Dive Brief:

• McDonalds, the multi-billion dollar fast food chain, announced that it’s securing a posh downtown Chicago building for its headquarters, and the move from their current Oakbrook, IL office will take place in 2018.

• This is a bold move that follows the footsteps of other giants of industry to provide a more desirable atmosphere that millennials are looking for. Wes Gay, founder of consulting group Millennial Pipeline, and contributor for Forbes says, “The emphasis on reimagined office spaces and culture are commonly used to attract the growing millennial workforce.” Modern, perk-filled work environments have become something that a younger workforce has come to expect.

• On their website, McDonalds describes this move as being able to, "transform the space into a modern setting that fosters collaboration and connectivity.” They are working towards increasing the company's ability to not only attract millennials but to retain the best talent from this generation. 

Dive Insight:

The McDonald's focus to move to a nicer and more modern building is not new to the company. Back in the mid 1970s, they moved from a then-outdated office space they had occupied since 1955 and into the better Oakbrook location they occupy now.

Their goal of providing a modern and collaborative office environment for employees was at the forefront of the industry back then, and they historically have worked hard to establish a brand that speaks to the youngest generation.

Even as telework makes finding the right talent around the world a tad easier, many companies are once again focusing on moving to the "right areas" (areas that are attracting millennial homeowners) in order to attract young workers.