McDonald's Case Study | HR Case Study | Recruitment | Selection | Training | HR Strategy

Summary

This case study explores McDonald's comprehensive approach to recruitment, selection, and training. The company prioritizes attracting and retaining talented employees by using effective recruitment methods, clear job descriptions, and a structured selection process. McDonald's interviews candidates based on behavioral evidence and offers on-the-job experience as part of the hiring process. Training is a key focus, with employees receiving both initial and ongoing training in various operational areas. Management development is also emphasized, offering opportunities for growth from crew member to senior management. Overall, McDonald's aims to create a motivated and skilled workforce to drive business success.

Takeaways

• 😀 McDonald's considers people its most important asset, recognizing that customer satisfaction is linked to the abilities and attitudes of employees.
• 😀 The company aims to minimize staff turnover by hiring carefully and treating employees well, as recruitment and training are costly.
• 😀 McDonald's recruits by advertising positions within the restaurant, using local job centers, career fairs, and online applications for higher-paid roles.
• 😀 The recruitment process includes a psychometric test, an initial interview, and on-the-job experience before a final interview and decision.
• 😀 McDonald's uses a behavior-based interview guide to predict future job performance, focusing on actual events rather than theoretical responses.
• 😀 Over 60% of McDonald's restaurant crew are aged 20 or under, and for many, it is their first job experience.
• 😀 McDonald's provides employees with clear job descriptions and personal specifications to ensure they attract and hire the right candidates.
• 😀 New employees attend a welcome meeting, which includes food hygiene training, job role overview, and meeting their trainer, followed by a probation period.
• 😀 The company’s training includes hands-on, floor-based learning, with employees mastering multiple workstations and operational procedures in the restaurant.
• 😀 McDonald's offers career progression opportunities, with promotions based on merit and ongoing development programs for employees to move into management roles.
• 😀 The Management Development Curriculum helps employees transition from trainee managers to restaurant managers through a structured training program with both on-the-job and classroom training.

Q & A

What is the primary reason McDonald's values its employees so highly?

McDonald's considers its employees to be the most important asset because customer satisfaction begins with the attitudes and abilities of the workforce.

How does McDonald's aim to minimize staff turnover?

McDonald's aims to minimize staff turnover by carefully selecting employees and treating them well to ensure they remain engaged and committed to the company.

What recruitment methods does McDonald's use to attract candidates?

McDonald's uses various recruitment methods, including advertising in restaurants, local job centers, career fairs, and online platforms, as well as targeting the right audience with clear, effective hiring materials.

How does McDonald's assess the potential of applicants during interviews?

McDonald's uses a fact-based decision-making process in interviews, asking for specific examples of past behavior to predict how applicants will perform in the future. The candidates are rated based on their responses.

What is McDonald's approach to hiring for management positions?

McDonald's fills most salaried management positions with employees who have been promoted from within the company, while the remaining positions are filled by graduates or external applicants.

What is the role of the online psychometric test in McDonald's hiring process?

The online psychometric test helps McDonald's evaluate applicants' initial suitability by producing a score, which is then followed by interviews and on-the-job assessments to determine if they meet the company's standards.

What does the welcome meeting for new employees at McDonald's include?

The welcome meeting provides new employees with an overview of the company, job roles, food hygiene, safety training, policies, benefits, and introduces them to their trainer while also touring the restaurant.

How long is the probation period for new McDonald's employees, and what happens afterward?

McDonald's operates a three-week probation period during which employees are evaluated. Based on their performance, they may either continue in their roles, undergo retraining, or have their employment terminated.

How does McDonald's support employees' career progression?

McDonald's supports career progression by offering merit-based promotions and a comprehensive training program that allows employees to develop the skills needed to progress to senior management positions.

What does McDonald's management development curriculum entail?

McDonald's management development curriculum is a structured training program for individuals with some management experience or graduates. It includes on-the-job training, open learning modules, and courses at national and regional training centers.