Every January or February, millions of people pack airports, trains, and highways across Asia. They're not just traveling — they're returning. Homebound for one of the most important cultural holidays of the year: Lunar New Year.
For me, the journey this year felt different. As I stepped into the airport, a wave of emotion hit me. It wasn’t just about seeing family. It was about being part of something bigger, a shared rhythm of tradition, movement, and renewal.
That same rhythm — of returning, reconnecting, and resetting — isn’t just personal. It holds powerful lessons for how we think about culture at work.
What the Lunar New Year Represents
Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, marks the first day of the lunar calendar. For over 3,500 years, it has symbolized:
- Renewal and fresh beginnings
- Family reunions and ancestral respect
- Community spirit and shared purpose
Homes are cleaned to sweep away misfortune. Red envelopes are gifted for prosperity. Banquets are shared. Firecrackers light the sky. But beyond the rituals lies something universal: a longing to belong and reconnect.
And if you think about it, isn’t that what most employees want from their workplace too?
Culture Is More Than Perks — It’s Shared Meaning
Workplace culture isn’t built with beanbags or free lunches. It’s shaped by:
- How people feel when they show up
- Whether they’re seen, heard, and respected
- What moments are celebrated — and how
Cultural events like Lunar New Year offer a chance to go deeper than themed decorations. They allow us to spotlight the people behind the roles and bring human stories to the surface.
When companies make space for employees to express their cultural identities, they’re not being “festive.” They’re being strategic.
Because when people feel like they belong, they:
- Collaborate more openly
- Stay longer
- Advocate for the organization
3 Ways to Embrace Cultural Moments Authentically
This doesn’t require big budgets or elaborate programs. Start small, stay intentional, and center people in the process. Here are three meaningful approaches:
1. Invite Stories, Not Just Celebrations
Instead of simply handing out red envelopes or ordering dumplings, create space for storytelling. Ask employees:
- “What does this holiday mean to you?”
- “What tradition do you always keep, no matter where you are?”
Encourage internal blogs, lunch-and-learns, or casual team conversations. These aren’t just cultural moments — they’re trust-building opportunities.
Real inclusion starts with curiosity.
2. Honor Flexibility
For employees who observe Lunar New Year or similar holidays, offer flexibility:
- Time off to travel or celebrate
- Grace around meetings or deadlines during festival periods
This isn’t about special treatment — it’s about respect and practicality. A team that honors life outside the office often performs better inside it.
3. Make Education Part of the Experience
Not everyone will be familiar with Lunar New Year traditions. That’s okay — it’s a chance to learn.
Include short explainers in internal newsletters. Share links to local events. Invite colleagues to teach others. Knowledge breaks down barriers.
Culture isn’t just what you already know — it’s what you’re willing to discover.
Why This Matters in HR and Leadership
For HR professionals and leaders, cultural moments are powerful levers. They remind us that organizations are human systems, made up of people with histories, values, and beliefs that shape how they work.
If we want to build high-performing, emotionally intelligent teams, we must start by creating space for identity, empathy, and connection.
Celebrating Lunar New Year is not “extra.” It’s essential — because when people are seen for who they are, they show up with more creativity, accountability, and care.
Final Thought: Connection Isn’t Seasonal
We travel home for Lunar New Year because it reminds us who we are and where we belong. The same need exists at work — to be seen, valued, and connected.
When we celebrate culture, we’re not just recognizing diversity. We’re strengthening the threads of belonging that hold teams together — not just during holidays, but every day.
So this year, let’s bring a bit of that Lunar New Year spirit into our leadership, our policies, and our teams.
Not with firecrackers or lanterns, but with intention, empathy, and curiosity.
FAQs
Is celebrating cultural events at work really necessary?
Yes, when done with authenticity and respect, it builds trust, improves morale, and strengthens team relationships.
What if our team is very diverse, how do we balance all holidays?
You don’t need to celebrate everything equally, but you should be inclusive in spirit. Consider a rotating cultural calendar, or empower employees to lead events they care about.
Is it okay if not everyone participates?
Absolutely. Participation should be encouraged, not forced. The goal is invitation, not obligation.
How do we avoid tokenism?
Start by listening. Ask employees how they’d like to celebrate or be recognized. Avoid stereotypical visuals or “one-size-fits-all” templates.