Five ways to celebrate Chinese New Year in your office

Chinese New Year celebrations are set to kick off tomorrow, and specialists at Randstad are encouraging employers to embrace the customs and traditions that come with entering the Year of the Sheep.
 
The holiday’s customs – which include wishing others good fortune, happiness and wealth – can easily be incorporated into the workplace to embrace diversity and increase productivity.
 
Steve Shepherd, employment market analyst at Randstad, said that Chinese New Year is the perfect occasion to embrace cultural diversity in the workplace by bringing people together and increase engagement and satisfaction.
 
“The heartfelt wishes expressed during Chinese New Year are positive messages to share, not only within the workplace, but to extend out to customers, family and friends,” said Shepherd. “We all know that people who are happy at work and feel valued for their individual, unique contribution, are more active in helping to build a collaborative, high performing environment.”
 
Overseas, Chinese owners and managers usually give ‘hongbao’ – cash bonuses – to staff ahead of Chinese New Year, to wish them luck and prosperity for the coming year.
 
The amount given varies, but in Singapore new bills in even numbers and even amounts are considered the best form of good luck.
 
While hongbao isn’t a tradition among Kiwi employers, the following small celebrations can easily fit into any workplace:
 
Chinese night out: With Chinese New Year parades planned across New Zealand, a team night out is a great way to get staff out of the office to enjoy the spectacle. With most events hosted for free, it doesn’t have to come at a cost.
 
Chinese pot luck lunch: Ask employees to bring in Chinese food for lunch and then have everyone swap dishes. This is a fun way to celebrate the occasion whilst meeting new people, making new contacts and boosting staff engagement.
 
Decorate the office: Whether it’s hiring a Chinese Dragon costume or decorating the office with Chinese Lanterns, adding some Chinese culture and colour to the office will quickly brighten spirits.

Share language & culture tips: Share Chinese popular phrases and cultural tips on what to do and say during Chinese New Year – it could even help to win new business if newfound skills are developed!

Were any of your staff born in the Year of the Sheep? If so, share the Chinese folklore about how to have a successful year, what to avoid, and how to bring good luck in the year ahead.