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.

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.

Key Takeaways

• Coles has faced criticism from staff over its Christmas gift, which consisted of a branded drink bottle and five ‘mythanks’ points worth about $5.
• The company’s gesture received negative responses online, with some referring to the gift as 'cheap merch' and others questioning whether it was simply a promotional strategy.
• Disgruntled employees have voiced their disappointment, highlighting Coles’ recent profit increase and suggesting the company should show more appreciation for its frontline workers.
• Coles responded by stating that the drink bottle was an additional gift, alongside in-store and online discounts and increased Flybuy points offered to staff over the holiday season.

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!

 

[Suzanne rose]

Wow and wow

My last job which I was at for 15 years . At Christmas my boss did a lunch for us as well as a card with cash in it. The ammount we got depended on how long we worked there. First year was either $50 or $75 at 5 years was receiving $500 then my last two years I received $1500 . We were not allowed to tell others how much we received.
What I loved was the feeling that they appreciated our work throughout the year.

I had also received three if my daughters wedding dresses , veils and jewellery for free. So it felt strange paying for the last two.

By my boss doing theses amazing gestures made me want to give 110%

 

[lgkirk]

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.

View attachment 35842

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.

View attachment 35843

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.

Key Takeaways

• Coles has faced criticism from staff over its Christmas gift, which consisted of a branded drink bottle and five ‘mythanks’ points worth about $5.
• The company’s gesture received negative responses online, with some referring to the gift as 'cheap merch' and others questioning whether it was simply a promotional strategy.
• Disgruntled employees have voiced their disappointment, highlighting Coles’ recent profit increase and suggesting the company should show more appreciation for its frontline workers.
• Coles responded by stating that the drink bottle was an additional gift, alongside in-store and online discounts and increased Flybuy points offered to staff over the holiday season.

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!

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.

View attachment 35842

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.

View attachment 35843

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.

Key Takeaways

• Coles has faced criticism from staff over its Christmas gift, which consisted of a branded drink bottle and five ‘mythanks’ points worth about $5.
• The company’s gesture received negative responses online, with some referring to the gift as 'cheap merch' and others questioning whether it was simply a promotional strategy.
• Disgruntled employees have voiced their disappointment, highlighting Coles’ recent profit increase and suggesting the company should show more appreciation for its frontline workers.
• Coles responded by stating that the drink bottle was an additional gift, alongside in-store and online discounts and increased Flybuy points offered to staff over the holiday season.

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!

Not all companies give Christmas gifts. What are employees expecting as gifts? Surely any gesture is better than no effort. Just seems a bit grateful.

 

[Beauty28]

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.

View attachment 35842

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.

View attachment 35843

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.

Key Takeaways

• Coles has faced criticism from staff over its Christmas gift, which consisted of a branded drink bottle and five ‘mythanks’ points worth about $5.
• The company’s gesture received negative responses online, with some referring to the gift as 'cheap merch' and others questioning whether it was simply a promotional strategy.
• Disgruntled employees have voiced their disappointment, highlighting Coles’ recent profit increase and suggesting the company should show more appreciation for its frontline workers.
• Coles responded by stating that the drink bottle was an additional gift, alongside in-store and online discounts and increased Flybuy points offered to staff over the holiday season.

We want to hear your thoughts−especially if any of you have been long-term Coles

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.

View attachment 35842

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.

View attachment 35843

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.

Key Takeaways

• Coles has faced criticism from staff over its Christmas gift, which consisted of a branded drink bottle and five ‘mythanks’ points worth about $5.
• The company’s gesture received negative responses online, with some referring to the gift as 'cheap merch' and others questioning whether it was simply a promotional strategy.
• Disgruntled employees have voiced their disappointment, highlighting Coles’ recent profit increase and suggesting the company should show more appreciation for its frontline workers.
• Coles responded by stating that the drink bottle was an additional gift, alongside in-store and online discounts and increased Flybuy points offered to staff over the holiday season.

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 belo

customers. Let us know what you think in the comments below!

There are so many companies that do not give any gifts to staff. So many people work at Christmas and no thanks is given. Try just losing your job now without any Christmas cheer. People are concerned with what Cole's is giving staff.. Please focus on other important things

 

[elaine41]

I worked continuously from the age of 15 until I retired aged 62. Never once did my employer give me a gift at Christmas - nor did I expect one. When I was working as psychiatric nurse I worked every Christmas Day so that I could allow those with small children to have the day off to be with their family. Again, I received no gift from my employer but my gift was to myself in knowing that I had given someone else the gift of being with their family.
Stop whining over what Coles gave you as whatever was given is simply added to the price of goods the rest of us pay throughout the year. You get a discount on everything you buy in store throughout the year, surely that is enough.

 

[Judio]

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.

View attachment 35842

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.

View attachment 35843

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.

Key Takeaways

• Coles has faced criticism from staff over its Christmas gift, which consisted of a branded drink bottle and five ‘mythanks’ points worth about $5.
• The company’s gesture received negative responses online, with some referring to the gift as 'cheap merch' and others questioning whether it was simply a promotional strategy.
• Disgruntled employees have voiced their disappointment, highlighting Coles’ recent profit increase and suggesting the company should show more appreciation for its frontline workers.
• Coles responded by stating that the drink bottle was an additional gift, alongside in-store and online discounts and increased Flybuy points offered to staff over the holiday season.

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!

Agree it sounds very paltry and mean - however it is a large public company - answerable, not to their employees but their shareholders. These are the people are demand returns on their investment. This 'gift' multiplied by all the thousands of employees works out to a considerable sum. Whereas for a smaller (non public) company they are able to spread cheer with less backlash. I work for a largish global company and for the past 4 years we have not been allowed to have christmas functions that are paid by the company, and no gifts. A lot of retrenchments though! Let's face it - anything, however small, is better than nothing.

 

[Rosie]

They are already getting paid to do a job. Be grateful for anything else that is given to them. Too many people these days want more for free.

 

[Beauty28]

I worked continuously from the age of 15 until I retired aged 62. Never once did my employer give me a gift at Christmas - nor did I expect one. When I was working as psychiatric nurse I worked every Christmas Day so that I could allow those with small children to have the day off to be with their family. Again, I received no gift from my employer but my gift was to myself in knowing that I had given someone else the gift of being with their family.
Stop whining over what Coles gave you as whatever was given is simply added to the price of goods the rest of us pay throughout the year. You get a discount on everything you buy in store throughout the year, surely that is enough.

You are fantastic it's same for me at 61 and just lost my job.

 

[AlanQ]

As I like MOST shoppers at Coles use self serve checkouts, do I also get a free water bottle? Don't see anywhere on this article the discount that staff of Cole receive, upto 10% dependant on what they are buying or which affiliated retailer they are buy from. That could be a saving of $1000's pa.

 

[KithB]

I scan my own Groceries, but I have not yet received my water bottle or $5 gift voucher? When do we get ours Coles as we are basically your employees.

 

[IAN3005]

every customer should bet a 'free' water bottle seeing how they operate a checkout!!!!

 

[Jest]

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.

View attachment 35842

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.

View attachment 35843

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.

Key Takeaways

• Coles has faced criticism from staff over its Christmas gift, which consisted of a branded drink bottle and five ‘mythanks’ points worth about $5.
• The company’s gesture received negative responses online, with some referring to the gift as 'cheap merch' and others questioning whether it was simply a promotional strategy.
• Disgruntled employees have voiced their disappointment, highlighting Coles’ recent profit increase and suggesting the company should show more appreciation for its frontline workers.
• Coles responded by stating that the drink bottle was an additional gift, alongside in-store and online discounts and increased Flybuy points offered to staff over the holiday season.

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!

what a load of shit. the elves have been busy. get real coles and up your anti.

 

[PattiB]

I don’t remember ever getting a Christmas bonus at any of the places I worked for and didn’t ever expect anything. I remember several years ago being slightly horrified when my brother-in-law said he was taking his two boys around their paper round customers to collect tips. I always rounded up when I purchased the Sunday paper & usually did voluntarily give my paper boy extra money at Christmas as I knew his family was struggling but he didn’t expect anything.

 

[Jest]

They are already getting paid to do a job. Be grateful for anything else that is given to them. Too many people these days want more for free.

tell that to alan joyce.

 

[darrellh]

I have always had amazing bonuses and Christmas gifts plus lunches since being here in WA. Never expected them but the companies I worked for were very generous. We worked hard regardless and moral was always high.

 

[Disie]

I worked for my local council for 17 years. Our Christmas bonus was the words “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year” printed on the bottom of our pay slip.
When I see all the profits that councils make even the offer of free dog registration would have been better than nothing.

 

[Janice McKay]

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.

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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.

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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.

Key Takeaways

• Coles has faced criticism from staff over its Christmas gift, which consisted of a branded drink bottle and five ‘mythanks’ points worth about $5.
• The company’s gesture received negative responses online, with some referring to the gift as 'cheap merch' and others questioning whether it was simply a promotional strategy.
• Disgruntled employees have voiced their disappointment, highlighting Coles’ recent profit increase and suggesting the company should show more appreciation for its frontline workers.
• Coles responded by stating that the drink bottle was an additional gift, alongside in-store and online discounts and increased Flybuy points offered to staff over the holiday season.

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!

What a joke. Shows how much they really care about their staff. What a slap in the face.

 

[AlanQ]

I worked for my local council for 17 years. Our Christmas bonus was the words “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year” printed on the bottom of our pay slip.
When I see all the profits that councils make even the offer of free dog registration would have been better than nothing.

Profits? LGA don't make profits. Like all govt's the money received isn't profit, if anything it's loss making operations. Why do you think govt's rack up so much debt, it because they are driven by demands of tax payers and as such spend more than received in taxation, hence the debt. LGA's also hold debt, but most times will cut 'services' that are in many cases not council related operations, ie, putting on or hand out art fairs or grants.

 

[Petra]

Where I worked for years and years, every employee who worked a year + at the company, received end of November a bonus ... double your salary bonus. It was awesome and we worked even harder and adored our employer.

 

[wendell]

ha ha when I look back at office jobs I had I don’t see any Christmas gifts Now retired I give small gifts and cards to delivery people chemist girl cleaning lady etc chocolates or this year local special biscuits. And hand made card. Just a small gift but I appreciate their services