How to Send the Best Lunar New Year Greetings at Work

Lunar New Year is a significant celebration in Singapore, marked by various activities in every household. And with COVID measures eased significantly since October, where there are no restrictions on social gatherings, expect Singaporeans to engage in all kinds of festivities during this long holiday weekend.

As you celebrate the new year, remember to share your positive vibes and well-wishes with the people around you. In the workplace, greeting colleagues, superiors, and clients during the Lunar New Year is an effective way to build a strong company culture and foster relationships. The occasion helps reinforce ties with the people you work with and can help improve work relations in the future.

Are you at a loss on how to send that Lunar New Year greeting in your workplace? Read on below for some tips.

Why You Should Wish Others Well During the Lunar New Year

1. Greetings generally acknowledge the recipient’s significance to you and that you wish them well. A kind note makes a person feel valued and can help improve their well-being. You never know how much you can make someone’s day better with such a small effort.
2. It can help maintain good workplace relationships. Sending holiday wishes such as a Lunar New Year greeting validates how much someone values their working relationship with the person receiving it. A greeting also shows that they wish to continue building, cultivating, and strengthening the existing relationship – and making it better. Boosting relationships at work can help improve productivity and creativity, and can also expand your professional network.
   • For superiors, this shows that you respect them and value their support – A simple greeting to your boss to show admiration can go a long way. It might also make your boss take notice – your ability to be thoughtful and social are good leadership skills that can be useful for better teamwork.
   • For employees, this makes them feel that they are part of great company culture – Company culture is a primary factor affecting employee engagement. Engaging your employees with positive holiday greetings will make them feel like they’re more than just a cog in a machine. Feeling valued as an employee can translate to loyalty, productivity, and motivation to present their best work.
   • For clients, a simple message impacts how they perceive your company – Sending your clients holiday greetings can also help with customer retention. A Lunar Year Greeting sends hopes of peace and prosperity, letting your client know that you wish only for their success. It can also “humanise” your brand and make clients appreciate you more.
3. It supports inclusion in the workplace. Lunar New Year is only one of the many cultural holidays held throughout the year. Though not everyone celebrates it, sending out this greeting to the people you work with is a show of respect for those who do, making them feel seen. Companies would do well to have a calendar that lists all milestones and holidays throughout the year to ensure everyone feels like they belong.

Best Lunar New Year greetings to use at work

Here are some samples of Lunar New Year greetings you can use in your celebratory emails.

Generic greeting

新年快乐 (Xīn nián kuài lè!)I would like to wish you a wonderful and abundant year ahead! May this year bring you greater success and happiness.

For potential employers

I would like to express my tremendous respect for your company. I admire your organisation’s positive company culture and strong vision-mission, and may it pave the way for other firms to follow suit. I hope that in the year ahead, I will have the opportunity to grow and contribute my skills to your company’s breakthroughs and achievements. Wishing your company good luck and happiness throughout the year! 恭喜发财 (Gōng xǐ fā cái)!

For your manager

I am thankful for your wisdom, advice and support throughout this past year. I hope this year will also pave the way for me to further hone my skills with a competent and innovative team, and continue to contribute to our company’s growth and success. Wishing you good health and prosperity all year round! 身体健康 (Shēn tǐ jiàn kāng)!

For colleagues

Success always favours those who choose never to give up. I admire how you have continued to flourish amidst all obstacles. I wish you more strength to keep moving forward and for favourable opportunities to arrive. It was a pleasure to have worked with you this past year, and I look forward to more collaborations in the future. Have a prosperous new year! 生意兴隆 (Shēng yì xīng lóng)!

For clients

May you continue to transform challenges into opportunities to grow and achieve more! Your company is a source of inspiration and a vision of success. We are honoured to be your partner in your journey towards success. May this year shower you with more success and goodness around you. 大吉大利 (Dà jí dà lì)!

Celebrating the new year is more than just saying goodbye to the past and waving hello to the future. It’s starting the year out with a blank slate, a positive note that is hopeful for the possibilities that lay ahead. Lunar New Year greetings can strengthen your working relationships further since they signify positive thoughts for the recipient.

Here’s to starting the year off with your best foot forward. Happy New Year!

Check out our Career Resources page or download JobStreet’s app available on the App Store and Google Play for more tips on strengthening work relationships and other career-related issues.