McDonald's UK polls reveal that employees are happier when working with people outside their age group
New research released by McDonald’s UK showed that a multigenerational workforce can make employees and customers happier.
In a survey of over 32,000 of McDonald’s own UK employees, analysed by independent statisticians, people who work with a cross-section of ages registered a 10% increase in happiness levels compared to those who work with their peer group.
The mutual benefits of a broad range of age groups working side-by-side is also recognised by customers. Out of a sample of 1,000 McDonald’s customers, an overwhelming majority (84%) like to see a mix of ages in the restaurant team and most (60%) expect better service as a result. Customers are not disappointed, and of those who see a difference the majority do prefer the experience with just under half (44%) saying it created a good atmosphere in the restaurant.
To explore attitudes among potential future employees, McDonald’s UK commissioned a census of 5,000 people representing each of the five working generations. It revealed that adults of all ages are united in wanting to be part of a multigenerational workforce:
- The opportunity to work with people of different ages was the top priority for more than half of all respondents (58%)
- This factor was important for older people born between 1900 and 1964 (67%), as well as 16-year olds (57%)
- 70% of people across the generations expect to work with people who have different life experiences and views of the world.
McDonald’s employs a workforce of over 110,000 people in the UK.
Claire Hall, Chief People Officer, McDonald’s UK, said: “This summer marks an important milestone in the workplace as people born in the year 2000 take up part-time roles for the first time. Yet despite growing numbers of older and younger workers, the value of a multigenerational workforce to business is little understood.
“People join McDonald’s for different reasons but what they want from their jobs is the same: a flexible, fun working environment and to meet and learn from others. The skills we look for such as teamwork, time management and good communication aren’t the prerequisite of any particular age group and appeal to people from every walk of life.
“As these insights show, teams that bring together a mix of people of different ages and at different life stages are fundamental to creating a happy and motivated workplace and to delivering a great customer experience. The age range of our people at McDonald’s now spans an incredible 75 years. Diverse and committed restaurant teams will remain at the heart of our business and I hope other employers will recognise the benefits.”
