Avoiding toxic work cultures: Lessons from McDonald's Harassment Complaints

McDonald's UK boss has admitted the fast-food chain is receiving between one or two sexual harassment claims a week following a BBC investigation.

Alistair Macrow told MPs it had received more than 400 complaints from workers since July. He said 18 people had since been sacked but he did not know how many complaints had been referred to the police.

A BBC report found that workers as young as 17 experienced a toxic workplace culture at McDonald's where claims of sexual assault, racism and bullying were not taken seriously.

This ongoing case highlights the importance of effective procedures for addressing complaints of harassment, and how it is the responsibility of all employers to take proactive measures to stop sexual harassment in the workplace.

The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 recently received Royal Assent and is expected to come into force in October 2024. It places a statutory duty upon employers to take 'reasonable steps' to prevent sexual harassment of employees.

While a robust policy is the first step in preventing misconduct, organisations should also ensure they have a clear, zero-tolerance attitude towards this behaviour.

Workplace training on how to manage, avoid and report inappropriate actions is also crucial when it comes to discouraging all forms of sexual harassment in the workplace, along with how to provide effective support for affected employees.

Source: Personnel Today and BBC News