Bradford businessman Saj Shah employs 350 people across his three local McDonald’s restaurants. He says that people are at the heart of his business and, as a responsible and proud employer, he is committed to investing in them.
Saj explains: “Reward and recognition for our people and their contribution is a key priority.
“To help ensure we can attract and retain the best people, we regularly review pay, benefits and training opportunities. We are proud to also offer a suite of additional benefits that can include free lunches and access to a range of discounts at high street and online retailers.
“All contracts offered are permanent contracts regardless of whether the number of hours is flexible or has a minimum guaranteed – a decision we took in April 2017.
“80% of our employees have chosen to stay on flexible contracts, valuing the ability to work around their other commitments – but a growing number also tell us a minimum number of hours guaranteed would help them get better access to financial products such as mobile phone contracts or car loans.
“We are absolutely committed to diversity and inclusion. Our people make McDonald’s what it is, which is why we have worked hard to create jobs and opportunities that work for them, irrespective of gender, age or life stage.”
Each year McDonald’s in the UK invest over £43 million in staff training.
Meet some key members of the team at McDonald’s in Ingleby Road, Bradford
Rimsha, 20, (wishes she could read minds)
• Been at McDonald’s for 3½ years, started as crew member, now is customer experience leader.
• Loves interacting with a variety of customers/crew, getting to know her regular customers.
• “I’ve been on a paid trip to London to take part in a series of training videos which were then rolled out for new employees to watch across the McDonalds.”
• Describes the culture at this McDonald’s group as: “Inclusive and welcoming, where I have developed a number of long term friendships. I would also describe the McDonalds as a safe environment.”
• “Training at McDonalds has also allowed me to deal with challenging situations and having a better understanding of customer’s needs.”
• What else have you pursued outside your job because of flexible working at McDonald’s? “I have completed my A-levels, I am currently studying at uni, I have completed an 8 month voluntary stint at the BRI, I also attend Tae Kwan Do.”
• How has working at McDonald’s helped you develop as a person? – Being able to appreciate what is out their in the world and the various interactions I have had with people.
• What are your hopes for your career at McDonald’s or outside? “Continue at the level I am at while studying at uni, outside of work I hope to complete my degree and pursue a career in
Cortney, 21, (wishes she could time travel)
• Been at McDonald’s for 5½ years, started as crew, crew trainer, area leader and then became shift manager.
• Loves the people she works with, many of whom she’s formed some key friendships.
• “McDonalds has given me the opportunity to better myself going forward in life.”
• Describes the culture at this McDonald’s group as: “Diverse and Equal, it is a warm welcoming environment to all all people.”
• How has McDonald’s helped you progress your career? “I have gone through a number of courses as I have progressed through McDonalds and have gained invaluable skills and knowledge on my career path to shift manager.”
• What else have you pursued outside your job because of flexible working at McDonald’s? “I have a very active social life meeting up with a number of people I have met in McDonalds.”
• How has working at McDonald’s helped you develop as a person? “I have grown in confidence and really come out of my shell since starting at McDonalds, I have become a lot more comfortable in a variety of situations.”
• What are your hopes for your career at McDonald’s or outside? “I hope to continue progressing through the McDonalds rank and seeing the group grow in size.”
Fozia, 50 (wishes she could fly)
• Been at McDonald’s for 3 years, works as dining area crew
• Loves interacting with customers, working on dining area and being customers first point of contact. “I enjoy that genuine warmth you get from customers as you interact with them about how they are.”
• Describes the culture at this McDonald’s group as: “Friendly positive atmosphere towards everyone who comes in. 99% of customers coming in are friendly and it’s a pleasure speaking with them.”
• How has McDonald’s helped you progress your career? “I have started on dining area and have been on courses, I enjoy what I do and am happy with where I am at.”
• What else have you pursued outside your job because of flexible working at McDonald’s? – The flexibility allows me to spend time with my grandchildren and family, I have a large family that lives all over the world and this job allows me to spend time I need with them and never miss a moment.
• How has working at McDonald’s helped you develop as a person? “Confidence, I have gained so much confidence from different interactions with customers, confidence.”
• What are your hopes for your career at McDonald’s or outside? “Progress within McDonalds, McDonalds is my job and I wouldn’t want to do anything different.”
