One Week to Peak: What Does the Purple Promise Really Mean This Year?

The final countdown has begun. In seven days, the volume officially spikes, and we’ll all transition into Peak mode—the time of year when we’re expected to deliver the best of the Purple Promise.

But as we stand on the edge of the busiest season, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on what that promise actually looks like on the ground right now.

The Purple Promise states, "I will make every FedEx experience outstanding." We commit to that promise every shift. We come in and do our jobs even when it's hard; Even when we have IC's dumping down our chutes, even when we have no space to walk, even when our equipment is decrepit and unusable. We show up and we push through.

But does the company show up for us?

This week, many of us are already running on fumes. We’re being asked to sacrifice our personal time for mandatory schedules, pushing us to six days a week, demanding more from our bodies and our focus.

As you look around your work area, ask yourself:

• When you are doing the job of two or three people—managing the belt, clearing the lines, or loading beyond our means—do you feel like your paycheck truly reflects the value of that effort?

• When you have to do extra work to substitute for a broken roller-line, do you trust that management has followed through on the value to "Take care of each other," or are you forced to take risks to keep the volume moving?

• When you are exhausted and struggling to find rest, what does the promise of a simple Peak T-shirt really represent to you? Is a symbolic reward enough to cover the personal sacrifices you make every day?

Peak is hard enough. But it gets harder when you feel management relies on your effort and commitment while ignoring your safety, your time, and your true worth.

As you prepare for the next seven days, think about the value of your effort and whether your dedication is being fully matched by the company’s commitment to you.

Ask yourself truly, "is my FedEx experience truly outstanding?"