Fast food chain seeks to attract more workers through the change
In an attempt to attract more job applicants, McDonald's Japan is easing its restrictions on employees' hair colour, according to reports.
The fast food chain announced the change on Tuesday, which initially limited employees' hair colour to look "natural," The Mainichi reported.
According to the report, McDonald's is seeking to improve its working environment and attract more workers amid a shortage of talent in the organisation.
The move follows a successful trial at a McDonald's outlet in Osaka, which reported a threefold increase in employees in April compared to the previous year.
‘Severe talent shortage’ in Japan
McDonald's Japan has been making various changes to its appearance policy in the past few years. In 2021, it allowed its staff to grow a beard due to various reasons, including religion.
The changes come as Japan faces a "severe talent shortage due to its declining population," according to Robert Walters.
"With an average jobs-to-applicant ratio of 1.31 in 2023, there are more jobs than there are people to fill them," Robert Walters said.
The Japanese government has been taking various steps to reverse its ageing population trend, such as encouraging fathers to take more paternity leave days.
