crew member

manager

fast food attendant

customer service representative

cashier

McDonalds

I worked here for 2 and a half years (2017-2019) and overall I was happy with my experience. I was a uni student living at home while working at McDonald's. I'll list the main pros and cons of working here.

Pros:
- Since most of the managers were students themselves in some capacity (and most of my colleagues were also students), they were very understanding and accommodating to me regarding my uni work. And this included the managers who weren't students - they were still very accommodating to me. During semester time I would work part time or sometimes take a break due to uni workload, and I was never made to feel guilty about it.

- Flexible work hours, I could work any kind of shift, unlike other companies who strictly follow a 9am-5pm workday. Various shifts like  (and not restricted to) 4-8pm, 1-6pm, 9am-3pm, 6am-2pm, 4-10pm etc.. Depending on my classes I would usually work mornings or evenings, but during the holidays I worked every kind of shift (except overnight shifts).

- The managers in my store were all hardworking, fair and really nice to me. I never had any serious issues with any of them (I had a couple disagreements here and there with a couple of them, but these were due to misunderstandings, miscommunication or stress more than anything else, and this is normal at any workplace).

- This sounds cliché but is entirely true: the nature of the job really demonstrated and thought me the importance of teamwork, and how just one person not putting in the effort affects everyone else at work. Teamwork was always highly stressed at this job and understandably. 

- Almost everyone working in my store was really nice and we all got on well. Some days you could have a laugh (while still working of course) and when it wasn't too busy the work environment was quite easy to be in.

- The pay was decent considering I was a uni student living at home. There were opportunities for me to increase my pay, by working my way up from Crew Member to Crew Trainer, however due to my uni commitments I couldn't quite delve into this role as it required more commitment on my part. Although sometimes I felt the pay wasn't enough for the work being done (more of this explained in the Cons section).

- The work itself was relatively easy. The tasks at all the stations were not difficult in themselves. The difficulties came when machinery or equipment wasn't working properly, the stress of trying to be quick and precise when really busy or understaffed, colleagues not communicating and putting in effort or stock being low etc.. 

- Like many people, I had the notion that fast food restaurants (including McDonald's) were unhygienic, however I was proven wrong about this. The managers in the store were strict about hygiene and cleanliness and made sure the rules and regulations were followed.

Cons:
- Could be REALLY stressful at times, especially when understaffed or there was poor teamwork. It wasn't always like this but when it was you couldn't wait for the rush to be over.

- Pay; as mentioned in the Pros section, overall the pay was decent, however when it was really busy and understaffed you would end up doing so many different people's jobs at once, and the pay wasn't enough for the amount of running around that we would do. 

- Sometimes the job could be frustrating when one person didn't want to do their job properly or communicate properly for no good reason. Or there was a reason that had nothing to do with their fellow colleagues. Because of this lack of effort from just one person, your station and all the other interacting stations would have slower service and it was just very frustrating - especially when everyone else was doing their best. 

- On some occasions, some managers would get distracted with football games being played during the workday, and this was annoying because then they wouldn't do their jobs to the best of their abilities. This wasn't a daily occurrence, but when it did occur it was annoying.

- I always went home smelling like onions and fast food, especially if I worked in the kitchen. This isn't really a serious con but something to note.

- Most of the customers I served/interacted with were nice, however there would be the occasional customer who was looking to start an argument. But this is something normal at every customer service job.

- I think this may be the biggest con I had while working there, and I didn't even experience it for that long. Not long before I left the job, my store introduced the delivery service. The only issue with this was that the delivery orders would appear on the same screens as the instore/drive-thru orders. This clogged up the screens because the delivery orders were usually quite big, and as a result customers instore and in the drive-thru would end up waiting much longer. And as a result this caused a lot of unhappy and sometimes rude customers. The delivery drivers would also get impatient while waiting for orders. And this was all made worse when we were busy and understaffed. I think the introduction of the delivery system should have been more thought out. However I know this is not the fault of the managers instore - they had to deal with the new system just like us workers did.

Conclusion:
Overall I did enjoy working at this store and the wages did help me throughout uni. I ended up leaving because when I reached 3rd year of uni, the workload increased significantly, and I could no longer work this job. I think it's a good job for students wanting to earn extra money, for someone who is looking for their first job or for anyone who's looking for work with flexible hours. Since COVID lockdown I don't know how things are at this store, but my experience in those 2 and a half years was good. 

I was a part of the customer experience area at McDonald's. This area is responsible for all customer involved tasks such as taking their orders both on front counter as well as drive through. Cashiering, packing as well as creating food for the customer to enjoy. 

A typical day at work usually involves being an order taker and cashier in the drive through booth. Here I meet and greet customers, double check their orders as well as deal with any prior issues with food or service, before saying goodbye "I hope you have a great day" and sending them on their way. If I am not order taking I'm usually either in McCafe or on Front Counter. This is where I too meet, greet and take customers orders,sometimes even given the opportunity to have a short friendly conversation with them when it inst too busy. I find that that although short, these friendly conversations help increase and overall better the customers experience.

I have learned a great deal about quality management, safety procedures, hazard precautions, customer service and experience when it comes to communication, dealing with problems as well as making sure customers always feel respected, while working at McDonald's. 

Studying units in Management at the University of Western Australia  has given me the opportunity to learn of different  management styles especially those applied at McDonald's. However at my specific store (Rockingham), I feel as though it is too easy for under skilled and uneducated people to become managers with no real understanding of what makes a good manager let alone any managing styles. It is quite disappointing as management plays a key role in the success of any organisation. Hence why I endevour to find a place of work where as an employee I am respected and are open to a good strong management system.

Many young crew are employed at McDonald's, who tend to be quite friendly however are not the most diligent of workers. I find that the level of professionalism at McDonald's is quite low because of the amount of young staff and poor management techniques. Personal issues are brought in to the workplace quite regularly which lowers work efficiency. However that being send, most co workers are quite friendly and willing to help and assist any crew member who may not be sure of certain practices or procedures.

The hardest part of my job would most likely be dealing with difficult customers while working during weekend rush shifts with new trainees at the store (who are not yet ready to deal with a busy shift). This is due to other customers getting quite upset and frustrated for also having to wait when another customers order my have been messed up by the kitchen. No one likes receiving an incorrect order thud dealing with these issues can be quite face on especially when customers are not in the best of moods. 

The most enjoyable part of my job is most likely having to deal with many orders at once when running specific areas myself when we are short staffed. This is because I love challenging myself and being put under this responsibility is quite motivating. Another aspect   of enjoyment at McDonald's is the happy comments of customers who enjoyed their meal or service as it allows me to feel as though I delivered a good customer experience.

i have been working at mcdonalds for a few months now and its a fun place to work at. when i first started i thought they were going to go nice and slow with me since im new but on the day i started work it was all in a rush. i had to get changed quickly and start running around looking for the manager. the first thing i learnt was how to do the fries. it was a very rushed procedure since my manager was rushing and i didnt really understand her since she was talking in such a fast pace. she first put me on fries where i was just standing as if i dont have a clue what im suppose to do. then after i was trained i felt more confident.the hardest bit was the cashier and i was struggling so bad i always need help with the menu. the thing is,i was working at a food court so we were just a small store and didnt have the whole menu. but on the computer screen it had the whole menue for all mcdonalds in nsw.the manager didnt explain what things were unavailable and what things that were available. after a few weeks i was working on my own without the trainer and i remember one day i was working and the manager put me on register. i was scared and nervous because i didnt really get trained well on this. every now and then ill ask for help and everytime i did the manager and the person beside me will look at me as if i was the annoying one.  after a few months i got use to the rudeness and just went with it. another thing i found strange is every time i got a good roster that was for about 4 hours that day and i for instance started at 10:00, the manager will call me and say can you start at 12:00? i will obviously say yes because i knew it'll probably be once and it wont happen again. but the next week i got the same roster with the same time and she repeated the same thing that happend last week so i got mad at that. i only get rosted like once or twice a week which isn't much at all if your only working for 3 hours. i make like 30 dollars a week while my friends are making like 200 a week so i had to save up my money carefully. i wanted to save up for tutoring but i don't think its gonna happen. its a fun place o work but if the managers don't like you your gonna have a rough time. i started making friends and 2 of the managers are getting use to me its just that one that gives me the most worst and stressful jobs while everyone is just cleaning or whipping down benches while im scrubbing the back of a dirty fridge. i have a lot more to say but i wont cuz its too much. i will recommend you to try ask someone who works their and see if its a good place to work at if its not ask someone who works at a different mcdonalds and see what they say.
thank you and enjoy!

If I'm not training, you'll normally find me in the kitchen during an average shift. On an average shift, let's say a 12pm-8pm and I'm on 'Grill' Side. 
12-3 Will be our main busy period, on an average day there would be a Manager running the kitchen and 2-3 other crew with me on grill side. Normally, One person on Quarter grill, with then either 1-2 people with me on Regular grill. 
Being a Crew Trainer, I would be in charge in making sure that the regular grill runs smoothly and is pumping out the food needed every 110ish seconds. Between 12-3 we would normally be cooking as a team either 4 Big Mac's, 8 Cheeseburgers or 4 Double Cheeseburgers every 2 minutes non-stop.
I would then go on a 45 minute break period where I get free Staff Food.
Between 3.45pm and 5pm I would then be back on Grill side, this time however it will be quieter and there would maybe be 1 person with me. During this time, I would be in charge of running the Kitchen during this period and making sure it's all clean and stocked up ready for the rush period at 5, whilst cooking runs of food.
5-8 would generally be the same as lunch time, slightly quieter but same process at lunch, except the 1 manager running kitchen and then myself and 1 other crew member.

On a typical day I would learn nothing exciting, maybe some gossip about the people I work with, or a customer will get in a grump because they can't order their own food and take it out on the people trying to help them feed themselves.

Management are generally ***** towards the staff, especially if something goes wrong. It can be as simple as a customer complaint or a genuine little accident/mistake and everyone blows the whole thing out of proportion and everyone's getting angry and stressed over something simple that can be fixed in 2 minutes.

Co-workers are 90% genuinely okay people, that are just like you. They've either made some bad decisions in life or just here to get some quick money for one reason or another. It's only the minority of the staff that are the 'retards' we all get stereotyped as.

Hardest part of the job... Putting up with management and customers. The job is very simple once you learn the procedures and get your head around of constantly being busy. The genuine hardest part is putting up with the customers and managers who treat you like garbage, mostly over something very simple that can be fixed in less then 2 minutes, or something they have mis-understood/interpreted.

Enjoyable part..... For what is it, I guess it just has to be the fact you have a job and can support yourself and family in living and any hobbies and past time you have. That's genuinely all...

I recently had the opportunity to work under the leadership of McDonald's in leadership  role, and I am pleased to share my positive employee review. Overall, my experience has been quite favorable, and I believe McDonald's leadership has been effective and supportive in several aspects. Here are the key points of my review:

1. Communication and Guidance: The leaders at McDonald's have consistently maintained open lines of communication with the employees. They are approachable, willing to listen to concerns, and provide clear instructions and guidance. Regular team meetings and one-on-one sessions have been beneficial for addressing any issues and keeping everyone informed.

2. Support and Development: The leadership team at McDonald's places importance on employee growth and development. They encourage skill-building through training programs and provide constructive feedback to help individuals enhance their performance. Additionally, opportunities for advancement within the company are made known, demonstrating a commitment to recognizing and nurturing talent.

3. Team Collaboration: The leadership promotes a collaborative work environment where teamwork is highly valued. They encourage cooperation among employees, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie. This positive team spirit has resulted in improved productivity and a more enjoyable workplace.

4. Problem Resolution: Whenever challenges or conflicts arise, the leadership team at McDonald's has demonstrated prompt problem-solving skills. They actively listen to all parties involved, seek fair resolutions, and strive to maintain a harmonious work environment. Their ability to handle issues effectively contributes to the overall morale and satisfaction of the team.

5. Adaptability and Resilience: McDonald's leadership has proven their ability to adapt to changing circumstances, especially during unforeseen situations like the COVID-19 pandemic. They implemented safety measures swiftly and efficiently, ensuring the well-being of both employees and customers. Their resilience in navigating such challenging times reflects their strong leadership qualities.

In conclusion, my experience working under the leadership of McDonald's has been largely positive. The open communication, support for personal development, teamwork, effective problem-solving, and adaptability are notable strengths of the leadership. While there is always room for improvement, the overall experience has been satisfactory, earning a solid rating of 4/5.

This is my first job, which I got in my very early twenties. My initial impression starting out with three days of training in the kitchen said that it wasn't going to be too bad, which was the case not long after properly starting. But almost a year into the position, I feel like I'm not in the same friendly workplace anymore.

Working from breakfast to early lunch, there will normally be either another crew member or two, which is fine as there isn't a lot to prepare during that time period. From lunch to mid-afternoon, however, that's typically just you and one other crew member. When that's the case and you get to rush hour or the school rush, you will more than likely have your other crew member completely cleaning the grills. You are left to do everything else and can end up feeling completely drained of energy. But when you have at least another crew member helping out, which is rare, it takes the pressure off yourself to an extent.

It almost feels like there can be a bit of tension between some crew members and you - something that comes down to who is rostered on at the same time you are. Even though they have been there longer than you have and are more experienced, you may feel like you are getting pushed around at times, which doesn't help when it comes to forming a positive relationship with them. You may be asked to do multiple things at once, but be told to do something else right as you are about to go ahead and do one of the tasks you were asked to do - something that is annoying when you need to stock up on a product.
The feeling of teamwork isn't there all of the time and it may not feel like you are going forward with your development. It more or less feels like you are there to be partially abused. This has been the case for me at least twice, one of which brought me to tears after being pushed around THAT MUCH.

Management can be really good or really bad, depending on who the shift manager is. I've had two managers who have been happy to help get orders out to the counter when I have been by myself, and have both had a great attitude and are very approachable - one manager isn't seen in the same area but is still friendly to approach. On the other end of the spectrum, there has been only one manager who can make you feel like not wanting to be there. Being the only crew member in the kitchen - having to make everything - during rush hour, they had a pretty bad attitude towards me and even went as far as saying they can make and wrap a burger with one hand while being on the phone. That alone was completely disheartening for me.

Overall, not a happy place for me to work most of the time.

McDonald's may have a reputation for being a dead end job but it is quite the contrary.  Anyone who has the drive to build a career will do well there as there are many chances for promotion and it is highly encouraged to aim high.

You start off as Crew and if doing well you have a chance to move up to Crew Trainer, training the new staff that come in, which is very fulfilling.  From Crew Trainer I also specialized as a Barista in the McCafe, which was a lot of fun and taught some useful skills.  From there I moved onto learning the management side of things, becoming a 2nd Assistant Manager, for this you get full training, do your Cert 3 in Retail and go on a week long management course, all paid for and provided by McDonald's.  From there you can even move up to Restaurant Manager or even into a position into head office.

Through doing the management I learn many useful skills such as stock ordering, managing shifts of 5-15 staff at one time, handling customer complaints, inventory management and coordinating with other managers and crew trainers to run a successful shift and meet goal targets.

At my store my co-workers were very friendly and worked well together for the most part, the main problems coming from having such young crew that would call in sick a lot or just not turn up for shifts leaving us understaffed and having to waste a lot of time trying to organize people to cover shifts.

The more challenging part of the job was when I was a manager.  More often than not you'd be stressed out due to being understaffed due to head office cuts or crew simply not showing up.  Often over breakfast I'd be running front counter and drive-thru myself, trying to do my extra management work in between.  The wages are not much above minimum wage and managers were paid salary, which meant a lot of unpaid hours due to having to catch up on work in our own time because we weren't staffed to be able to do it in the allotted time.

My favourite part of the job was working in the McCafe, making coffees and being able to show my creative side with coffee art and cake plate decorating, which the customers appreciated.  Hosting the occasional children's party was also a lot of fun being able to entertain the children and do face painting, etc.  The best part of all was the amazing team we had there, both management and crew, even on the most trying of days everyone managed to have a bit of fun and helped each other along.

Title: A Reflection on My Experience Working at McDonald's

Working at McDonald's has been a unique and valuable experience that has shaped my perspective on various aspects of the workforce. My time at the fast-food giant provided me with both challenges and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

One of the notable positives of working at McDonald's is the emphasis on teamwork. The fast-paced nature of the job requires effective communication and collaboration among team members. I had the chance to work with diverse individuals, and the experience taught me the importance of mutual support in a high-pressure environment.

Moreover, McDonald's places a strong emphasis on customer service. Interacting with customers daily allowed me to enhance my communication and problem-solving skills. Dealing with various customer preferences and situations has undoubtedly improved my ability to adapt and provide excellent service under different circumstances.

Another noteworthy aspect is the structured training programs offered by McDonald's. From learning about food safety protocols to mastering efficient service processes, the comprehensive training equipped me with valuable skills that extend beyond the realm of fast food. This experience has been particularly beneficial for individuals seeking a foundation for future employment opportunities.

However, it's essential to acknowledge the challenges associated with the job. The fast-paced environment and occasional high-stress situations can be demanding, especially during peak hours. Balancing multiple tasks simultaneously requires a certain level of adaptability and resilience.

While the pay at entry levels may not be the highest, McDonald's compensates with various employee benefits, including flexible schedules and opportunities for advancement within the company. For those seeking part-time employment or entry-level positions, these benefits can make a significant difference.

In conclusion, my time working at McDonald's has been a valuable chapter in my professional journey. The skills acquired, the friendships formed, and the lessons learned have contributed to my overall growth and development. Whether it's gaining customer service experience or learning to thrive in a fast-paced environment, working at McDonald's offers a unique set of opportunities that can be beneficial for individuals at different stages of their careers.







As a proud employee of McDonald's, I feel compelled to share why I believe it's the best place to work. From the vibrant atmosphere to the endless opportunities for growth, here's my firsthand account of why McDonald's has exceeded my expectations as an employer.

First and foremost, the sense of camaraderie among colleagues at McDonald's is unparalleled. From the moment I stepped into the restaurant, I was welcomed with open arms by a team that felt more like family than coworkers. Whether we're hustling during a lunch rush or sharing a laugh during a break, there's a genuine sense of support and teamwork that makes every shift enjoyable.

Furthermore, McDonald's commitment to employee development is truly impressive. Through comprehensive training programs and ongoing coaching, I've been able to sharpen my skills and progress within the company. Whether it's mastering the art of customer service or learning the ins and outs of restaurant operations, McDonald's provides the resources and support needed to succeed.

One aspect that sets McDonald's apart as an employer is its dedication to diversity and inclusion. Regardless of background or experience, everyone is given an equal opportunity to thrive and succeed. This inclusive culture not only fosters a sense of belonging but also enriches the overall work environment.

Additionally, McDonald's offers a range of benefits and perks that make it a standout employer. From competitive wages to flexible scheduling, McDonald's prioritizes the well-being and satisfaction of its employees. Whether it's access to affordable healthcare or opportunities for advancement, McDonald's goes above and beyond to ensure that employees are taken care of both inside and outside of work.

Beyond the tangible benefits, working at McDonald's has provided me with invaluable life skills and experiences. From time management to problem-solving, every day presents new challenges and opportunities for growth. These skills not only benefit me in my role at McDonald's but also in all aspects of my life.

In conclusion, McDonald's isn't just a place to work – it's a community where individuals are empowered to reach their full potential. From the supportive team environment to the endless opportunities for growth, McDonald's has truly exceeded my expectations as an employer. If you're looking for a rewarding career with a company that values its employees, I wholeheartedly recommend joining the McDonald's team

I would say this is my first formal long-term job.

I was casual from the very first beginning, then part-time, then went full-time.
Part-time and full-time got the same pay ($21.95 for staff over age of 21, lower if you're younger).

It was good when you entered in a good time, when there were good peoples around. I was lucky enough for this start.
I had seen since then how our management worsened, good old staff left one by one, new people joined- didn't get proper training /treatments- and then they left as well, and management team just kept recruiting new people. 
It just slowly became a dark circle which promoted a few people benefited from that, usually the so-called management team group in a store, standing out from the countless bullied/ exploited front-line staff sacrificed and ruined in this process.

If you worked at a store with a good management team and nice co-workers, you would love the vibes, feel the positive push, learn the new skills and actually grow with the team.
Sadly it's not my case. As I said, ours had worsened.
Not only customers, but also your co-workers, managers, head-office bosses, franchisees, standing among them were either bullies or the silent supporters of bullies. Pardon my French, it is just f-ed.
I wish they could be kind, or at least, kinder than they are now.

I would recommend this as a first job, but not a long-term job. 
They provided you with a lot of training, let you truly know the definition of "working in a fast-pace environment", and there would be a whole lot of teamwork, and engagement with customers if you're not in the kitchen. 
Or in the worst case, they would teach you everything you could expect from a low-level job if you would like to stay with it for longer than one year :)

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Crew member 66 salaries reported	$28.56 per hour
Manager 21 salaries reported	$88,934 per year
Fast food attendant 8 salaries reported	$31.76 per hour
Customer service representative 5 salaries reported	$26.40 per hour
Cashier 7 salaries reported	$28.57 per hour

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