Operations

McDonald’s implementing Global Brand Standards

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April 15, 2021

McDonald's Corporation is taking a step toward fostering "safe, respectful and inclusive" workplaces with the implementation of its Global Brand Standards. By January 2022, all 39,000 McDonald's restaurants — company-owned and franchisee locations — will undergo assessments to ensure accountability, Chris Kempczinski, president and chief executive officer for McDonald's, said in a company press release.

"There are no short cuts to ensuring that people feel safe, respected and included at a McDonald's restaurant," he said. This work starts by taking big, intentional moves,"

The chain, which has received negative attention forseveral cases alleging employee discrimination, will require 100 countries to adhere to the standards, which prioritize actions in four areas:

• Harassment, discrimination and retaliation prevention.
• Workplace violence prevention.
• Restaurant employee feedback.
• Health and safety.

The Global Brand Standards, developed by a cross-functional global team that reviews global market practices and perspectives from across the McDonald enterprise, will help identify and scale best practices across the industry by setting a clear path for action and accountability, according to the release.

McDonald's is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.