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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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6

Oldsters Behind Counter Boost McDonald's Sales

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(Newser) – Having workers in their golden years is key to the Golden Arches' success, according to a British study. Researchers found that customer satisfaction levels were 20% higher in outlets where people over 60 were employed. The boost comes from the older workers' better people skills, strong work ethic, and influence on the younger employees, a McDonald's exec tells the Telegraph.

"The presence of older employees improves customer satisfaction, and in a service-led business such as theirs, this drives the bottom line," said a researcher.

A McDonald's owner poses for a photo in front of his restaurant. McDonald's aims to recruit more older workers, but the company says not that many apply.
A McDonald's owner poses for a photo in front of his restaurant. McDonald's aims to recruit more older workers, but the company says not that many apply.   (AP Photo/ Ellen Wznick)
"Having a 20% increase in customer satisfaction levels translates into sales and profits and that is significant," a McDonald's exec said.   (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
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Mature employees are a key part of the performance recipe. This is good news for the workforce given the changing demographics of our society.
- Professor Paul Sparrow
of Lancaster University

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6 comments
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DarkFrancis
Aug 13, 09 5:50 AM CDT
Plus they can't usually work up enough saliva to splat one in your burger. Obviously I kid. I just hope these people are valued for their efforts. Reply
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+2
oldgoat
Aug 13, 09 6:04 AM CDT
I've heard that more companies are hiring the seniors because of their work ethic. Some of the youth haven't learned the concept of coming to work on time and what appropiate dress is. However I hope that I don't spend my last workng days working at McD's. Reply
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+5
IN RESPONSE:
Reader64481089
Aug 13, 09 7:13 AM CDT
Old Goat, I returned to College for yet another Degree in my late 40's, the hardest thing I had to deal with was the number of students who actually came to class in their PJ's daily, one trudged through snow each day wearing her bunny slippers......that and consistently late for class by as much as an hour a day, same group and each day 1 hour late. I thought at first they had to travel a great distance and perhaps the snow held them up but no that was not the case, they actually stayed in the Dorms and we to busy playing X0Box to be bothered with Physiology class
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+3
ruserious
Aug 13, 09 10:40 AM CDT
There are still dedicated college-aged students! Honestly! I went through 4 years of college and never saw someone show up an hour late! Although I know it happens--my boyfriend goes to a state school and he says it happens all the time. But not all young people are bad! On that note, some young people don't give the most stellar service, and I am happy to see older people who actually appreciate their jobs and don't make you feel unwanted at their establishment. Everybody wins. Reply
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+2
wwwonderer
Aug 13, 09 11:58 AM CDT
Will all being said above, I'll just add my $.02. Young people tend to gossip and play and goof off. I know, it's a big shock to many. It seems to be a correlation of work ethic to paycheck responsibility. Most, not all, young people don't have anything to spend their money on except music, clothes, movies, clothes, shoes, clothes, and if there's anything left over, they might buy some clothes. When one has rent, electric/water/utilities, insurance, credit cards, (student) loans, and DEPENDENTS, losing one's job has MUCH DIER consequences. Your much more willing to accept things in the work force. Many of our youth thinks it's all about them. Wonder if this older worker phenomenon has anything to do with US work force productivity. Reply
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