As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the global economy, many businesses are struggling to adapt to the new reality of remote work. McDonald’s, the world’s largest fast-food chain, is no exception.

Recently, the company announced that it will be implementing a work-from-home mandate for certain employees in an effort to brace for potential layoffs. This move comes as the fast-food giant faces mounting financial pressure due to decreased sales and increased operational costs.

The work-from-home mandate will primarily affect employees in the company’s corporate offices, as well as some members of its marketing and IT teams. These employees will be required to work remotely until further notice.

In addition to the work-from-home mandate, McDonald’s is also exploring other cost-cutting measures, such as reducing store hours and offering buyouts to some employees.

While the work-from-home mandate is certainly a significant change for many McDonald’s employees, the company is emphasizing that it is necessary in order to ensure the long-term viability of the business.

“We recognize that this is a difficult time for our employees, and we are doing everything we can to support them,” said McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski in a statement. “However, we also have a responsibility to our shareholders to take necessary steps to protect the financial health of the company.”

Despite these efforts, it remains to be seen whether McDonald’s will be able to avoid layoffs altogether. The fast-food industry has been hit particularly hard by the pandemic, and many analysts believe that it could be years before sales fully recover.

As McDonald’s and other businesses continue to navigate the challenges of the pandemic, it is clear that remote work will play an increasingly important role in the future of work. Whether it is a short-term solution to a crisis or a long-term shift in how we work, the work-from-home mandate at McDonald’s is just one example of how companies are adapting to the new normal.