On social media, many viewers were stunned after employees were asked to donate for the CEO’s Christmas presents.
A company has sparked outrage after asking employees to contribute $20 (£15) towards Christmas presents for the CEO and CTO.
Many workers are upset, questioning the fairness of such a request, especially given the disparity in salaries.
Employee express anger over the request for donations
In an unexpected move, HR emailed staff members asking them to pitch in $20 for holiday gifts for top executives.
One employee took to Reddit to share their frustration, explaining that the money should be spent on their family, not the company’s leaders.
The worker was particularly upset that the CEO and CTO, who earn significantly more, were asking for financial contributions from lower-paid employees.
Taking to Reddit, he said: “HR is asking us to pitch in $20 for Christmas presents for the CEO and CTO.
“I just f***ing can’t. That money is going to my kids, not to the fat cats at the top who make at least 5x what I make on any given month.
“Buy your own damn presents.”
Social media reaction
The employee’s post received a flood of reactions, with many expressing disbelief at the request.
In the comment selection, many viewers asked why emloyees should buy gifts for people who earn far more than they do and don’t acknowledge them.
While, another commenter called it a “disrespectful” request, pointing out that HR should not ask lower-level workers to fund gifts for top executives.
Employees also shared similar experiences, with some saying their workplaces had similar requests but for much lower amounts, like $3 to $5.
One person said: I’ll give you tree fiddy
A second wrote: Ceo/company will have probably paid for a big xmas do costing more than $20 per head. Why not chip in to buy them a gift
While a third commented: I suspect the ceo wouldn‘t expect a gift from their staff, this is more a fact of <HR person> who clearly wants to get right up the CEOs a.
Another added: I’d say the CEOs paycheck is more than enough of a gift already for xmas. Get real.
Someone else said: I’d be furious. 20 bucks can buy my kid something decent, nothing great but still.
One employee decides not to participate
The upset worker shared that they had already informed relevant people they would not contribute to the gift fund.
Despite the potential backlash, the employee noted that most coworkers understood their position.
The employee further explained that, while the CEO was not a bad person, the request was an “unreasonable ask.”
They hoped the CEO would step in and stop the donation request, suggesting that the executives could fund their own gifts.
This situation has left many employees questioning the fairness of being asked to contribute to a gift for top executives.
While some companies have a tradition of pooling money for boss gifts, the $20 request has been seen as excessive by many.
The incident highlights the growing concern over income inequality within workplaces, especially around the holiday season.
What do you think about this incident?