SHANGHAI, China – Yum China Holdings, Inc. has been named by the Top Employers Institute as a Top Employer China for the sixth consecutive year. Ranked fourth overall among more than 150 companies included in the list, Yum China again placed first in the restaurant industry.
This accolade highlights the Company’s outstanding performance in key areas such as People Strategy, Digital HR, Working Environment and Career Development. It also reflects Yum China’s “People First” philosophy and commitment to providing an excellent working environment and experience for its employees.
“To be named a Top Employer China for six consecutive years is a testament to our unwavering commitment to our people,” said Joey Wat, CEO of Yum China. “At the heart of our success lies our ‘Fair, Care, and Pride’ principle, which includes nurturing a vibrant and inclusive culture that supports our team members’ growth and our company’s progress.”
Jerry Ding, Chief People Officer of Yum China, said, “With a diverse team of over 400,000 people, our employees are the cornerstone of the company’s growth and resilience. Our talent strategy, centered on a vision of healthy and sustainable growth, is significantly enhanced by our embrace of technological innovation. This strategy deepens our dedication to employee care, reinforcing Yum China’s position as a leader in the restaurant industry.”
Yum China is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and non-discriminatory working environment, enabling its people to unleash their potential regardless of their gender or background. By end of 2023, female employees represented more than 50% of the Company’s total workforce.
The Company also prides itself on being at the forefront of the industry in ensuring fair and competitive compensation and benefits. This includes providing an equity incentive plan for Restaurant General Managers (RGMs), allowing them to share in the company’s growth and success.
Since its inception in 2016, the program has awarded Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to over 13,000 RGMs. In addition, the Company’s comprehensive “YUMC Care” benefit plan offers tailored benefits according to life stage and individual needs.
Yum China’s suite of learning and development programs actively support the career development and growth of employees. Key initiatives include structured career advancement opportunities for restaurant operations team members and specialized training for marketing and supply chain management trainees.
In 2023, the Company launched its “Yum China Bytes & Bites Program” to offer working opportunities to approximately 80 students from leading Chinese universities at Yum China’s Digital Research Centers, integrating cutting-edge technology with practical industry experience. Yum China also provides a supportive and inclusive environment for employees with special needs through its “Angel Restaurants” initiative. As of the end of June 2023, KFC China has 46 “Angel Restaurants” in 42 cities, employing over 200 individuals with special needs.
Embracing new technologies remains a key factor underpinning Yum China’s recognition as a Top Employer China. As a pioneer in digital transformation, the Company has leveraged AI to optimize demand forecasting, inventory management, crew scheduling, and production to empower frontline managers, while helping to promote more sustainable business growth.
