The Tradition of Nyeonhui: Annual Company Parties in China

Annual company parties, known as Nyeonhui in China, are a staple in Chinese corporate culture. These parties are typically held around the time of the Spring Festival or the Chinese New Year and often consist of evening banquets and performances by employees. Some companies even rent out arenas and performance venues. While these parties may seem like celebratory formalities on the surface, they play a key role in workplace dynamics and relationships. However, recently, there has been debate about the relevance and impact of these annual parties, with some employees feeling reluctant to participate in performances and seeing them as extra work. Younger employees, in particular, express their dissatisfaction on social media, highlighting the changing work dynamic and the desire for a more inclusive and authentic work culture.