Don’t be surprised if Grandma tells you that she got a job at Mickey D’s. On April 24th, McDonald’s partnered with AARP to employ more seniors at McDonald’s locations across the U.S. As the over-55 population continues to grow and become the largest portion of the American workforce (by 2024, 25% of the civilian workforce will be seniors, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), McDonald’s wants to help them supplement their retirement savings by opening their doors and giving them jobs.
“For the first time ever, five generations are now working together under the Arches,” Melissa Kersey, McDonald’s U.S. chief people officer, said in a statement to QSR Magazine. “Together with our franchisees we have a responsibility to each generation to provide opportunity, flexibility and resources for wherever they are on their career journey.”
QSR reports that McDonald’s is looking to hire at least 250,000 new employees for the summer season, and hopefully the majority of those new hires will be seniors.
“Thanks, in part, to our new collaboration with AARP and AARP Foundation we’re looking to position McDonald’s as a place where people at every stage of working life can see themselves grow and thrive while bringing stability and a different perspective that everyone can learn from,” Kersey continued.
McDonald's plans to fill 250,000 summer jobs with elderly workers https://t.co/BTEQWJDG0o
— Axios (@axios) April 25, 2019
To get more of the over-55 population on board with the new initiative, McDonald’s will post job openings on AARP’s Job Board. They will even be piloting a program to match employer and candidate job needs and interests via AARP’s Senior Community Service Employment Program and BACK TO WORK 50+ workforce development programs.
Older McDonald’s employees will also be able to benefit from the educational and career opportunities offered to younger McDonald’s staff.
“Considering the labor trends for both the 50-plus workforce and the growth of the quick service industry, McDonald’s leadership in this area is occurring an opportune time,” Ron Painter, president of the National Association of Workforce Boards, told QSR Magazine.
“People all over the country are facing challenges that are driving them back into the workforce and we need to connect them with employers that provide respect, dignity and opportunities for advancement and connection. It’s encouraging to see McDonald’s stepping up to the challenge.”
I am not a McDonald's person except for Ice Tea but this is cool that they will be hiring Seniors. https://t.co/aRvIMl2pMV https://t.co/aRvIMl2pMV
— Meg Tessensohn (@MegTessensohn) April 25, 2019
The hope is that McDonald’s will inspire other corporations to look to the over-55 population for employment. The “silver wave” is coming, after all.
Hey, this may be a great idea. "McDonald's next big acquisition: seniors" https://t.co/GPmjgGUPBT #axiosmarkets
— Tish Wells (@TishWells14) April 25, 2019
We can all learn a lot from the older generations. Teens, we’re specifically talking to you.
Some seniors would rather enjoy their retirement without having to step foot in a fast food establishment ever again. That’s totally understandable.
However, working at McDonald’s isn’t just a fast food job. McDonald’s currently offers employees the chance to earn school credits and get career advice while employed. The company has given out $58 million dollars in tuition assistance to date.
Have a dream career? The skills you learn in the restaurants will help you get there! See how we paired 5 restaurant employees w/ @jaltucher @tyleroakley @kukharrell @drmeenasingh & Owner/Operator Dennis Cha for a career shadow day: https://t.co/4gyPrmpJE0 #SkillsToGetYouThere pic.twitter.com/xrG5uWxQLr
— McDonald's (@McDonalds) March 21, 2019
And through the company’s “Where You Want To Be” program, employees get the opportunity to meet with professionals in the field they wish to end up in. Senior workers will be able to take part in the same programs.
Restaurant employee Clare spent the day w/ @drmeenasingh as part of our “Where You Want To Be” program to see how the skills she’s learning on the job are preparing her for a future career in healthcare. Watch the full story: https://t.co/qxqgfm7NfV #SkillsToGetYouThere pic.twitter.com/jHXhN5Ek22
— McDonald's (@McDonalds) March 7, 2019
The program also helps current McDonald’s employees apply the skills they’re learning at the fast food chain to a future career path.
As told to QSR, McDonald’s has helped 38,500 employees achieve their educational aspirations, which will help them further their career.
Where can the #skills learned @McDonalds restaurants take people? The "Where You Want to Be” campaign will help connect restaurant employees to what’s next in their #careers. Learn more about the #SkillsToGetYouThere: https://t.co/d8tlFXZNzR pic.twitter.com/ENqRov2bDs
— McDonald's Corporation (@McDonaldsCorp) October 30, 2018
And hey — some of our favorite famous people have held positions at McDonald’s. Rachel McAdams, Sharon Stone, Shania Twain, Phillip DeFranco — the place produces stars!
Just because you’re over 55 doesn’t mean that your chance at stardom has passed. Anyone at any age can go from McDonald’s to Hollywood, baby!
It’s great that McDonald’s is pairing up with AARP to put seniors who want/need to be employed back on the workforce.
As Granny and Grandad will tell you, we’re good kids and will absolutely respect our elders.
And if the older generation begins working with the younger crowd, Gran and Pops may just start using the hip lingo in their day-to-day. We’re shivering at the thought.
We’re looking forward to seeing seniors working at our local McDonald’s.
The company’s partnership with AARP is going to help many members of the over-55 community make a bit of extra cash if need be.
Grandpa flips a mean burger, so we hope he gets assigned to the grill.
