McDonald's implements anti-harassment and discrimination rules in its workplaces globally

These new global standards are part of the food service retailer's deeper commitment to fostering safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces for employees across its 39,000 restaurants. It will include training and tools to support the implementation.

McDonald's Corporation has announced a deeper commitment to fostering safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces for all employees, with the implementation of new global brand standards.

These standards are aimed at furthering a culture of physical and psychological safety for employees and customers through the prevention of violence, harassment and discrimination. They will also help "identify and scale best practices across the industry by setting a clear path for action and accountability," the food service retailer announced on Thursday (14 April 2021).

All 39,000 restaurants (both company-owned and franchisee locations) in more than 100 countries will be required to adhere to these standards, and the implementation will be supported by a suite of policies, tools, trainings and reporting mechanisms.

Prioritising actions against four key areas

These new brand standards will prioritise actions in four key areas, namely: harassment, discrimination and retaliation prevention; workplace violence prevention; restaurant employee feedback; and health and safety. 

Beginning in January 2022, restaurants across the brand will be assessed and held accountable in accordance with the applicable market’s business evaluation processes. McDonald's noted that timeline will allow each market to implement the brand standards in a way that is most effective.

Commenting on this move, McDonald’s President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Kempczinski said: "There are no short cuts to ensuring that people feel safe, respected and included at a McDonald’s restaurant. This work starts by taking big, intentional moves.

"Our new global brand standards reinforce our commitment to living our values such that at every interaction, everyone is welcome, comfortable and safe."

The company will continue to work in partnership with independent and third-party experts in the US and globally to provide expertise, training and tools that support the implementation of the standards for its franchisees.

Photo / McDonald's