Fast food giant McDonald's has announced an innovative new initiative in the UK whereby members of the same family working in the same location will be able to swap shifts without prior notice or needing to seek a manager's permission.
David Fairhurst, vice-president for people at McDonald's, said that the new contracts were designed to cut absenteeism and improving retention
"By giving our employees the freedom to manage their shift commitments, we will increase their motivation and enjoyment of work. That is fundamental to our business because it is a simple fact that happy employees mean happy customers."
"In the future we may even look to extend it beyond the family to include friends and extended family members, such as cousins," he added.