- Influencer Sylwina Spiess was critical of McDonald’s employees. She doubted their “sophisticated level”.
- McDonald’s employees are now countering these prejudices. They report on their everyday work.
- They emphasize the diversity and social intelligence in the team. Career paths are also possible at McDonald’s.
- A job does not define a person’s character. Interests are not tied to the job.
The statements of influencer Sylwina Spiess about McDonald’s employees have caused widespread criticism. Although she has these has now put it into perspective and apologized for it. However, the debate about the social standing of McDonald’s employees continues. Now employees have their say – and provide insight into their everyday lives.
Sina (27): “We are quickly put in a drawer”
The 27-year-old completed her apprenticeship as a system catering specialist EFZ at McDonald’s and cannot understand Spiess’ statements: “Employees are quickly put in a drawer.” Her time at McDonald’s was formative for her – both personally and professionally. “I met an incredible number of different people there, with very different stories and paths in life.”
Many would underestimate what lies behind the job: “Teamwork, resistance to stress, taking responsibility – these are all things you learn there every day.” She also highlights the internal training and development opportunities: “I am proud to now be deputy managing director at the Asian restaurant Nooch.” She is critical of general statements: “In my opinion, a job doesn’t say how reflective, cultivated or interesting a person is.”
Patrick (57): “I observe strong social intelligence in my employees”
Patrick Künzi, who runs five McDonald’s restaurants in the Zurich area, emphasizes the diversity of his workforce: “We have a huge range working for us – from housewives to students with part-time jobs.” A classification according to “intellectual categories” is generally not possible, regardless of whether someone works in the office or at the counter.
Especially in everyday work, he observes a strong social intelligence in his employees – an ability that is central when dealing with people. In addition, McDonald’s employees are regularly poached by other catering establishments and have good opportunities for advancement.
Anna (34): “I started at the counter and am now in HR”
An example of this is Anna Weinauer (34), who has worked passionately at McDonald’s for 15 years. She started in the kitchen and now works as a human resources manager in his five restaurants. She met many different people at McDonald’s: “From book fans to music enthusiasts to theater goers,” Weinauer told 20 Minutes. She and Künzi still work regularly in the kitchen today.
For Anna, everyday life shows that McDonald’s employees hardly differ from others in the realities of their lives: “They go to the cinema, to the swimming pool, spend time with their families – like everyone else.” There are also no isolated circles when it comes to relationships: “It’s not the case that employees only date each other.” For Weinauer one thing is certain: “Interests, lifestyle and personal values are not tied to a job.”
Have you ever been pigeonholed because of your job or activity?
Thomas Sennhauser (ths), has been working for 20 minutes since 2020. He started as a video journalist and after two years moved to the news department, where he writes about social issues and analyzes of events abroad.
