The Olympic Champion Crew was born as a result of the effort of McDonald’s Restaurants (Hong Kong) Limited to enhance the work satisfaction of staff and to recognize their work performance.

The Olympic Champion Crew this year is all the more happy because not only can they attend the 2008 Olympic Games, but also they share the honour of our mainland China in winning the right to host this international event this year. The program provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for McDonald’s top-performing crew members globally to serve the world’s best athletes, coaches, media and officials. They will also share best practices with other top McDonald’s employees around the world. In addition, they will be able to enjoy an Olympic game and explore local attractions after work.

Recognize Staff Performance
Among the Olympic Champion Crew, ten members were chosen from more than 10,000 staff in Hong Kong who went through a series of keen competitions in summer last year. Victor Kwan, Senior Director - Human Resources & Training, Learning & Development, says, “Every year, we organize the QSC (Quality, Services, Cleanliness) Competition to recognize staff with brilliant performance. This year, the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games has boosted their interest and participation.”

In June 2007, the “McDonald’s Olympic Champion Crew Campaign” was held to choose outstanding staff to represent the company to attend the Olympic Games. Staff had to demonstrate that they possess excellent work performance, customer services, team spirit, communication skills, and language ability. After a round of competitions, 20 staff were shortlisted. The final ten crew members were selected by McDonald’s customers in an online polling held on the company’s website.

These ten staff will be joining more than 100 outstanding McDonald’s staff from 36 countries to work together with more than 1,400 China staff to serve in four McDonald’s restaurants in the Beijing Olympics venues. Kwan comments that such opportunities offer valuable experience which enriches staff’s life and contributes to their future career.

Comprehensive Training
Before the Olympic Champion Crew go to Beijing, they have to receive training. Kwan says, “Training is provided to ensure staff keep a consistency in work quality, and not to fall short of the high standard.” He further explains that no single step in the work procedures can be missed. Besides, coaching in team spirit, communication skills, international etiquette, and languages will be covered.

New Horizons
Steve Cheung, Restaurant Crew, is a member of the Olympic Champion Crew. He says he was excited to know that he could attend the Olympics. “The training was not easy, but I have learnt a lot, especially the skills to open up communication with people. The lessons are so practical.” He expects to experience different cultures in this event and believes that such experience will help in his future career.

Also joining the Olympic Champion Crew is the winner of McDonald’s "Colors your Summer 2007 Youth Ambassador Programme", Iris Mui. She says that the training required hard work, but was fun and enjoyable. “I have learnt the English names of the equipment used in our restaurants, and this helps me communicate with McDonald’s staff from other countries.” She believes that having a chance to meet different people helps her in future careers that may need to deal with people.

Greater Challenges
Indeed, McDonald’s highly emphasizes staff training. Kwan says, “Training is required for all staff, no matter they are experienced in catering industry or not. They need to learn the basic principles including food safety, quality control, and cooperation among staff.”

With the company’s structured training programme, career prospects are promising at McDonald’s since staff to be promoted will be given much support and training lessons to make sure they are ready to take on greater challenges ahead.