Fortune cites McDonald's in the top companies to change the world

More companies than ever are using the profit motive to help the planet and tackle social problems - and Fortune has published its fourth annual list of the best of them.

The Fortune Change the World list celebrates changemakers - pioneering business leaders who look at social issues relevant to their long-term success who say, “We can do things differently.” These companies embark on a strategic shift towards shared value, a smarter business model that re-imagines the way companies build new markets, innovate, create distinction, and contribute to a thriving society and planet.

Delivering shared value

"What you don’t always see in the stories of this year’s Change the World companies is the hard work that goes into making the change. When a company commits to delivering shared value, it has to be ready to reflect on its purpose and strategies, its practices, and how it engages and deploys its people to make this shift. Sometimes colleagues think you’re just trying to “do good,” and don’t see the business value, but you can’t give up. Other times there is great enthusiasm, but the resources are still tied up in the old way of doing things, so you have to find seed resources to get the idea off the ground," the Fortune website maintains.

"Often times you will need to find new metrics and ways to measure them to know if the effort is actually delivering results to society and business. You’ll want metrics to show your shareholders, too. Usually you’re working to build internal knowledge, capacity and buy-in, as well as that of external partners, because you are trying something that’s never been tried before. One thing proves true every time: Achieving shared value is less difficult when enlightened and committed leaders champion the work, shift the organization’s mindset, and tolerate the inevitable mistakes and mis-steps, while never losing sight of what’s possible."

McDonald's has set a specific science-based target for reducing emissions

McDonald’s has committed to reducing greenhouse gases related to its offices, restaurants, and supply chain - promising, by 2030, to cut that output by about a third from 2015 levels. The environmental impact would be massive: the equivalent of taking 32 million cars off the road for a year. It’s also a symbolically important move; environmental advocacy organizations say McDonald’s is the first restaurant group to set such a specific science-based target for reducing emissions.

To reach its goal, the company is doing everything from using LED lights to installing more energy-efficient appliances in its kitchens. And by 2025, all of its customer packaging will come from renewable, recycled, or certified-sustainable sources, and the company’s goal is to recycle it all in its own restaurants.

McDonald’s aims to help reduce barriers to youth employment

McDonald’s has also announced an initiative called Youth Opportunity, with a global goal to reduce barriers to employment for two million young people by 2025 through pre-employment job readiness training, employment opportunities and workplace development programs. As part of this goal, McDonald’s is also joining the Global Initiative on Decent Jobs for Youth, led by the International Labour Organization (ILO), to help accelerate global efforts to tackle the youth employment challenge.

Investing in people is a key priority for McDonald's as they continue to help bridge employment opportunities.

Using their scale for good

McDonald's has a responsibility to do their part to create a better future for our planet through using their scale for good - so find out more about their focus and actions here.

Considered joining this progressive company?

McDonald's is a purpose driven company where its people are supported and valued. Find out more about the career opportunities available to you.
 

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