Fast food giant McDonald's closed its U.S. offices on Monday, asking staff to work from home until Wednesday. The temporary shutdown is part of the company's preparations for upcoming layoffs as it undergoes a corporate restructuring.
According to an internal email sent to employees in the United States and some international workers last week, decisions about layoffs will be made virtually, with no in-person meetings allowed. Staff were instructed to cancel all such meetings outside and inside the company.
The exact number of employees who will be laid off remains unclear, but sources suggest that the changes could significantly affect corporate staff at McDonald's headquarters in Chicago.
This news comes as a shock to many workers who have been with the company for years. Some expressed concern over their job security amidst this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which has already disrupted many businesses worldwide.
McDonald’s spokesperson declined to comment on how many positions would be eliminated or whether they would offer severance packages or other support programs for affected employees.
The fast-food chain has struggled during this pandemic period due to reduced sales caused by lockdowns and social distancing measures implemented across various countries worldwide. Despite introducing new contactless delivery options and drive-through services as well as offering discounts through their mobile app, their earnings have still fallen short of expectations since early 2020.
It remains uncertain when McDonald’s will reopen its offices fully or what long-term effects these layoffs might have on its operations moving forward, but one thing is clear – it’s yet another example of how far-reaching COVID-19 has been affecting our lives - including even those working at one of America’s most iconic brands like McDonald's.