” 51-year-old Lopez gladly recalled. Currently the AVP for Operations of a popular toy store brand, she admitted that she still makes good use of everything that she learned from McDonald’s. While training courses were rigid, her hard work, skills, and talent were valued and she was given the opportunity to grow with the company, making her a stronger and better person. Her advice to young people? “Give your 101% even when one is watching, because someone always does,” she smiled.
Even acclaimed filmmaker Real Florido used to be a McDonald’s crew member in the year 2000, an unforgettable work experience which provided him with the best foundation to survive the cutthroat world of entertainment. Being a crew, he was sometimes assigned as the mascot—wearing either the Grimace or the Birdie costume—and danced during in-store birthday parties. While he admitted that it was a tough task, he loved doing it and enjoyed the free sundae after each performance. “McDonald’s taught me the importance of loving what you do and the value of extra love that you give to what you do,” the 40-year-old film director said. At McDonald’s, moving slowly is not an option and one has to always be accurate and follow the right steps, from preparing the food to serving the customers. “That trained me, especially in the Philippines where we always have to budget our money and time. As a filmmaker, I have to have speed and bring all the people around me to do the same. Plus, in TV and film, camaraderie is important. You have to be a team player. The learnings are too many,” he added. As the Founder of CreaZion Studios, Florido still shares these values to his employees and colleagues, based on a line that he has always remembered from one of the company’s trainings: you are important to us so we hope that you can make our customers important as well. “As a teenager working for McDonald’s, I was able to really form a sense of who I am. A sense of discovery for myself that I can be someone,” Florido beamed.
Whether in a restaurant or in the court, former McDonald’s crew member and today’s star volleyball player Cha Perdigon has always been unafraid to step out of her comfort zone. She started playing her favorite sport in Grade 6, but despite being a Senior High scholar in Lucena, she still knew she needed to make ends meet for her daily allowance, thesis expenses, among others. “McDonald’s is very understanding of students, and I am thankful for that. They asked me about my free time, and they will give us a schedule that won’t interfere with our studies. A branch opened in our hometown, and I was one of the pioneers there. It was quite overwhelming because I trained for volleyball at 4:00AM, go to school the whole day, so my schedule in the store was usually at night,” Perdigon shared. It was tiring but, looking back, McDonald’s taught her discipline, leadership, and boosted her confidence and communication skills—values which she has continually applied to this day, on and off court.
With all the advantages that McDonald’s provides for their employees, it is not surprising to know that not everyone who worked in the company left to pursue their passions in various fields. Some, who also climbed the proverbial corporate ladder, have remained loyal to the company, to this day. Meet Operations Managers Manny Reyes, Eric Castro, Aya Guillermo, and Jeq Singson who rose from the ranks and have decided to stick it out with McDonald’s through the years.
Reyes recalled that a McDonald’s store opened its first store in Cabanatuan City in 1996, and knowing that it is a global brand, he immediately applied. He was initially assigned as Grill person who cooked the burgers, but because he had so much high respect for the trainers who guided him all the way, he was inspired to be a crew and eventually became a Crew Trainer himself in less than six months. During his last year in college, he was already a manager. “During graduation baccalaureate, I even donned a McDonald’s uniform because I came straight from my shift,” he laughed. “I also acquired my MBA degree because of the company. Then when I was assigned in Laoag, I met my wife there, had the means to send my children to the best schools, while having my small business now,” he added, explaining how McDonald’s has been part of his life all the way.
Like Reyes, Singson is also currently one of McDonald’s Operations Managers. She joined the company 25 years ago as a Management Trainee but realized that the company values and work ethics aligned with hers, so she chose to stay. “Everything is structured here, and I thrive on order. But the company has taught me to have discipline, resilience, and the responsibility to finish a job. And integrity is always key,” she stated. Of her many posts, being a Business Consultant was the most challenging. She recalled how she failed a business operator one time, who got mad at her and questioned her credibility. She patiently explained everything and gave recommendations on how to improve the store, and when the owner made the necessary changes, the store more than got back on its feet. Guillermo was even sent to Australia for a leadership seminar. Now that she’s managing 48 stores and counting, she has this to say: “The thing is, when McDonald’s sees a potential in you, and you’re hardworking, they will really bring out the best in you.”
Castro, on the other hand, started as a crew member in 1995, with a clear goal: to give the family a better life. He said that the recipe for success in McDonald’s is to be customer-centric with only one desire in mind, to please all diners no matter where your station is. “The drive for excellence is important, so you should be the best in everything you do,” he said. And just like in any workplace, Castro knew that life in McDonald’s will never be perfect every single day, he has always been driven to do his best not because he has to but because of his desire to contribute to the company’s growth. Now, more than ever, he is excited about what’s to come: “The vision of the company is to open a thousand stores in the next two years…isn’t that exciting?! So, if you want to pursue a career at McDonald’s, now is the perfect time. Be part of the growth,” he encouraged.
While some Filipinos are eager to work abroad, Operations Manager Guillermo, a Hospitality and Tourism Management graduate from the Brigham Young University in Hawaii, decided to return to her home country to fulfill a lifelong dream: to be affiliated with a global company with very high international standards. Joining an esteemed brand like McDonald’s in 2005, she knew it meant she was in for the grueling training but later found out that it was all worth it. The support she gained from her managers and long-time employees equipped her for the next few roles she would play in the company. “McDonald’s love and care for their people very much. They really are a people company, and this is why I am still here. Here at McDo, we really have the opportunity to grow here. This is a place where you can really build your career,” she expressed.
Meaningful training that propels employee growth
Once hired at McDonald’s, fresh employees undergo a comprehensive orientation and onboarding process to familiarize them with the company’s culture, policies, and procedures. This includes a welcome session when the McDonald’s history, values and mission are introduced, then policies and expectations are reviewed. A Safety Training ensues where they are oriented about workplace safety as well as food safety protocols. Crew Member training focuses on the essential skills required for day-to-day operations in a McDonald’s restaurant, and how to maintain the best practices for sanitation, and cleanliness.
Long-time employees, especially those groomed for supervisory roles, have a more meticulous Shift Management Program will provide them the skills needed to manage a team and oversee restaurant operations during a shift. They are trained how to motivate and lead a team, manage daily inventory control and scheduling. McDonald’s fully supports all its staff with programs that support their career and personal development, promoting continuous learning and providing employees with ongoing opportunities for upskilling through online learning platforms, workshops and seminars, mentorship program, regular performance reviews and feedback, one-on-one coaching sessions, and peer feedback that provides personal development.
McDonald’s training programs are designed to support career advancement, enabling employees to progress from entry-level roles to management and beyond. These comprehensive training programs contributes to higher employee satisfaction by providing the tools and support needed for success. It builds confidence in their abilities and keeps them engaged and motivated as well-trained employees contribute to the overall operational excellence of McDonald’s restaurants and are more likely to stay with the company long-term. As a result of these high quality and consistent training courses, uniformity in service and product quality is ensured, leading to better customer service, enhancing the overall customer experience, the very cornerstone of the company’s success.
Hinged on the company’s core values, McDonald’s is committed to fostering workplaces where employees feel empowered to pursue their career aspirations with access to opportunity. There are also continued expectations for senior leaders in the company to help drive accountability and engage in inclusive behaviors that support talent development and help retain our future leaders.
McDonald’s is committed to investing in its workforce premium training programs which does not only support career growth and employee satisfaction but also contribute to the operational excellence that McDonald’s is known for. Whether one is starting a career or looking to advance to a leadership role, McDonald’s will provide the resources and support every employee’s need to achieve their professional and personal goals. Truly, McDonald’s is an iconic talent destination.
To be part of a company that fully supports its people, check out www.mcdonalds.com.ph
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