If you have a criminal record, you know how challenging it can be to find steady employment. Many employers are hesitant to hire felons, even if the offense was nonviolent or occurred years ago. This reluctance can make it difficult for former offenders to support themselves and their families, leading to a cycle of poverty and recidivism.
However, some companies are beginning to recognize the importance of second chance hiring and are actively seeking to provide opportunities to qualified candidates with criminal histories. McDonald‘s, the world‘s largest fast food chain, is often cited as a leader in this area. But what is the reality of getting hired at McDonald‘s with a felony on your record?
In this in-depth article, we‘ll explore McDonald‘s policies and practices related to hiring felons, drawing on a range of expert sources and data points. Whether you‘re a job seeker with a criminal background or simply curious about this issue, read on for a comprehensive look at felon employment at McDonald‘s.
McDonald‘s Hiring Policies for Felons
First, let‘s look at the big picture. According to a 2021 report from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), approximately 53% of HR professionals say their company has hired workers with criminal records. This represents a significant increase from just a few years ago, when a 2018 SHRM survey found that only 37% of managers and 26% of HR professionals were willing to hire individuals with criminal histories.
So where does McDonald‘s stand in comparison to these broader trends? The company does not release detailed statistics on its hiring practices, but various sources suggest that McDonald‘s is relatively open to employing felons. A 2019 report from the National Employment Law Project (NELP) identified McDonald‘s as one of several large companies that have "banned the box" on job applications, meaning they do not ask about criminal history until later in the hiring process.
However, it‘s important to note that McDonald‘s is a franchise-based company, with over 38,000 locations worldwide. While some restaurants are owned and operated directly by the corporation, the vast majority (over 90%) are run by independent franchisees. This decentralized structure means that hiring policies can vary significantly from one location to another.
As a general rule, corporate-owned McDonald‘s restaurants are more likely to hire felons than franchised locations. This is because company-owned stores are subject to centralized policies and procedures, while franchisees have more discretion to set their own criteria for employment. Some franchisees may be more risk-averse and hesitant to hire applicants with criminal records.
Types of Felonies Among McDonald‘s Employees
So what types of felonies are most common among McDonald‘s workers? While the company does not release this information publicly, we can glean some insights from broader data on fast food employment and the criminal justice system.
According to a 2020 report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the most common felony convictions in the United States are for drug offenses, followed by property crimes such as burglary and larceny/theft. Together, these two categories account for over 60% of all felony convictions.
In the fast food industry specifically, a 2013 study by the National Employment Law Project found that 12% of fast food workers had a criminal record. Of those, the most common offenses were drug-related (42%), followed by property crimes (26%) and violent offenses (17%).
Based on these figures, it‘s likely that many of the felons employed by McDonald‘s have convictions related to drug possession or distribution, theft, or other nonviolent offenses. However, the company‘s background check process may screen out applicants with more serious or recent convictions, especially for violent crimes or sexual offenses.
McDonald‘s Background Check Process
To get a better sense of how McDonald‘s evaluates applicants with criminal records, let‘s take a closer look at the company‘s background check process. According to sources familiar with McDonald‘s hiring practices, the company typically uses a third-party service to conduct background checks on all potential employees.
The scope and depth of these checks can vary depending on the specific job and location, but in general, they cover criminal records from the past seven years. This means that if you have a felony conviction older than seven years, it may not show up on a McDonald‘s background check, depending on the state you live in.
However, if you have a more recent felony on your record, it will almost certainly be flagged during the screening process. At that point, the hiring manager will have to decide whether to move forward with your application based on the specifics of your case.
Factors that may influence this decision include the type and severity of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and any evidence of rehabilitation or positive references you can provide. In some cases, you may have the opportunity to explain the circumstances of your conviction and make a case for why you would be a good fit for the job despite your record.
It‘s worth noting that while McDonald‘s does conduct background checks, the company does not have a blanket policy requiring drug testing for all employees. However, some franchisees may choose to drug test applicants or workers on their own initiative, especially for safety-sensitive positions such as delivery drivers.
Felony Friendly Positions at McDonald‘s
If you‘re a felon looking for work at McDonald‘s, what are your best bets in terms of job openings? While every restaurant is different, there are a few positions that may be more felon-friendly than others.
One option to consider is an entry-level crew member position. These jobs typically involve tasks such as taking orders, preparing food, and cleaning the restaurant. While they may not pay as much as management or supervisory roles, crew member positions can be a good way to get your foot in the door and demonstrate your work ethic and reliability.
Another possibility is a maintenance or janitorial position. These jobs involve keeping the restaurant clean and well-maintained, and may be less customer-facing than other roles. If you have skills in plumbing, electrical work, or general repairs, you may be able to find opportunities in this area.
Delivery driver positions may also be worth exploring, especially if you have a clean driving record and reliable transportation. With the growth of online ordering and delivery services, many McDonald‘s locations are hiring drivers to transport food to customers‘ homes or workplaces.
Of course, every job at McDonald‘s comes with its own challenges and requirements. Crew members and cashiers need to be able to work quickly and accurately under pressure, while maintenance workers may need specialized skills and certifications. It‘s important to carefully review the job description and requirements before applying to make sure you‘re a good fit for the role.
Felon Success Stories at McDonald‘s
Despite the obstacles that felons face in the job market, there are many examples of individuals with criminal records who have built successful careers at McDonald‘s. These stories demonstrate that with hard work, determination, and a willingness to learn, it‘s possible to overcome a troubled past and thrive in a fast-paced restaurant environment.
One such example is Hector Fernandez, who was hired as a crew member at a McDonald‘s in Chicago after being released from prison in 2014. Fernandez had served time for a drug-related offense, and initially struggled to find work due to his record. But he impressed his managers with his positive attitude and strong work ethic, and was quickly promoted to a shift manager position.
Over time, Fernandez took on additional responsibilities and earned several awards for his performance. He also became a mentor to other crew members, many of whom looked up to him as an example of how to turn one‘s life around. In 2021, after seven years with the company, Fernandez was promoted to general manager of his restaurant.
Another success story is that of Shelley Gourley, who was hired at a McDonald‘s in Oregon in 2016 after disclosing a felony conviction on her application. Gourley had struggled with addiction and had been in and out of prison for several years, but was determined to make a fresh start.
She started as a crew member and worked her way up to a shift manager position, earning praise from her colleagues and supervisors along the way. In 2019, Gourley was named "Employee of the Year" for her region, and was invited to speak at a national conference about her experiences as a felon in the workforce.
These stories are just a few examples of the many individuals with criminal records who have found opportunity and success at McDonald‘s. While not every felon who applies will be hired or promoted, these cases demonstrate that the company is willing to give second chances to those who are willing to work hard and prove themselves.
The Business Case for Hiring Felons
Beyond the individual success stories, there are also compelling business reasons for companies like McDonald‘s to hire felons. Studies have shown that employees with criminal records can be just as reliable and productive as their counterparts without criminal histories, and may even have lower turnover rates.
For example, a 2018 study by the Society for Human Resource Management found that 82% of managers and 67% of HR professionals believe that the quality of hire for workers with criminal records is about the same or higher than for those without records. The study also found that 66% of managers and 75% of HR professionals believe that the cost of hiring individuals with criminal records is about the same or lower than for those without records.
Another report from the ACLU and the National Employment Law Project estimated that increasing employment opportunities for people with criminal records could boost the U.S. economy by up to $87 billion per year. This is because employment is one of the key factors in reducing recidivism and helping former offenders reintegrate into society.
For McDonald‘s specifically, hiring felons can also help the company meet its diversity and inclusion goals. The company has made public commitments to increasing representation of underrepresented groups in its workforce, including people of color, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals. By considering applicants with criminal records, McDonald‘s can tap into a wider pool of talent and create a more inclusive workplace culture.
Challenges and Opportunities for Improvement
Of course, hiring and retaining workers with criminal records is not without its challenges. Felons may face additional barriers to success in the workplace, such as lack of access to transportation, housing, or healthcare. They may also struggle with the stigma and discrimination associated with having a criminal record.
To truly support second chance hiring, companies like McDonald‘s need to go beyond simply opening up job opportunities to felons. They also need to provide targeted training, mentorship, and support services to help these workers succeed and advance in their careers.
One area where McDonald‘s could improve is in its overall transparency around hiring practices. While the company has made public commitments to diversity and inclusion, it does not release detailed data on the number or percentage of felons in its workforce. Greater transparency could help build trust with job seekers and demonstrate the company‘s genuine commitment to second chance hiring.
McDonald‘s could also explore partnerships with community organizations and government agencies that specialize in workforce development and reentry services for people with criminal records. These organizations can provide valuable resources and support to help felons navigate the job search process and succeed in the workplace.
Finally, McDonald‘s could use its platform and influence to advocate for policies and programs that support second chance hiring more broadly. This could include lobbying for "ban the box" legislation, investing in job training and placement programs for former offenders, and educating other employers about the benefits of hiring workers with criminal records.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, the question of whether McDonald‘s hires felons is a complex one with no easy answers. While the company has made some efforts to provide opportunities to job seekers with criminal records, the reality is that hiring decisions are often made on a case-by-case basis and can vary widely depending on the specific restaurant and manager.
However, what is clear is that second chance hiring is an issue that affects millions of Americans and has significant implications for our economy and society as a whole. By taking a more proactive and transparent approach to hiring felons, companies like McDonald‘s can help lead the way in creating a more inclusive and equitable workforce.
As a job seeker with a criminal record, the best thing you can do is to be honest about your history, highlight your strengths and qualifications, and demonstrate your commitment to turning your life around. With persistence and a positive attitude, you may find opportunities at McDonald‘s or other companies that are willing to give you a second chance.
Ultimately, the decision to hire felons is not just about giving individuals a fresh start – it‘s about recognizing the potential in all people and building a society where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed.
