Apple Gifts Employees Custom Incase Backpacks for the Holidays

[Mac'nCheese]

have people lost touch with reality? most companies don't pay a dime in christmas bonuses anymore. those day are long gone.

Exactly. I think the corp. that I work for made 8 billion in profit this year with a big % of that coming from my company and a big % of that coming from my department. For the first few years I worked here (before all the mergers where we landed at the present corp), we would get 10% of our salary deposited into our 401K as a year end bonus. That's when we made A LOT less profit than now. Now, we get a really nice kid's XMas party, another one for the adults and some swag. I'm sure my boss and his boss gets a nice big bonus. My level doesn't. I also don't work 15 hour days, get calls all night and weekend long, and get paid overtime for every single second I work late. I'm happy for anything extra at the end of the year.

 

[Abazigal]

Can't believe someone is selling it on eBay! How ungrateful!

What were you expecting people to do with a gift they don't need or want? Keep it at home where it will just collect dust and take up space?

 

[C DM]

What were you expecting people to do with a gift they don't need or want? Keep it at home where it will just collect dust and take up space?

Many do. Or give it to a family member or a friend who might want or like something like that.

 

[Abazigal]

Many do. Or give it to a family member or a friend who might want or like something like that.

That's why I have never really believed in giving gifts, or receiving them myself. Most of the time, this is what happens - the present just isn't useful to me or the recipient. I don't think I am being mean or entitled, simply pragmatic. You want to give a gift, take a bit of time to really think about what the recipient would really want or like.

Isn't Apple supposed to be very good when it comes to anticipating consumer's needs? I am just not sensing the sincerity in this move. Like someone was put in charge of it, simply wanted to check off this task and so decided on the first item which first crossed his mind.

If you can't think of a good gift, then it might be better to not give anything at all, IMO.

 

[iososx]

More advertising for Apple each time their worn in public. It's just another little thing that keeps the Apple brand in the minds of the masses. Apple never misses an opportunity.

If indeed one has sold on eBay for a high price it's further proof that it's perceived as a vanity item by those who must have anything Apple at any price.

I'm not being critical, simply sharing an observation. After all, many people align their personal identity with various brands. A unique practice that exists more in the consumer oriented USA, than other countries.

 

[C DM]

That's why I have never really believed in giving gifts, or receiving them myself. Most of the time, this is what happens - the present just isn't useful to me or the recipient. I don't think I am being mean or entitled, simply pragmatic. You want to give a gift, take a bit of time to really think about what the recipient would really want or like.

Isn't Apple supposed to be very good when it comes to anticipating consumer's needs? I am just not sensing the sincerity in this move. Like someone was put in charge of it, simply wanted to check off this task and so decided on the first item which first crossed his mind.

If you can't think of a good gift, then it might be better to not give anything at all, IMO.

It's just a small fun company holiday thing, nothing more.

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More advertising for Apple each time their worn in public. It's just another little thing that keeps the Apple brand in the minds of the masses. Apple never misses an opportunity.

If indeed one has sold on eBay for a high price it's further proof that it's perceived as a vanity item by those who must have anything Apple at any price.

I'm not being critical, simply sharing an observation. After all, many people align their personal identity with various brands. A unique practice that exists more in the consumer oriented USA, than other countries.

Many tech companies do this. Just a company identity small holiday token/gift. Nothing really more.

 

[lowendlinux]

Not that I would be thinking the same as this person. Yet tons of people think all types of things and still do their job well. Most people likely hate their job yet their work reflects them so it must be done well regardless of how one feels.

I don't think most people hate their work. You can't do something you don't like for 40 or 50 years

 

[Xiroteus]

I don't think most people hate their work. You can't do something you don't like for 40 or 50 years

Maybe not always hate, tolerate could fit as well. I was also thinking more people dislike their retail lower paying jobs vs something better. People need money so they do what they have to.

 

[Poisonivy326]

Meh, I think Google's LG smartwatch is a cooler gift.

 

[MagicBoy]

Meh, I think Google's LG smartwatch is a cooler gift.

Yeah, Apple aren't about to give out another companies competitor product to their staff now are they ...

 

[maflynn]

Another Meh, it seems kind of cheap to me.

 

[Poisonivy326]

Yeah, Apple aren't about to give out another companies competitor product to their staff now are they ...

No just saying that Google gave their employees a pretty cool gift. Someone in the family will want that gift. Apple's gift is very meh. Honestly they'd have done better giving out itunes gift cards.

 

[C DM]

No just saying that Google gave their employees a pretty cool gift. Someone in the family will want that gift. Apple's gift is very meh. Honestly they'd have done better giving out itunes gift cards.

Things are different in different years and can differ with companies too. Google also provides free food for employees while Apple and many many (as in vast majority) of companies don't. Doesn't make those companies bad, even if it might make Google somewhat cooler/nicer in that aspect (given that there are many aspects to working for a company).

 

[Rogifan]

Another Meh, it seems kind of cheap to me.

Since when are companies required to give employees gifts? I would imagine most employees would prefer stock options/bonus/salary increases more. Of course those we never hear about.

 

[Rogifan]

Check Instagram and you'll see photos of the recent holiday beer bash at the Apple campus in Austin. Let's see they served beer, wine, shrimp, oysters, ceviche, crab, prime rib, duck, turkey and they roasted a whole pig. And at the Cupertino holiday beer bash Lady Antebellum performed. Oh and lots od selfies with Tim Cook. Sounds like such a cheap company to me...

 

[Spink10]

Sell the bag on eBay for $200 +

Not the greatest gift - hopefully it also comes with a Christmas Bonus

 

[AppleScruff1]

Check Instagram and you'll see photos of the recent holiday beer bash at the Apple campus in Austin. Let's see they served beer, wine, shrimp, oysters, ceviche, crab, prime rib, duck, turkey and they roasted a whole pig. And at the Cupertino holiday beer bash Lady Antebellum performed. Oh and lots od selfies with Tim Cook. Sounds like such a cheap company to me...

You didn't get invited?

 

[Michael Goff]

Can't believe someone is selling it on eBay! How ungrateful!

I agree. How dare they use their gift in a way that benefits them most? It's almost like it's their gift to do with what they want or something.

 

[Xiroteus]

I agree. How dare they use their gift in a way that benefits them most? It's almost like it's their gift to do with what they want or something.

Yep, it's from a huge company. If selling it could be thought of as a bonus for whatever it sells for. Some could be happy about that.

 

[Rogifan]

You didn't get invited?

My company doesn't do holiday parties. Or holiday gifts. We get an email from someone saying happy holidays and that's about it.

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I agree. How dare they use their gift in a way that benefits them most? It's almost like it's their gift to do with what they want or something.

If Apple knew people were just going to throw this stuff up on eBay they wouldn't do it. I consider it in bad taste. If you don't need the backpack then how about giving it to someone who does? After all it's the holidays, the season for giving, right?

 

[mercuryjones]

No just saying that Google gave their employees a pretty cool gift. Someone in the family will want that gift. Apple's gift is very meh. Honestly they'd have done better giving out itunes gift cards.

Google gave out a tech gift that isn't selling as well as they'd like. So, excess inventory means give aways. Plus, the more Android Wear devices in the field, the more ad revenue and search data mining Google can count on.
Apple doesn't work the same way. Stop trying to fit Apple into Google's way of business and vice versa.

 

[Poisonivy326]

Google gave out a tech gift that isn't selling as well as they'd like. So, excess inventory means give aways. Plus, the more Android Wear devices in the field, the more ad revenue and search data mining Google can count on.
Apple doesn't work the same way. Stop trying to fit Apple into Google's way of business and vice versa.

Hey Phil.

 

[mercuryjones]

Hey Phil.

Hey Larry.

 

[TimelessOne]

Since when are companies required to give employees gifts? I would imagine most employees would prefer stock options/bonus/salary increases more. Of course those we never hear about.

but they do not do those either.

In todays world unless you are at the top in most companies you have kissed your pay raises good bye. You kissed your bonuses good bye. Your benefits are reduced oh and you are expected to do more.

It would be one thing if year in bonuses were removed and to composite for that loss you got an increase in pay or benefits are increased.
Nope not getting that.

Instead you lose the bonus which reduces total income and no pay raise to adjust for it. Heck companies have been cutting benefits as well all while getting record profits. This followed by the mindless stupid masses worshipping stock holders saying it is great.

People wonder why employees no longer respect their employers and will leave quickly. Simple fact is employers stop respecting their employees a LONG LONG time ago. Now they are dealing result of 30 years of this type of behavior.

After I was let years ago from one company it changed my views completely. MY best interest comes first. Screw the company. If it is my best interest for said company to go bankrupt so be it. Now generally speaking not in my best interest for that to happen but I sure as hell am not going to put my interest in front of the companies ever again. They will let me go if it means a little extra profit. It sounds cold but that is what we have gotten 2. Business has to earn the respect and trust back from employees because I sure as hell will never trust them. They have to prove it first.

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Google gave out a tech gift that isn't selling as well as they'd like. So, excess inventory means give aways. Plus, the more Android Wear devices in the field, the more ad revenue and search data mining Google can count on.
Apple doesn't work the same way. Stop trying to fit Apple into Google's way of business and vice versa.

It is more Google still cares more about their employees than Apple. Apple views their employees more as a number.

Remember the culture at Apple. Steve Jobs was a horrible person. Great business man but horrible person. He was all about the profit and giving stuff like that to employees hurts profits. Jobs actively tried to suppress wages of employees got busted for it and even had the smoking gun at the trial when he threaten palm.

 

[mercuryjones]

but they do not do those either.

In todays world unless you are at the top in most companies you have kissed your pay raises good bye. You kissed your bonuses good bye. Your benefits are reduced oh and you are expected to do more.

It would be one thing if year in bonuses were removed and to composite for that loss you got an increase in pay or benefits are increased.
Nope not getting that.

Instead you lose the bonus which reduces total income and no pay raise to adjust for it. Heck companies have been cutting benefits as well all while getting record profits. This followed by the mindless stupid masses worshipping stock holders saying it is great.

People wonder why employees no longer respect their employers and will leave quickly. Simple fact is employers stop respecting their employees a LONG LONG time ago. Now they are dealing result of 30 years of this type of behavior.

After I was let years ago from one company it changed my views completely. MY best interest comes first. Screw the company. If it is my best interest for said company to go bankrupt so be it. Now generally speaking not in my best interest for that to happen but I sure as hell am not going to put my interest in front of the companies ever again. They will let me go if it means a little extra profit. It sounds cold but that is what we have gotten 2. Business has to earn the respect and trust back from employees because I sure as hell will never trust them. They have to prove it first.

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It is more Google still cares more about their employees than Apple. Apple views their employees more as a number.

Remember the culture at Apple. Steve Jobs was a horrible person. Great business man but horrible person. He was all about the profit and giving stuff like that to employees hurts profits. Jobs actively tried to suppress wages of employees got busted for it and even had the smoking gun at the trial when he threaten palm.

I agree with you about companies respecting their employees, but it goes the opposite way as well. If you have employees that feel as entitled as many of the people in this thread do, then I can see why a company does business the way they do. No matter what you do, it'll never be good enough for some people.
Want an idea of what I'm talking about? Why not look at comments based on Apple and Product Red. No matter how much Apple raises, it'll never be enough, based on some people's opinions. Now, imagine that 25-33% of your employee base feel the same way. Those are going to be the most vocal people, and so a company will get skewed ideas about their employee base.