McDonald's is launching major initiatives such as health insurance, 401(k) plans and life-skill training programs to keep employees.

"McDonald's can obtain a significantly lower group rate from its primary health insurer, the Blue Cross & Blue Shield Association. So far about 70% of its franchisees are under the company's umbrella plan. The amount of an employee's co-pay is determined by the franchise." - Career Journal

McD staff average between 80% to 90% turnover. If employees stay beyong 3 months, the restaurant's return on up-front training investments greatly improve. Training such as English life-skills that many appreciate. In addition, franchisees are also helped identifying employees that will last.

"The company also has developed job-hiring tools that reduce subjectivity in the selection process and weed out poor prospects. A questionnaire that applicants fill out correlates well between high scores and future success, Mr. Floersch said. Answers are sorted by colors: Green means the manager definitely should interview the person; red means don't waste your time."

These initiatives are not just for the U.S. The United Kingdom introduced their version with posters featuring the slogan, "Not bad for a McJob". Staff turnover is down some 20% there.

Read more at Career Journal