Technology

McDonald’s launches an employee-centric mobile app

The Archways to Careers app will help employees match their skills and interests with career opportunities.
Photograph courtesy of McDonald's Corp.

McDonald’s on Wednesday launched a mobile app to connect its employees with careers, even if those careers aren’t with the company.

The Chicago-based burger giant’s Archways to Careers career exploration app is a career-advising tool designed to connect employees at its nearly 14,000 restaurants with education benefits and career opportunities.

The app was built with nonprofit group The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning along with career-coaching organization InsideTrack. The app connects employees with InsideTrack advisers.

The effort follows McDonald’s Archways to Opportunity program, which helps employees learn language skills, earn a high-school diploma and receive up to $3,000 in tuition assistance. The program has given out $90 million in tuition assistance since its creation in 2015.

McDonald’s effort comes as restaurant companies are grappling with a major shortage of employees. The chain, and many other concepts, has started taking more aggressive efforts to lure workers, including more educational and other benefits.

“The McDonald’s system workforce has immeasurable talent to offer, and with its existing benefits coupled with this rich new mobile experience, restaurant employees are better equipped to discover and advance their careers, positioning themselves for long-term career success no matter where they end up,” said Rob Lauber, McDonald’s global chief learning officer, in a statement.

Employees can download the app now. The app will be able to understand their skills and strengths and will find educational opportunities in a variety of careers. It offers assessment and career exploration.

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