Nineteen-year-old Shyrra Dungog stood nervously before the crowd, her hands gripping the microphone tightly. As the eldest of four siblings and the daughter of a single mother, Shyrra knows the value of hard work. For over a year, she has been juggling her studies while working part-time as a crew member at McDonald’s Cordova, Cebu.
“I’m very thankful to my manager for always adjusting our shifts to fit with our class schedules and school activities. I’ll be forever grateful to McDonald’s for giving me this opportunity to earn and study at the same time,” she shared, her voice trembling yet determined.
As she spoke in front of the Cebu media last Thursday for the fast food chain’s National Salamuch Crew Day celebration, her fellow crew members cheered her on, a testament to the strong camaraderie they have built. Despite her initial nerves, she bravely expressed her gratitude not just to her managers but also to her colleagues, whom she now considers her second family.
A Celebration of Gratitude
McDonald’s National Salamuch Crew Day is an annual event that fosters a culture of appreciation and gratitude among its workforce and customers. What began in 2023 as a simple exchange of thank-you notes among crew and managers in company-owned stores has since grown into a nationwide celebration, with all 790 McDonald’s stores in the country participating. This year, approximately 45,000 crew members joined the festivities.
During the event, crew members enjoyed fun games and surprises, while customers were encouraged to express their appreciation by personally saying “thank you” to the crew, dropping notes in a designated dropbox, or writing messages on a thank-you wall.
“When you invest in your people, train them well, and create a culture that motivates and inspires, it goes back to the business. It helps your people perform better. Investing in our people is a key strategic priority for us,” said Adi Timbol-Hernandez, McDonald’s Philippines Assistant Vice President for Corporate Relations and Impact.
More Than Just a Job
Beyond fostering gratitude, McDonald’s Philippines takes pride in the opportunities and benefits it offers its employees.
- No Contractualization – McDonald’s crew members are directly hired employees who receive all government-mandated benefits upon regularization. Additionally, they enjoy exclusive perks, including free uniforms, crew meals, and discounts on McDonald’s services such as birthday parties.
- Flexible Work Schedules – With many crew members being working students, McDonald’s ensures that shifts are adjusted to accommodate their class schedules, allowing them to pursue their education while earning a steady income.
- Career Growth Opportunities – A job at McDonald’s is not just a stepping stone; it’s a platform for growth. Employees have the chance to rise to management positions after finishing their studies or use their experience to become highly employable in other industries.
As the celebration concluded, Hernandez emphasized the importance of kindness towards McDonald’s crew members, encouraging customers to recognize their hard work.
“We know that being a crew member or manager isn’t easy. They stand for long hours and serve hundreds of customers daily. A simple thank you can mean so much and make their job a little lighter,” she said.
As for Shyrra, she continues to work diligently, motivated by her dreams and the support of her McDonald’s family. And for one special day, she and her fellow crew members were reminded that their hard work does not go unnoticed.
