Older worker loves job in youth-dominated fast food industry
Some women in their 60s are looking to settle down into retirement, while others have re-joined or remained in the workforce for financial reasons during a cost-of-living crisis.
But Ms Lawlor said she was in a fortunate position to be working at her local McDonald's simply because she loves it, and was not ready to give it up just yet.
In 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms Lawlor chose to leave her job of 22 years at a bakery in regional South Australia.
A few months later, after becoming regular customers at Renmark McDonald's, Ms Lawlor and her friend — known by many in the community — were asked by the previous owners to join the crew.
"We sort of looked at them and said, 'You don't want a pair of old tarts like us, do you?'" she said.
"
They thought, being a more 'mature age', we would be an asset to their team because of our experience.
"
Despite not actively looking for work at the time, Ms Lawlor accepted and was keen to "take the challenge on".
More women working in their 60s
According to the Diversity Council Australia, older women are participating in the national workforce at an increasing rate.
For example, participation rates by women aged 60 to 64 rose from 10 per cent in 1982 to 54 per cent in 2022.
"This trend reflects changing social norms, greater financial need, longer life expectancy, and improved health," the council's chief executive Catherine Hunter said.
She said employers across Australia should support older women to work in "meaningful roles" to prevent later-life disadvantage as they were the "fastest growing cohort of people experiencing homelessness".
Catherine Hunter says diversity across Australian workplaces had improved, but ageism remains a barrier.
(
Supplied: Diversity Council Australia
)
"Largely because they've had less opportunity to accumulate superannuation and savings due to interrupted or undervalued work histories,"
Ms Hunter said.
"Despite their capabilities, older women still participate in the workforce at much lower rates than men their age, largely due to the double impact of ageism and sexism."
Ms Hunter said while diversity in Australian workplaces had improved in recent years, including progress in age diversity, there was still work to be done.
"Research shows that age-diverse teams are more motivated, have higher retention and perform better," she said.
"
Regional workplaces have a unique strength: deep ties to local communities.
"
Ms Lawlor has worked at McDonald's in Renmark since early 2021.
(
ABC Riverland: Elyse Armanini
)
Local poster girl
When she first started at McDonald's in 2021, Ms Lawlor wondered how she would be accepted by the predominantly young cohort.
Four years on, the 64-year-old has become a respected member of the team with the moniker of Nanny.
"I love it. I've really engaged with the younger generation," she said
"
They walk in and say, 'Morning Nanny!' and off we go.
"
Maddii Lloyd, 25, (right) enjoys working with Ms Lawlor.
(
ABC Riverland: Elyse Armanini
)
Working for the fast food giant in a regional town has taken Ms Lawlor to unexpected places, to her surprise and that of family members across the country.
She was filmed a couple of years ago as part of an advertising campaign shown during AFL games, and was included on flyers at the Perth show.
"Just goes to show, you don't have to be a 14-year-old and you can advertise the fact older generations are most welcome,"
Ms Lawlor said.
'Underestimated' value
Ms Hunter said the value mature-aged women brought to industries such as hospitality was "often underestimated".
"[They] can offer strong interpersonal and communication skills that strengthen team cohesion and enhance customer experience," she said.
In a statement, McDonald's Australia said it provided jobs for people "of all ages and experience levels".
According to data provided by McDonald's, more than 560 people aged over 60, nearly 1,000 aged over 55 and more than 2,000 45-plus are currently employed nationally out of a workforce of more than 115,000.
Renmark McDonald's owner Brenton Edwards said while the company was one of the largest youth employers in Australia, hiring older workers at the local store had been beneficial for everyone involved.
Brenton Edwards says the local McDonald's receives multiple applications a week from people aged 45-plus.
(
ABC Riverland: Elyse Armanini
)
"We don't have 14 and 15-year-olds applying every day like some of the city stores do, so we've had to pivot a little bit and look at who we can employ,"
he said.
Mr Edwards said he was receiving on average two job applications a week from people aged 45-plus, and employees such as Jan brought "maturity and a sense of calm" to the environment.
Ms Lawlor says she enjoys making coffees and teaching younger employees barista skills.
(
ABC Riverland: Elyse Armanini
)
Not ready to hang up the apron
Working under the town's Golden Arches has become somewhat of a family affair for Ms Lawlor.
Her daughter worked in the same restaurant during her school years in the late 1990s, and now her 16-year-old grandson, Noah, has joined the team at the same time.
Ms Lawlor said while she thought about retirement "a lot", she was happy staying in the workforce for a little while longer.
"You're helping others, but you're also helping yourself and you're broadening your horizons and your knowledge."
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