Statistics show that McDonald’s serves over 69 million people daily in over 118 countries. They’re one of the largest restaurant chains with the highest number of employees globally.
Recently, they released the McDonald’s break policy to improve their employees’ well-being. The policy is captured in their employee handbook.
This article will give you a complete breakdown and analysis of McDonald’s break policy.
What is McDonald's Break Policy
McDonald’s break policy states employees will get an unpaid 30-minute meal break if they’ve worked more than 3.5 hours. Moreover, all 10-minute rest breaks are paid for every 4 hours you’ve worked, although you must stay within the work premises.
Stay with me. I’ll answer your questions in a jiffy.
What are the different Break Policies at McDonald's?
Typically, McDonald’s provides two types of breaks for its employees. The first one is a 30-minute unpaid meal break, while the second one is a 10-minute paid rest break.
Employees that are taking the 30-minute break must clock out during the breaks. Most importantly, if you are taking this break, you must remain on the premises. But if you leave the premises, you mustn’t take any free food out of the restaurant.
Then, a 10-minute paid rest break is given to all employees working for 4 to 5-hour shifts or longer.
Break Policy for Minors at McDonald's
According to America’s state law, anyone under 18 is considered a minor. And McDonald’s strictly follows all federal and state laws under their operation territories.
At McDonald’s, all minors must take a compulsory 30-minute meal break after they’ve worked for at least 4.5 hours during a day’s Shift. Also, McDonald’s policy stipulates that meal breaks are unpaid if they don’t exceed the 15-minute break rule.
Employee Meal Policy at McDonald's
Aside from the awesomeness of their meals, McDonald’s has one of the best employee-friendly policies in the world. Their employees get a 50% off all meals taken on the 30-minute meal break.
The branch managers activate the 50 discount when employees clocks-out, which allows them to take their orders like regular customers. Additionally, all McDonald’s branches have a stipulated area where employees eat their meals, as taking a meal out during breaks is against their policies.
Lastly, employees on duty are entitled to an $8 or less meal, which means they’ll be paying only $4 or less per meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sadly, according to the Department of Labour Federal Policy, all lunch breaks have to relieve the employees of their duty at a given hour; therefore, it is unpaid.
McDonald’s does not sponsor or pay for lunch breaks. They only give discounts to those on duty as stipulated in their employee meal policy.
Here’s how it works: employees get a 10-minute paid rest break every 4 hours and two paid breaks every 8 hours.
But the thing is, you must stay around the work premises during the paid breaks. However, during the 30-minute unpaid breaks, you are allowed to leave the work premises, but you must be back on or before your break elapses.
At McDonald’s, you can’t skip a meal break. Once eligible, you must take the break. This policy helps prevent stress, burnout, and physical exhaustion.
However, during peak times with high customer demand, you might be required to clock back in. If this happens, you’ll be given a less busy time to make up for your break.
Usually, a McDonald’s employee’s pay is determined by their job title, description, and hours worked. However, an average worker’s salary ranges from $200 to $500 weekly.
McDonald’s’ PTO and Vacation policy typically gives 3-10 days off a year. Also, employees get paid time off at McDonald’s. This is usually the 3rd most important benefit besides Healthcare when ranked by employees, with 24% of employees saying it is the most important benefit.
McDonald’s break policy is a fair, transparent, and awesome policy. It acknowledges the employee’s need to maintain healthy well-being while working.
