Glints TalentHubLogin
Switch Language
Employee Experience
How to celebrate cultural events in multicultural workplaces
Safira Adnin
September 12, 2024

Cultural events are not a rare find in Singapore’s multiracial and multiethnic landscape. The country’s commitment to maintaining strong ties across the different races and religions that abound here is evident.

Yet, demonstrating appreciation for the diversity and rich heritage of people does not have to be limited to community gatherings, including in the workplace. 

A Harvard Business Review article reported that companies who adopt a holistic approach to inherent diversity as well as acquired diversity show higher levels of innovation and inspiration. 

Hence, it holds that companies can, and should, encourage multicultural appreciation and practices. It instantly gives your company a competitive edge in an extremely globalized world.

More importantly, it facilitates social cohesion and camaraderie that builds strong, long-lasting team bonds. 

Here, find out how to celebrate 4 of the major cultural events in Singapore in the workplace. 

1. Chinese New Year 

Chinese New Year is just around the corner. However, those who celebrate the holiday will likely still be looking forward to more cozy, intimate gatherings with loved ones, as well as enjoying the traditional snacks that are usually offered at this time of the year. 

Sometimes, Chinese owners and managers may give hongbao (literally ‘red packets’, containing money) to their staff to signify the prosperity and abundance that this yearly event symbolizes. 

While that may not be the custom for a lot of companies, another way to reign in the holiday is to decorate the office with symbols that signify luck, happiness and wealth. Common items include red lanterns, door couplets, paper cuttings, and even kumquat trees. 

2. Good Friday (Easter)

Good Friday is primarily a religious holiday. It is commemorated by Christians around the death of Jesus. Easter is the Sunday on the week of Good Friday and generally describes the period of this religious event.

It also marks the beginning of spring season and symbolizes joy, hope and gratitude. 

Even for those who are not religious, the themes of renewal, growth, and gratefulness are relevant to all workers. Organizing a community service project is one way to bring meaning into this season. 

You can provide or make Easter snacks in teams: easy recipes include chocolate dipped fruit, fruit skewers, yogurt smoothies and carrot cake

Show gratitude: write thank you notes for team members or departments. Or, share thank you videos to your customers. Big budget or no, clients will appreciate its sincerity and thoughtfulness. 

3. Hari Raya Puasa

Muslims celebrate this cultural event all over the world. Literally translating to ‘Day of Celebration’, it is not the Muslim New Year. Contrary to popular belief, it marks the end of the month of Ramadan, where Muslims fast and abstain from certain practices. 

Here’s what some local companies do to commemorate the important event for Muslim employees:

  • Maybank: Muslim staff can leave work half an hour earlier during the Ramadan (fasting) month, subject to operational leave of their departments. 
  • Royal Plaza on Scotts: The hotel managers hold mini-competitions as bonding activities and decorate the spaces for different departments with Hari Raya decor. 
  • Ramada Hotel: Sahur, or the meal consumed early in the morning before fasting, is specially prepared at their private dining lounge. What’s more, employees who partake are given breakfast priority, such that associates know to give way to Muslim employees during those specific timings. 

4. Deepavali (Diwali)

Deepavali, otherwise known as Diwali, is one of the biggest cultural events in Indian culture. It symbolizes the conquest of good over evil. It’s also the biggest festival in India and in the country, and has a firm place in the workplace too. 

Of course, themed decorations in the office are appropriate. Diwali decor includes things like fresh flowers, garlands, lighted glass ornaments, and innovative rangolis. Creative ways to spice it up would be to make decorating a competition: whoever goes all out gets a special mention and a prize!

LinkedIn also suggests setting aside a time for everyone to make sweet treats together. This could be a good way to take a break from the workday and let employees mingle with each other amidst the festive atmosphere.

Do a session of desk yoga. This is a small and easy activity for remote workers that calls to Indian culture and acknowledges its impact on our daily lives. 

Build your borderless team with Glints today

Glints TalentHub is our complete talent solution that covers all aspects of talent acquisition, management, and development. Our team can help you access the extensive talent pool across Southeast Asia and build great teams quickly and affordably. Simply schedule a call with us and our dedicated experts will be thrilled to guide you in your journey towards building a borderless team.


This article is brought to you by Glints TalentHub. Leading companies are actively building their borderless teams in Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and beyond. However, the prospect of going borderless can be daunting due to complex regulations and cultural ambiguities. With Glints TalentHub, you’ll have a dedicated team of in-market legal, HR, and talent experts by your side at every step of the way.

Glints TalentHub offers an end-to-end, tech-enabled talent solution that encompasses talent acquisition, EOR, and talent development. We empower businesses to leverage the strengths of regional talent efficiently to build high-performing, cost-efficient teams.

Schedule a no-obligation consultation with our experts to receive a tailored proposal today!

Join our Employers Community!
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive all our latest news and offers delivered right to your desk.

Featured Resource

Download Now

Connect With Us

Never miss a beat! Follow our social media channels for specially curated insights, knowledge and best practices to help you hire, retain and improve on your human capital.

Recent Posts