Introduction
McDonald’s is one of the most recognizable fast food chains in the world. But what many people don’t know is that there are some bizarre rules that McDonald’s employees have to follow. From strict dress codes to how to handle customer complaints, these rules may surprise you. In this article, we’ll explore seven of the most bizarre rules McDonald’s employees have to follow. So if you’re curious about what it takes to work at McDonald’s, read on to find out!
7 Bizarre Rules McDonald’s Employees Have to Follow
McDonald’s is one of the most recognizable fast-food chains in the world. But what goes on behind the scenes? It turns out that there are some pretty strange rules that McDonald’s employees have to follow.
1. No Eating on the Job
It may seem like a no-brainer, but McDonald’s employees are not allowed to eat while they are on the job. This rule is in place to ensure that the food is kept safe and that employees are not eating food that was meant for customers.
2. No Visible Tattoos
McDonald’s has a strict policy when it comes to tattoos. Employees are not allowed to have any visible tattoos while they are on the job. This means that any tattoos must be covered up with clothing or makeup.
3. No Cell Phones
McDonald’s employees are not allowed to use their cell phones while they are on the job. This rule is in place to ensure that employees are focused on their work and not distracted by their phones.
4. No Unauthorized Discounts
McDonald’s employees are not allowed to give out any unauthorized discounts. This means that they cannot give out free food or discounts to friends or family members.
5. No Unauthorized Breaks
McDonald’s employees are not allowed to take any unauthorized breaks. This means that they must stay on the clock and cannot take any extra time off.
6. No Unauthorized Uniforms
McDonald’s employees are not allowed to wear any unauthorized uniforms. This means that they must wear the official McDonald’s uniform while they are on the job.
7. No Unauthorized Haircuts
McDonald’s employees are not allowed to get any unauthorized haircuts. This means that they must keep their hair neat and tidy while they are on the job.
These are just some of the bizarre rules that McDonald’s employees have to follow. While some of these rules may seem strange, they are in place to ensure that the food is kept safe and that employees are focused on their work.
Like most major companies, McDonald’s likely wouldn’t be the global megachain it is if it didn’t protect its trade secrets and impose certain rules of conduct on its employees.
While following strict guidelines regarding appearance, personal hygiene, and interaction with customers pretty much comes with the territory when you work in the foodservice industry, McDonald’s employees have to abide by several other chain-specific guidelines.
Here are some of the weirder rules McDonald’s workers have to follow.
For more fast-food news, check out 8 Worst Fast-Food Burgers to Stay Away From Right Now.
The drive-thru is one of the most important aspects of McDonald’s business, but the chain’s workers will not be able to serve you if you show up on foot or on a bicycle.
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Celebrity love of classic McDonald’s grub is well documented—from Kylie Jenner to Adele, everyone has a go-to Mickey D’s order. But if a famous face shows up at a McDonald’s restaurant, the staff is instructed to stay calm and to definitely refrain from asking for a selfie.
In case you missed it, McDonald’s has a no-tipping policy. If you do end up leaving behind some change thinking it’ll go to the person that served you, you’re wrong. All the money left behind by customers goes into the charity box (like the Ronald McDonald House donation box), and according to some employees, keeping those tips for themselves is considered theft.
Once McDonald’s employees clock in, they better forget they own a phone (or any other electronic device for that matter.) According to an employee handbook, cell phones must not be “used, seen, or heard in any way.” This includes taking pictures or videos while on McDonald’s premises, too.
While employees have the right to heavily discounted or free food (depending on location) during their shift, they’re not supposed to be the ones preparing their own meals. One employee handbook states that once a staffer clocks out for their meal break, a manager is to take their order and assemble it for them, while the staffer waits in the customer area.
According to the same employee handbook, employees shouldn’t be arriving to the restaurant more than 15 minutes before their shift starts or hanging around more than 15 minutes after the shift ends. They are also not supposed to loiter near the manager’s desk area, safe, or cabinets.
McDonald’s staffers are advised to exercise caution when talking about McDonald’s on social media. For example, they’re asked to clarify that their views and opinions are their own and do not represent McDonald’s. They’re also prohibited from disclosing the company’s trade secrets, including “methods or processes, sales figures, guest counts, business plans, how food or marketing promotions are doing, and any other similar internal business-related confidential information or communications.”
Mura Dominko