MCD · 10-Q · 2026Q2 · Full report

Labor Availability and Costs

MCDONALDS CORP · 2026-08-07 · Importance 10 · Surprise 6

McDonald’s and its franchisees continue to face challenges staffing restaurants in a competitive labor market. Staffing shortages can reduce speed of service and customer satisfaction, while higher costs to recruit, develop and retain employees can pressure Company-operated restaurant margins and franchisee profitability. Labor conditions vary across the markets where McDonald’s operates and affect the System’s ability to maintain appropriately staffed restaurants.

Key facts

• Our System has experienced increased costs and competition associated with attracting, recruiting, developing, motivating and retaining qualified employees. source
• We and our franchisees have experienced and may continue to experience challenges in adequately staffing certain McDonald’s restaurants, which can negatively impact operations including speed of service and customer satisfaction levels. source