McDonald’s has ensured that every customer can dine safely at their favorite franchise, reimagining cleanliness and hygiene to provide peace of mind
RIYADH: Over the past year, COVID-19 has impacted every industry, presenting organizations with a series of varying challenges to overcome. For those in the restaurant business, introducing new health and safety measures and complying with the highest possible standards in new normal conditions were simultaneous priorities.
As one of the largest and most popular quick service restaurant chains worldwide, McDonald’s has ensured that every customer can dine safely at their favorite franchise, reimagining cleanliness and hygiene to provide peace of mind and world-class quality and service.
Here are the key factors behind McDonald’s leading restaurant operations:
Contactless operations
Digital transformation has accelerated dramatically in recent times and McDonald’s has harnessed digital capabilities to lower the risk of transmission as much as possible. Rather than traditional cash payments, McDonald’s encourages contactless transactions in every restaurant, while orders are placed digitally across customer channels. Seating capacity has also been adjusted in line with social distancing best practices.
Visual elements help to promote the importance of maintaining safe distances, and McDonald’s employees are positioned in specific areas to comply with the same protocol.
Wellness and cleanliness
In addition to visual social distancing elements, clear and visible communications are also displayed in McDonald’s restaurants to promote elevated hygiene. Hand sanitizers are available for guests and staff to use in different touchpoints within the premises.
In terms of cleaning schedules, McDonald’s has dedicated sanitization team members whose roles are to focus solely on upholding the frequency of cleanliness. High-touch surfaces are disinfected every hour minimum or whenever customers leave their tables. Regarding staff, wellness and temperature checks are conducted prior to each shift.
Audible hand wash timers have been introduced in many restaurants across the GCC, and team members are encouraged to wash their hands every 30 minutes for a minimum of 20 seconds.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) provision
McDonald’s restaurants are fully equipped with PPE for every team member as per local health agency guidelines.
Gloves are worn in high-risk areas by employees handling food, using cleaning chemicals, and working in service areas, including dining rooms, front counters and drive-thru areas. Furthermore, masks are used by employees preparing food or interacting with guests in any capacity, and PPE is continuously monitored to ensure adequate condition and that items are replaced whenever necessary and required.
Regulatory compliance and more
McDonald’s has guaranteed that not only every restaurant is in full compliance with the regulations set out by local authorities, but also is implementing the highest hygiene and cleanliness standards set out for industry best practices.
In line with legal requirements, the premises are sufficiently ventilated, disposable utensils are used, and bathrooms are cleaned every 30 minutes during operating hours and every 15 minutes during busy periods.