Coles employee reveals what their ‘disappointing’ Christmas gift is from the company
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Saying thank you is a gesture that should never be taken lightly; especially when someone has worked hard year-round on our behalf. But that’s not what Coles employees are saying after an internal memo was released online, revealing how little the supermarket giant thought of their hard work and efforts.
The memo revealed frontline supermarket staffers will receive a branded Coles drink bottle and five 'mythanks' points–reportedly worth about $5–as a Christmas gift.
'It’s been a huge year, and we would like to thank you all for your hard work! We have listened to your feedback and are excited to announce that this year’s team member gift is sustainable and personalised!' The memo reads.
'Our elves have been busy making Coles water bottles.'
With the company recording a total sales revenue of $40.5 billion this year—up 5.9 per cent from 2022—there had been a hope among staff that the gift would be a little more generous.
'Despite a year of record profits, the executives at Coles decided that the frontline staff who work their a**** off and cop abuse on the daily are only worthy of a Coles branded water bottle. What an absolute joke. Do better, Coles,' the disgruntled employee wrote in their post.
The simple act of thanks has been pulled apart line-by-line by the online community. Even the choice of using the word 'elves' to describe those people within the supply chain responsible for making the products was also questioned—particularly given many of the bottles have been deemed 'landfill fodder'.
Current and past Coles employees, along with other supermarket employees, also joined the discussion.
'Coles managers would place plastic water bottles in the tearooms for staff, but Coles revoked this due to (the) environmental impact just under a year ago, stating they would come up with another solution soon...distributing water bottles is what I expected from them, but not as a Christmas gift,' one person said.
‘I’ve worked for companies that give this sort of thing away for free. They’ll just have a huge box (and) you can take as many as you want. That should give you an idea of the cost businesses pay for these bottles,’ another said.
‘Has anyone ever, ever just considered a bonus in pay for that fortnight?’ another asked.
Other motives hidden behind the guise of ‘gift-giving’ were also questioned.
'This is the head office’s way of saying we don’t like the varied types of personal drink bottles you store at your tills. Use this one so you all have no individuality. Just like your uniforms,' one person wrote.
‘I work in one of the Coles distribution centres. We were asked to vote on our Christmas present, a $25 gift card OR a Coles branded umbrella, and were laughing at how pathetic that was, but they’ve really outdone themselves for the supermarket workers,’ another said.
‘Companies give out free branded water bottles everywhere. It is free advertising when people carry it around for them. This is more than a slap in the face,’ another said.
Meanwhile, Coles defended the gift, saying the drink bottle was an 'additional gift' to 'show our appreciation for their work' and it accompanies the in-store and online discounts and increased Flybuy points annually on offer to staff over the holiday months.
‘Each of our stores also have a Christmas gathering, which includes a shared meal to celebrate as a team,’ the company said.
We want to hear your thoughts−especially if any of you have been long-term Coles customers. Let us know what you think in the comments below!
The memo revealed frontline supermarket staffers will receive a branded Coles drink bottle and five 'mythanks' points–reportedly worth about $5–as a Christmas gift.
'It’s been a huge year, and we would like to thank you all for your hard work! We have listened to your feedback and are excited to announce that this year’s team member gift is sustainable and personalised!' The memo reads.
'Our elves have been busy making Coles water bottles.'
With the company recording a total sales revenue of $40.5 billion this year—up 5.9 per cent from 2022—there had been a hope among staff that the gift would be a little more generous.
Coles employees are disappointed over the Christmas gift they will receive. Image: Coles Supermarket
'Despite a year of record profits, the executives at Coles decided that the frontline staff who work their a**** off and cop abuse on the daily are only worthy of a Coles branded water bottle. What an absolute joke. Do better, Coles,' the disgruntled employee wrote in their post.
The simple act of thanks has been pulled apart line-by-line by the online community. Even the choice of using the word 'elves' to describe those people within the supply chain responsible for making the products was also questioned—particularly given many of the bottles have been deemed 'landfill fodder'.
Current and past Coles employees, along with other supermarket employees, also joined the discussion.
'Coles managers would place plastic water bottles in the tearooms for staff, but Coles revoked this due to (the) environmental impact just under a year ago, stating they would come up with another solution soon...distributing water bottles is what I expected from them, but not as a Christmas gift,' one person said.
‘I’ve worked for companies that give this sort of thing away for free. They’ll just have a huge box (and) you can take as many as you want. That should give you an idea of the cost businesses pay for these bottles,’ another said.
‘Has anyone ever, ever just considered a bonus in pay for that fortnight?’ another asked.
A leaked company memo from Coles regarding their Christmas gifts. Image: Reddit
Other motives hidden behind the guise of ‘gift-giving’ were also questioned.
'This is the head office’s way of saying we don’t like the varied types of personal drink bottles you store at your tills. Use this one so you all have no individuality. Just like your uniforms,' one person wrote.
‘I work in one of the Coles distribution centres. We were asked to vote on our Christmas present, a $25 gift card OR a Coles branded umbrella, and were laughing at how pathetic that was, but they’ve really outdone themselves for the supermarket workers,’ another said.
‘Companies give out free branded water bottles everywhere. It is free advertising when people carry it around for them. This is more than a slap in the face,’ another said.
Meanwhile, Coles defended the gift, saying the drink bottle was an 'additional gift' to 'show our appreciation for their work' and it accompanies the in-store and online discounts and increased Flybuy points annually on offer to staff over the holiday months.
‘Each of our stores also have a Christmas gathering, which includes a shared meal to celebrate as a team,’ the company said.
We want to hear your thoughts−especially if any of you have been long-term Coles customers. Let us know what you think in the comments below!
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