The Reality Behind the Window

Why do we do this?

Workers are under appreciated

Fast food workers are some of the most visible people in our daily routines and among the most under appreciated.

A fast food worker in a study wrote, "You get shown NO respect for all the hard work you do… I can’t get a thank you."

Another worker also stated that "They treat people with such disrespect that it’s unreal"

McFadden, Tyra M. "Am I really lovin’it?: investigating love and hate of job in the fast food industry." (2015).

Work long hours

Research shows time pressure is the number one stress factor for fast-food employees and excessive stress can reduce performance

In a 2024 study of fast-food employees, "24 out of 34 workers reported that stress negatively impacted their performance."

Abbas, Farhat. "Impact of job stress on employees’ performance and motivation in fast-food restaurants." (2024).

Low Wages

Research shows many fast-food workers earn wages low enough to rely on public assistance. For some workers, transportation alone becomes the biggest daily obstacle.

The study also shows that "People working in fast-food jobs are more likely to live in or near poverty."

Allegretto, Sylvia, et al. "Fast food, poverty wages: The public cost of low-wage jobs in the fast-food industry." (2013)

Worker Burnout

Studies show fast-food workers frequently experience mental, emotional, and physical strain due to economic pressure and workplace demands.

"Fast-food workers are often in a fast-paced environment" and it "can grow employee burnout."

Aguilar, Ricardo. "The Fast-Food Industry's Mental, Emotional, and Physical Adverse Health Effects on Latine Workers." (2024).