Be your “Best Me”

In today’s ever-evolving workplace environment, authenticity is becoming an increasingly important element — a cornerstone of strong, sustainable workplace culture where being a genuine self aligns with productivity.Based on the article published by Forbes, Reasons to Build a Positive Workplace Culture¹, supportive workplace culture boosts employee engagement, as empowered and valued employees are more likely to stay engaged. Encouraging employees to be their authentic selves, rather than suppressing their personalities, can lead to greater job satisfaction, higher motivation, and improved overall business performance. Additionally, providing employees with skills training, mentorship, and incentives significantly enhances their motivation, satisfaction, retention, and productivity — all of which contribute to stronger individual performance and long-term organizational success.Creating a work environment that embraces authenticityWhile embracing authenticity can be challenging for some organizations, McDonald’s Philippines recognizes that the modern workplace is a space not only for task execution but also for personal growth and development. As one of the leading youth employers² in the country, it remains committed to prioritizing the welfare of its employees. In line with this commitment, the company is taking action in 2025 to further strengthen a culture that encourages individuals to be the best version of themselves, captured in their message: “At McDo, I have what I need to be my Best Me.” While the work may be challenging, it also offers valuable skills, experience, and opportunities for advancement, proving that working at a fast-food restaurant is far from being a “dead-end job”³. McDonald’s strives to become more than just a fast-food serving customers their favorite meals, but a company where employees can unlock their full potential and be in their best versions. Moreover, their commitment to cultivating an inclusive and healthy work environment not only enhances the well-being of individual employees but also drives the organization’s long-term success and sustainability.Empowering employees to grow, connect, and thrive togetherBuilding yourself at work can lead to greater self-discovery and contribute to a healthier work-life balance, all without compromising productivity or performance. This is an important value that employees should embrace. At the same time, employers are responsible for cultivating a workplace culture that allows individuals to grow authentically. When employees feel supported in this way, it positively impacts their well-being and the overall performance of the organization. McDonald’s continues to embrace these core values through intentional people practices such as direct hiring with no contractualization and flexible work arrangements. The company ended 2024 with a network of 792 stores nationwide and employs over 65,000 individuals⁴. Seventy percent of its crew are working students, highlighting its role as a key employer of young people and its commitment to equipping them with essential skills and values for long-term success. Since 2019, the company has partnered with USAID and the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) through the YouthWorks PH program, as part of its broader efforts to promote youth employability⁵. The company ensures inclusivity and accessibility, offering opportunities to individuals from diverse backgrounds. These practices build trust and promote a sense of ownership and belonging among employees. Furthermore, McDonald’s dedication to inclusivity benefits not only working students but also reaches out to marginalized youth in the community, including those from SCDs and individuals with disabilities (PWDs). This effort is made possible through collaboration with local government units (LGUs)⁶. Through the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), McDonald’s provides summer job opportunities that help marginalized students support their education while gaining valuable work experience. Additionally, the partnership of McDonald’s Philippines with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to develop the country's first TESDA-accredited training curriculum for the quick service restaurant (QSR) sector. This pioneering initiative seeks to provide more Filipinos with skills training through TESDA’s Institution-Based Training (IBT) and Enterprise-Based Training (EBT) programs, further strengthening workforce readiness in the food service industry⁷.In addition, McDonald’s invests heavily in training and development programs tailored to different career stages—from foundational skills for new crew members to leadership development for aspiring managers. These programs are designed not just to improve job performance but to equip employees with life skills that extend beyond the workplace. The company also offers flexible work schedules to accommodate working students, further solidifying its commitment to supporting youth employment. Stories of growth and opportunity at McDonald’sStaying true to its branding theme, “Sa McDo, Easy Maging Best Me,” the company embraces a values-driven culture that fosters collaboration, mutual respect, and continuous learning. Employees are empowered to share meaningful experiences, support one another’s growth, and strive to reach their full potential. This holistic approach supports individuals to become the best version of themselves, both in and beyond the workplace.**media[16670]**Longtime McDonald’s employees, such as Manny Reyes—who began as a crew member in the 1996 batch, have shared how the company has played a significant role in their lives. While balancing his studies and working at McDonald’s, he eventually earned his MBA with the company’s support — and even met his wife there. He expressed that starting as a crew member and excelling can lead to greater success. “Dala ko lagi yung motivation na ang McDonald’s magsa-start ka as a service crew pero pag pinagbuti mo, through patience and pagiging open to explore, posibleng mag-grow ka talaga at magiging successful,”(I always carry the motivation that at McDonald’s, you may start as a service crew, but if you work hard, through patience and being open to explore, it is possible to grow and be successful.)**media[16668]**Eric Castro, a dedicated crew member from the 1995 batch, sets an example for aspiring employees by consistently reminding them that they are essential to the company’s success. “Nagtatrabaho ka (you’re working) not because you’re obliged to, pero dahil (but because) you desire to contribute to the system, to the organization.”**media[16671]**Aya Guillermo, from the 2005 batch and an aspiring graduate from a university in Hawaii, returned home to pursue her dream of being part of a global company with high international standards. Her experience working at McDonald’s led her to say that it is a place where you can build a career—an opportunity to grow, discover yourself, and develop your skills. “McDonald’s loves their people very much. They care for their people very much. That’s why I can’t leave the company because they are a people company,” she said. **media[16669]**For Jeq Singson, a member of the 1998 batch, her time at McDonald’s is her longest-lasting relationship, with the company's values consistently matching her own. Her work ethic strengthened as she continued working at the company, building discipline, responsibility, and resilience. Her hard work and dedication opened up more opportunities and demonstrated her potential to the company. “The thing with McDo, if they see your potential and you're hard working too, they will bring out the best in you,” she stated.These reflections from inspiring crew members who have risen to success and now serve as Operations Managers, handling greater responsibilities, highlight how McDonald’s stands as a strong example of an employer that goes beyond conventional workplace norms. The company strives to build a workforce rooted in empowerment and mutual support, making it one of the best places to work. It offers a work environment that hones skills, encourages self-discovery, and promotes a holistic view of what a healthy workplace can be⁸. Through its inclusive culture and people-focused practices, McDonald’s appeals to job seekers and fresh graduates while also helping to retain existing employees. With this approach, it is more than just a favorite fast-food restaurant — it’s a place of growth and opportunity, where individuals can truly become their “Best Me.”Visit McDonald’s Philippines' official website https://www.mcdonalds.com.ph for more information about its products and campaigns.