McDonald’s is preparing for its largest hiring campaign in recent years, aiming to hire up to 375,000 employees across the United States this summer.Â
The company, based in Chicago, is expanding its operations in the country, with plans to open 900 new restaurants by 2027, according to the AP. Currently, McDonald’s operates over 13,500 locations in the U.S.
The company’s leadership has emphasized the positive impact of this hiring effort on local communities and the economy. The company believes that its investment in a larger workforce will support growth across the industry, providing more opportunities for employees to advance their careers and reach new milestones.
These new roles will be permanent, although McDonald’s does not anticipate exceeding a total workforce of 1.1 million by the end of the summer. The company’s hiring strategy also accounts for the high turnover rates typical in the fast-food industry, where workers frequently move in and out of positions.
This major hiring effort follows a similar initiative in 2020 when the company recruited 260,000 employees to help reopen its restaurants after the pandemic shutdowns.Â
Despite McDonald’s facing a 3.6% decline in same-store sales in the first quarter of the year, the company’s decision to ramp up hiring indicates confidence in the sector’s recovery.Â
The sales drop was linked to economic concerns, as lower- and middle-income consumers scaled back spending on fast food in response to inflationary pressures.
In addition to expanding its workforce, McDonald’s is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Archways to Opportunity program. The initiative offers employees tuition assistance, English lessons, and career development resources. More than 90,000 workers have benefited from the program, which has provided $240 million in tuition assistance.
With its expansive hiring plans and continued focus on workforce development, McDonald’s is positioning itself for a strong summer, investing not only in growth but in the long-term success of its employees.