There are hundreds of McDonald's restaurants across the UK, with millions of employees.
Many people start out their working life in the fast food chain as the job provides flexible hours and great friendships. With each employee serving thousands of customers each day or deep frying endless nuggets and serving up multiple Big Macs the job can certainly be tiring - but also rewarding.
A former McDonald's worker has lifted the lid on what it's really like to work there. They spoke about the perks of the job, common public misconceptions and some inside secrets.
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Read on to learn about the pros and cons of being a fast food worker in a huge brand.
Perks of the job
"The pay might not be the best as when I worked there it was basically just minimum wage but there are other rewards to reap. It's a place that likes to try and boost staff morale.
"In my store, we always had employee of the week, month and quarter and these came with quite generous prizes such as vouchers, chocolates and your picture in the hall of fame. There was always a big deal made about those who really impressed.
"There were also many crew night outs for hitting certain targets. The managers would set us challenges, like if we sold x amount of promo products, and if we managed to complete them then we were awarded with a meal or night in town.
"I made some of the best friends working there and even now, a few years later, I still see a couple of them all the time. It's like one big dysfunctional family there.
"Staff also get a discount card so we could get friends and family cheaper meals too and while the break time was unpaid we also got a free meal of our choice. Although if you're working full time there, a Big Mac every day probably isn't the best decision."
High hygiene levels
"I worked in Maccies pre-pandemic and even then there were very strict hygiene rules in place. For example, employees had to wash their hands every time they walked into kitchen. So when starting shift, after nipping to the loo, after going on break. The sinks are even contactless, you operate them with your knee and the soap dispenser is automatic.
"They also have a strict uniform policy. If anyone was smelly they got sent home. If the lads needed a shave they either got sent home or were made to wear a special net like a hair net but on their chin.
"The women couldn't wear false nails, or even varnish, no lashes or anything like that and also had to use a hair net. If anyone touched their hair they were made to go and wash their hands.
"It's a common misconception that fast food places are a bit grimey but honestly there are very strict cleaning regimes. They do a deep clean on an open, on a close and again when breakfast menu gets swapped over to main menu. There was also nearly always someone brushing or mopping the floor and we were taught to clean as we go so any quieter periods were spent scrubbing the place."
The worst part of working there
"While cleaning is such a huge part of working at McDonalds, there are a few parts of it which are pretty grim. Emptying the grill fat used to knock me absolutely sick.
"I was also terrified of getting burnt. A few times I caught myself on the grill or on a chicken basket and it doesn't half hurt. I think most people who work kitchen get burnt at some point.
"Another job I hated doing was the bin counts. There is a lot of waste from Maccies, with employees dropping food or customers complaining. Anything like that goes straight into the bin and then later when it's full someone has to empty the bin and count everything that is in there. Gloves are provided but it's still really grim."
Misconception of lack of ambition
"Many people talk down to retail workers and see them having a lack of ambition. What people don't realise is many of the employees choose this kind of work for flexibility - whether you're a student or someone wanting to grow their family, Mcdonald's is pretty understanding and tends to offer all kinds of work hours to fit around your other responsibilities.
"When I worked there, lots of the staff were doing law degrees or training to become teachers. One was even on his way to becoming a doctor and yet rude customers still spoke down to each and every one of us although we were providing them a service. You should always be nice to everyone. You never know when that maccies worker you just launched your fries back at could be saving your life."
The Drive Thru
"Working in retail means you encounter all kinds of rude customers. But the worst ones are the ones who think you can't hear them.
"If you go through Drive Thru the workers hear you from the moment you pull up to the moment you drive away. Your order may be complete and the staff can mute mics so you can't hear them - but they still hear everything.
"I've had people complete their order and then rip into me calling me all sorts. One time I had a man who kept breaking wind very loudly too.
"We can also see you. There's little cameras on the order box so that we can decipher which order is correct when you reach the payment window easier.
"If you come through Drive Thru on foot or push bike though then be aware that you probably won't get served. We were told to refuse anyone not in an actual vehicle and ask them to come instore instead. I think it was something to do with health and safety reasons."
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