Singapore, March 31, 2009

McDonald’s has once again received the prestigious Hewitt Top 10 Best Employer Award, demonstrating its continuous focus on placing its people first. This national recognition marks its second, after its first win in 2007.

More than 50 organisations registered to participate in the 2009 Hewitt Best Employers in Singapore study.  The study received input from more than 10,000 employees representing a workforce of over 50,000 people – making it the largest single source of employee and human capital research across the region. This study is conducted by global human resources services firm, Hewitt Associates, in partnership with Singapore Press Holdings – The Business Times and The Straits Times Recruit.

In keeping with its “people-first" culture, McDonald’s people promise to its employees is centred on “we value you, your growth and contributions." The foundation of its people strategies is built on the promise of continuous opportunities for career growth and development, and to ultimately establish an inspired and passionate workforce that will contribute greatly to the company’s service leadership reputation.  

“Winning the Best Employer award once again during our 30th anniversary year is a great milestone. We are proud of all that we do to always put our people first,"saysAlex Yeo, General Manager, McDonald’s Restaurants.

“Despite the current economic downturn, we continue to invest in our people with training because we know that an organisation made up of inspired and passionate people can better achieve strong business results and service excellence standards. And we continue to hire because we want to offer more opportunities to more people to grow with McDonald’s, the employer of choice," he added.

Employees cited McDonald’s as a company:

• for a long-term career – where every crew can be a manager as continuous opportunities for training and development programmes are provided at each leve, to improve their knowledge in operations and business management skills

• that provides portable skill sets that employees can take with them as they continue their careers within, or outside of McDonald’s

• that provides opportunities for all employees to gain internationally-recognised qualifications from an established university through McDonald’s University Accredited Programme (UAP)

• that respects individuals’ lifestyles, commitments, aspirations and provide flexible work schedules that allow for work-life balance
  
  
• that provides support, flexibility and an engaging environment for women joining or rejoining the workforce

• whose people feel proud, valued and inspired to contribute to the company’s goals (Annual internal surveys have consistently shown that over 95% of its people are proud to work at McDonald’s, and are highly committed to the brand)

 

McDonald’s workforce has grown 16% from 6,000 to 7,000 employees this year. The company supports a diverse and inclusive workforce comprising a cross-section of the community: students, young adults, women with special needs, mature workers and also polytechnic/university graduates who are eligible for the company’s Fast Track programme.