Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Bad Economy Helps Fast Food Accuracy

It might not be the first (or last) effect you'd think of the poor US economy having on our lives, but evidently one result is an increase in fast food order accuracy.

An interesting article in USA Today points out that with more people desperate for jobs, any jobs, fast food chains are finding it easier to hire employees that speak fluent English. And fluent English speakers are key to getting your order right at a fast food restaurant.

The article quotes the CEO of CKE Restaurants (the parent company of Hardee's and Carl's Jr.):
"It's a no-brainer. Hiring people who are fluent in English has always been something we've wanted to do. Now we can."
Fast food researcher Bob Sandleman says:
"When times are tough, people are willing to take jobs for which they're over-qualified."
Order accuracy is incredibly important to the fast food industry, it keeps people coming back. It is an important component of QSR's annual Best Drive-Thru list.

1 comment:

sharon said...

So doesn't this prove that hiring better qualified people is a worthy investment in the company? maybe if more companies thought this way, and paid their employees better - then customer service would indeed live up to it's name.

but no - they have obligations to the shareholders, and of course the CEOs and upper level execs want all the money - and won't let those at the bottom make a living wage. sad.