What Christmas gift did a $20 billion Aussie supermarket give their staff this year? Leaked memo reveals
The holiday season is a time for giving, spreading joy, and showing appreciation for those who make a difference in our lives. Companies, both large and small, often seize this opportunity to express gratitude to their hardworking employees. Have you ever wondered what a billion-dollar company gifts their staff during the holidays?
Take Coles in Australia. One of the 2 major supermarkets in Australia is Woolworths, or “Woolies” as we Aussies call it. You’d expect a company that big to afford a decent Christmas perk for their employees, right?
The answer is no. A recent leak on Reddit has shed light on a rather disappointing revelation. In a memo that was leaked on Reddit by Coles staff, it was revealed that team members would receive a Christmas gift this year. On the surface, it sounded promising. But as the details emerged, it became clear that the gift was, well, somewhat underwhelming. Coles decided to gift its employees a branded water bottle and 5 MyThanks points, equivalent to just five dollars, which is to be spent in store.
Now, any gift is a kind gesture, but the disappointment stems from the context and scale of the company. Coles is a heavyweight in the Australian supermarket industry, boasting significant profits year after year. It’s safe to say that they’re not hurting financially.
So, here’s the question: Is a water bottle and a few dollars’ worth of points truly an adequate token of appreciation for their hardworking staff? Some might argue that previous gifts, like boxes of chocolates, weren’t much better. However, there’s a twist to this year’s gift. The branded drink bottle, in a way, turns employees into walking advertisements for Coles.
While sustainability is a commendable aspect, one can’t help but wonder if this gift serves a dual purpose as a marketing opportunity for the company. Surely, these bottles could have been supplied anytime throughout the year.
The memo also mentioned that these water bottles are “sustainable and personalised." However, the so-called personalisation aspect turned out to be somewhat tongue-in-cheek. All it meant was that you get your trusty black sharpie and write your name on it. Hardly what one might expect from personalisation.
Employee morale and satisfaction are not to be underestimated when it comes to an organization’s success. The holiday season provides a perfect opportunity to boost both. It's time to recognise and reward the dedication and effort of the workforce that keeps the company thriving throughout the year. Companies of Coles’ stature should consider more substantial gestures to express their appreciation. Generous bonuses, extra time off, or other thoughtful perks could go a long way in making employees feel valued and motivated. It’s not just about the monetary value; it’s about the sentiment behind the gesture.
As we approach the holiday season, it’s a reminder to all companies, regardless of size, that showing gratitude and appreciation to employees is an essential part of fostering a positive work environment and maintaining a motivated and dedicated workforce. One of the best gifts you can give your staff is genuine appreciation, not a token self-serving gift.
What about your workplace? Have you ever been given a dud Christmas gift by your boss? Share in the comments