Josh Ong
Apple CEO Tim Cook first revealed the discount plan at a town hall meeting in January. The program offers employees who have passed their probationary period an extra discount on a Mac and an iPad on top of their usual 25 percent discount once every three years.
MacNN reports that the discounts went into effect on Wednesday. However, the Mac deal does not apply to either the Mac mini or the new MacBook Pro with Retina Display. The Mac mini exclusion makes sense because of the diminutive machine's low price, but Apple's reasons for excluding its top-of-the-line MacBook Pro are not clear, though current constrained supply may be a factor.
The employee benefit program begins on the same day that reports emerged of Apple offering retail workers larger-than-usual raises. Employees reportedly felt the wage increase was long overdue, especially given the record profits that Apple has been enjoying in recent quarters.
The pay hike is expected to help Apple improve employee retention. Microsoft is believed to have poached some Apple retail store workers with promises of "perks, signing bonuses and promotion opportunities," according to the report.
Cook has taken interest in creating programs for employees of the company. He initiated a charitable matching program last year where Apple will annually match up to $10,000 worth of contributions from full-time employees. During an onstage interview late last month, Cook pointed to the matching gift program as an example of changes that he is making at Apple while still preserving the company's unique culture.
William Gallagher
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Christine McKee
32 Comments
Well, just more proof that Apple appreciates their employees. This program is probably one of ,if not the the best, in the industry.
Tim Cook has certainly shown interest in the customer, employees, and product line.
In my opinion, Apple should be nearly giving away its products to their employees. I mean, they research, develop and sell the products! How else can you be a cheerleader if you have to pay hand over fist for the product?
Discounts that large give one a feel for Apple's profit margins. Hey Apple, how about giving the rest of us a break on pricing?
Starting to emerge what Apple is doing with the stockpile of dough. A little for everyone. Cheaper devices/software, more eco friendly, dividends, raises, better prices on Macs for employees. I'm liking what Tim is doing.
In my opinion, Apple should be nearly giving away its products to their employees. I mean, they research, develop and sell the products! How else can you be a cheerleader if you have to pay hand over fist for the product?
So they should get paid more than they already do - that's what you're saying.
The (little) people who work for money only are easily replaced and should only get what they deserve plus some small bonuses to keep them happy. Key employees and strategic third party developers who do more than just work, are a different story, and have always got what they need - even under "gray box" Sculley.
Some of the (knowledgeable) fanboys who do free PR work for Apple year after year should be rewarded somehow. They matter a lot, but it's hard to ID the significant ones.