Business Report: McDonald's Strategies for Employing Older Workers

This report analyzes McDonald's employment strategies, focusing on the benefits of employing older workers. The report highlights the advantages of hiring older employees, such as their experience, dedication, and loyalty, and how they contribute to better customer service and organizational success. It also discusses the importance of employee diversity management and how it enhances workplace performance and productivity. The report examines McDonald's recruitment policies, the role of older workers in leadership and communication, and the impact of generational differences in the workplace. Furthermore, it provides recommendations for improving organizational practices, including offering flexible schedules and supporting employees' work-life balance. The report underscores the value of older workers in setting positive examples and mentoring younger employees, ultimately leading to cost savings and improved business outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of adapting work practices to facilitate the transfer of skills and knowledge from older workers and maintaining a diverse workforce to achieve long-term sustainability.

Assignment 1: Employing
Older Workers

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
RECOMMENDATIONS.................................................................................................................5
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................8

INTRODUCTION
Older workers may not have the same tech- savvy skills as compared to the younger
colleagues; however they have years of experience that can be utilized for the purpose of
amending business practices. During the period of economic recession, more attention was
placed on hiring costly younger workers. Companies have smaller budgets which led to many
people promoting into management positions with little experience (Six Benefits of Hiring Older
Workers. 2012). The present research study has been emphasizing on McDonalds which has
1200 restaurants across the UK and which has more than 85,000 employees. The restaurant chain
has employed baby boomers (senior citizens) for diverse purposes; hence a few are stated in the
current study.
Employees are regarded as the only source that aids the business entity to manage all the
work processes; hence they play chief role in enhancing growth and success aspects. The present
research study has been focusing on different case studies which emphasizes the importance of
employing older workers in the organization. In the present research study, discussion is also
made regarding theoretical aspects that underpin employment of older workers and engagement
in workforce (12 Benefits of Hiring Older Workers. 2006). Regarding this, researcher has also
critically analysed and explained the importance and benefit of engaging older workers in the
workplace as an active age diversity policy part of the organization.
Further, in the study researcher has also stated how organizational strategies should be
underpinned for the purpose of enhancing work processes. Further, several recommendations are
also mentioned for improving organizational practices and operations. The section has been
related to employee diversity management which encourages performance and productivity of
the workplace. Thus, it can be said that the entire discussion is included regarding new practices
and processes that are introduced in business scenario for managing employee diversity. This is
highly effective in enhancing long term sustainability of the business organizations where older
workers work for larger period.
TASK 1
As per the case scenario, it has been identified that McDonald’s has employed new
recruitment policy wherein they focus chiefly on qualities not on qualifications. McDonald’s
actively engage the older workers for the purpose of managing the work aspects in appropriate
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manner. In the year 2009, McDonald’s had hired a total of 746 individuals over the age of 41;
therefore this has increased the rate of employment in the organization. McDonald’s had also
enhanced the reach of employing older employees; because from company context, this is
suitable in delivering better customer services. Henceforth, in this context it can be contended
that in order to stay competitive in today’s environment, companies need to make extra efforts to
attract and retain older workers (Heywood and Jirjahn, 2016). Most of the time, older workforces
are employed because they have good leadership skills and they are also able to communicate
things in positive manner. This is also essential for the purpose of encouraging the organizational
success aspects.
There are four generational groups currently in the workforce such as Veterans, Baby
Boomers, Generation X and Generation Y. Apart from this, there is also a new generation soon
to enter the workforce. Each generation has created its own traditions and culture through shared
attitudes, preferences and dispositions. Such differences can be lifelong and are influenced by a
combination of various societal trends and social events (Percy and et.al., 2016). Employing
older workers for McDonald’s is a beneficial concept since that assists in engaging skilled talents
in the workplace. Older employees are dedicated and loyal and they chiefly work with the
business entity because they want to not because they have to. Older workers also look forward
to visit work each day and it also makes them more likely to be punctual, dedicated and apt to do
a good job. Many of the old workers spent the bulk of their careers in a time when changing jobs
was less prevalent; thus as a result, it enhances their loyalty.
The procedure is also less risky because companies have appropriate idea regarding the
category of people to be employed for the work practices. Companies have to invest countless
man hours and financial resources in screening, hiring and training the employees; hence the
process is termed as more beneficial for the business organizations. Older workers tend to
believe in stable work profile; hence this help the organizations to reach towards the corporate
objectives effectively. Old workers can set good example for leadership and they can also assist
the new comers to manage all the work aspects in prominent manner (Pynes, 2016). Along with
this, baby boomers have superior communication skills; hence this can reduce all sorts of gap
from organizational work practices. The power of supervision can be suitability managed with
the help of old workers as they know the ways through which organisational practices can be
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managed in best manner. The experience of old workers is more profitable for the organization
because that can aid in meeting business aims and objectives.
With keeping the scenario in focus every organisation looks forward for the skilled,
talented, extra ordinary, knowledgeable employees who not only work for themselves but work
for the development of the entire organisation , the one who takes up responsibility of work and
become leader himself. A good employee always takes up the initiatives to start any work or
task. Also, who brings innovations into the organisation and pass on the same to his
surroundings.
Employees - They're the one resource that businesses everywhere have a need for. And
not the employees but employees who are honest, reliable, responsible, punctual, organised,
mature. So from where could the business could find out these refined employees? A workforce
work dedicated to job and takes pride for their work and the answer is old workers (Rego and
et.al., 2016).
There are some benefits given below for hiring the old employees which may help both
in short term and long term.
Benefits of employing older worker in an organisation: Dedicated: They are dedicated workers who produces higher quality of work, which
ultimately results in the growth of an organisation. As they are highly committed
towards their work and responsibilities assigned to them. Honesty: Honesty is commonly found in the older people they believe more is customs
and respect their ethics ad norms which results in personal integrity and a devotion of the
truth. Punctuality: When it comes to punctuality no one could compete older people with this,
they have always been grown up with older norms which makes them punctual for their
work. Most of them look forward to go to their work daily on a routine time and so they
are likely to arrive early at their work place and are ready to work always (Visser,
Gesthuizen, Kraaykamp and Wolbers, 2016). Good listeners: Being experienced, and earlier being trained older people are more
focused about listening and so older employees only have to told about their work. Pride in a job: Younger employees have rarely being pride in their work as compare to
that with older employees they are likely to leave as soon as their job is done but older
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employees could stay for long, and are more willing to work as they feel more sense of
pride for their work. Maturity: Maturity comes from years of life and work experience. Older employees
never give up easily and get less puzzled when problems occurs, instead solve them
willingly. Efficiency and confidence: Older people ever hesitate in sharing their ideas and views
regarding the assigned work they are more of ideal workers their years of experience in
workplace give them a better understanding the job ad about how the w3ork has to be
performed by saving more money for the company (5 Good Reasons to Hire Older
Workers. 2016). Their confidence built up with the years of experience.
 Good role models: Older people set a good example for the younger employees as they
are good role models and excellent mentors which saves the time to train new employees
at a workplace.
Discussing the same, old workers are proved more profitable for the organizations
because through their efforts, extra cost on training and recruitment can be avoided. Thus the
cost of training can be used somewhere else in the organizational practices; hence the situation
clearly demonstrates that employing old workers are highly profitable for the business entity. It
is an apparent fact that older employees always work in the best productive manner because of
their commitment with the organization (Heywood and Jirjahn, 2016). At the same time, it also
assists them in reducing all sorts of mistakes and errors. Baby boomers are employed in the
business practices for the purpose of enhancing integrity and success aspects of the business
profile.
In most of the cases, older employees are employed because they are more satisfied and
dedicated towards the work processes which helps the company to retain the potential employees
in proper manner. Henceforth, it is evident that companies can retain the employees without
paying much efforts in additional costs (Benefits of recruiting and retaining mature age staff.
2016). Moreover, employing older worker is also beneficial because that increases the tenure of
stay and at the same time, that can amend organizational capability and productivity aspects. In
order to manage the same, McDonald’s is also focusing on recruiting older people as a part of
business strategy because they have strong network chain. Hence, the best use of employees can
be made possible. Older workers have more experience as compared to the younger employees;
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therefore it is crucial for McDonald’s to modify the way of working so that they can facilitate
transfer of their skills and knowledge. Thus, from the entire discussion the effectiveness of
employing older people in the organization can be clarified.
Many business owners and executives are older than 65. In the present case, researcher
accessed several research studies which has shown that customers prefer to interact with people
which are similar of their age. If the company hires older workers, the clients will notice and
appreciate it. Therefore, it is another part of organizational growth and prosperity facets. Hence,
it can be said that McDonald’s should also emphasize on recruiting diversity management so that
different people from various religions and customs can be recruited at the workplace (Percy and
et.al., 2016). This is not only essential in managing organizational value; but also it can aid in
amending the value of work practices. Employment of older employees can assist McDonald’s to
increase the growth and success facets because such people can recommend several strategies to
the business entity in different grounds.
TASK 2
RECOMMENDATIONS
It can be assessed that employing older workers is beneficial for firm to improve the
business performance and thus gain value to the firm. McDonald identifies appropriate action
that could be adopted which helps in creating an acceptable level of workers diversity and
recruiting employees from every age group and introduce some new practices and processes to
make the current degree of employee diversity more sustainable in long term. Thus, it can be
suggested that business provide best suggestion to workers in regard to fulfil their duties within
restaurant and personal life commitments. Thus, providing greater flexibility aids in offering best
services to consumers and does not disrupt the business operations. It is also recommended that
firm should appreciate the opportunity to change their schedules at last minute and provide
flexibility to workers that helps them to benefit the employees in terms of maximizing their
spending time within restaurant. Here, it is suggested to firm that they should adopt effective
policy of scheme that needs to be implemented in regard to undertake employee diversity and
help business to sustain within firm for long term. Organization is also required to support
individual and thus provide benefits to them in the form of managing workload and help them to
deliver better customer service.
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Furthermore, it is also recommended to business that they need to undertake effective
practices and processes within firm so that employee diversity is being followed in regard to
sustain the firm in long term and carry out the business in market. McDonald management is
focused upon linking the individuals with each other and involve them within business decision
making so that employee diversity or improving the existing level could be carried out
effectively. However, business possess larger employer base and thus it is essential for enterprise
to focus upon employing different individuals with diverse age groups and thus fulfil their
commitments so that responsibilities can be fulfilled accordingly. Further, McDonald should also
provide better training sessions to their workers that helps them to enhance the skills and deliver
better customer service in regard to attain employee diversity more sustainable in long term.
Business should also focus upon introducing new policies and practices so that they can
recruit older people by posting advertisement upon websites which is more used by older people.
Thus, recruiting people from every age group helps in improving the business performance in
worldwide market. There are around 1000 people who are above the age of 60 within McDonald
and thus they play a crucial role within business and make a huge impact upon customer
satisfaction. Also, it is recommended to firm that older employees are recruited as they are more
focused towards the assigned work and they possess effective capability to accomplish business
performance. However, it is essential for the management of McDonald to notice the workers
and appreciate them so that they can be encouraged to work harder and fulfil their employment
activities so that best results can be attained.
Also, it is recommended that McDonald aims to undertake effective strategies that helps
in motivating performance and productivity of employees to attain desired results. Further, it also
assists in providing flexibility to employees in regard to improve long term sustainability within
firm and thus work for long time period. Iti s essential for firm to employ diverse employees so
that they can enhance the working conditions to attain desired results. Mostly older people are
employed because they possess effective leadership skills and thus communicate effectively with
customers in order to make them satisfied.
Furthermore, it is also suggested that employing older worker is beneficial as it assists
McDonald to enhance the culture of firm and thus recruit older workers who possess experience
to carry out the operations effectively and efficiently. It is suggested that each and every
enterprise should recruit two different types of employees i.e. youth and older so that youth can
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help in providing energy while older people can involve their experience so that success can be
attained within workplace.
CONCLUSION
It can be concluded from the study that there are several businesses who are focusing
upon employing each and every age group as their employees and thus carry out the operations
of firm in market. McDonald’s undertake such options in regard to employ older people and
provide them flexibility in working conditions. Such type of employment is considered as the
best option that helps in providing balance between their home lives and working lives. It also
assists workers in providing a range of flexible working initiatives that are all designed to
provide employees the freedom to juggle their work as well as personal commitments. It also
helps in relieving the pressure that obtain by many people and experiences that when they try to
meet the demands of both busy work and personal life. It enables people to enhance
economically and get committed so that working lives can be maintained.
Also, it can be stated that employing order workers within McDonald and carrying out
scheme of involving three generation of their family members within the restaurant and depends
upon fulfilling the needs and wants of company. It also offers them greater flexibility without
disrupting the business as there are several old workers who have appreciated the opportunity of
offering them flexibility and alternating their working hours at short notice and help them in
finishing personal commitments. Business also assesses that they identity the significance of
revealing the commercial impact of creating the right blend of youth and experience in its
workforce. Thus, management of McDonald’s employs equal workers i.e. both youth and older
so that customer satisfaction can be boost. Firm identifies the skills and qualities of individual
and does not discriminate among them on the basis of age and provide jobs to older people as
well.
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REFERENCES
12 Benefits of Hiring Older Workers. 2006. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/167500>. [Accessed on 21st November 2016].
5 Good Reasons to Hire Older Workers. 2016. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/openforum/articles/5-good-reasons-
to-hire-older-workers/>. [Accessed on 21st November 2016].
Benefits of recruiting and retaining mature age staff. 2016. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.employment.gov.au/benefits-recruiting-and-retaining-mature-age-staff>.
[Accessed on 21st November 2016].
Heywood, J. S. and Jirjahn, U., 2016. The hiring and employment of older workers in Germany:
A comparative perspective. Journal for Labour Market Research. pp.1-18.
Percy, S. and et.al., 2016. Building a State for All Ages: Tapping the Potential of Older
Oregonians.
Pynes, J. E., 2016. Managing Human Capital in Government Organizations. The Wiley Blackwell
Encyclopedia of Race, Ethnicity, and Nationalism.
Rego, A. and et.al., 2016. Developing and validating an instrument for measuring managers’
attitudes toward older workers. The International Journal of Human Resource
Management. pp.1-34.
Six Benefits of Hiring Older Workers. 2012. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.corpmagazine.com/human-resources/six-benefits-of-hiring-older-workers/>.
[Accessed on 21st November 2016].
Visser, M., Gesthuizen, M., Kraaykamp, G. and Wolbers, M. H., 2016. Inequality among Older
Workers in the Netherlands: A Life Course and Social Stratification Perspective on Early
Retirement. European Sociological Review. pp.jcw013.
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