It’s been a big year for Apple, one that’s set sales records around the world and seen the launch of some of Apple’s biggest and best products ever: the iPad 2, the iPhone 4S, iCloud, iOS 5, Siri, OS X Lion.
It’s also been a hard year, with Apple founder and ex-CEO Steve Jobs passing away last week.
In recognition of everything that’s happened for Apple this year, and to give employees a chance to give thanks, Apple CEO Tim Cook has just sent out an email to Apple Corporate Employees, telling them to take all of Thanksgiving week off, with pay.
The email from MacGeneration notes:
Team,
I consider it an honor to come to work every day alongside the most innovative and most dedicated people on earth. This is an extraordinary time to be at Apple, and it’s all made possible by your incredible efforts.
We’ve had a record-setting year so far and we’re heading into the holidays with the strongest product lineup in our history. Customers are absolutely in love with the iPad 2, and the amazing new iPhone 4S is off to the best start of any iPhone we’ve ever made. The Mac is soaring to new heights with OS X Lion, and on the eve of its 10th birthday, the iPod is still the world’s most popular music player.
In recognition of the hard work you’ve put in this year, we’re going to take some extra time off for Thanksgiving. We will shut down with pay on November 21, 22 and 23 so our teams can spend the entire week with their families and friends.
Of course, Retail and some other groups will need to work that week so we can continue to serve our customers. If you’re in one of these groups, please check with your manager about taking time off at a later date. Our international teams will schedule their three-day shutdowns this quarter at a time that’s best for them. Details will be available on AppleWeb.
I hope everyone enjoys this much deserved break.
Tim
Good for Tim. Apple’s had an amazing and stressful and sad year. Time for a breather. Now if only Leander’d follow Cook’s lead.
