McDonald’s to broke employees: Eat less, sell your stuff

McDonald's has drawn ire for their online resource advising employees in how to reduce holiday debt with advice including eating less

BY Caitlin Nobes 22 Nov. 2013

Financial problems are the number one cause of stress for employees so offering some kind of financial advice service or support can be a great tool for employers. However, one international giant is under fire over its financial advice page.

McDonald’s employee-only site, called the “McResource Line” offered an article suggesting ways its workers can reduce holiday debt. Screencaps from the site were released by anti-low wage lobby group Low Pay Is Not OK.

The advice site’s input on issues such as saving money and reducing stress includes:

Return or sell belongings
“You may also want to consider returning some of your unopened purchases that may not seem as appealing as they did. Selling some of your unwanted possessions on eBay or Craigslist could bring in some quick cash.”
Eat less
“Breaking food into pieces often results in eating less and still feeling full.”
Work less
"At least two vacations a year can cut heart attack risk by 50%." (As critics point out, most American McDonald's employees don't get annual vacation time.)
Complain less
"Stress hormone levels rise by 15% after ten minutes of complaining."
Sing more
"Singing along to your favorite songs can lower your blood pressure."

McDonald's drew similar negative attention earlier in the year when a financial advice site it set up suggested employees earning the average McD’s wage should get a second job or sign up for food stamps to get by.

This week a Walmart in the US also drew criticism for holding a food drive collection benefiting its own employees.