A business owner in Taiwan has drawn widespread attention after deciding to cancel his company’s annual dinner and festive banquet, opting instead to give every employee a cash bonus. The move, which quickly went viral on social media, has been widely praised as a refreshing take on employee welfare and modern workplace culture.
The employer, known online as “Big Brother Nan”, shared that the decision came after listening to honest feedback from his staff. According to him, many employees felt uncomfortable attending traditional year-end dinners, especially when suppliers were present. Rather than viewing the event as a celebration, staff reportedly experienced it as a stressful obligation.
In his post, the boss explained that morale and a healthy working environment mattered more than maintaining tradition. He said the company would stop organising the annual dinner and spring banquet altogether, starting this year, and reallocate the budget directly to employees in the form of ang pows.
Employees Receive About S$430 Each Instead of Dinner
Instead of hosting a formal event, each employee received NTD10,000 in cash, which works out to roughly S$430. The money was distributed in red packets at the office, with photos showing smiling staff members holding their ang pows. The images quickly gained traction online, with many netizens applauding the gesture as practical and thoughtful.
The employer also noted that company dinners often left some workers disappointed, particularly when lucky draws were involved and not everyone walked away with a prize. By giving cash to all staff equally, he felt the company could avoid unnecessary comparison and ensure everyone benefited.
While the annual dinner was scrapped, the boss clarified that staff engagement would not be neglected. He said the company would continue organising smaller monthly gatherings to maintain team bonding and communication, without the pressure of large-scale formal events.
Netizens Praise Practical Approach to Employee Welfare
The Facebook post attracted over 100,000 reactions and thousands of comments, with many users saying they would much rather receive cash than attend a compulsory dinner. Several praised the boss for understanding employee needs and adapting company practices to suit changing attitudes towards work-life balance.
One commenter said cash bonuses were far more useful, especially with the rising cost of living. Others highlighted the employer’s comment about “slowly turning the company into something employees like” as a rare mindset in today’s corporate environment.
In Singapore, where annual company dinners and lucky draws are also common, the story has resonated with workers who value flexible benefits, performance bonuses and direct financial rewards. With inflation, insurance costs and daily expenses on the rise, many employees increasingly prefer tangible incentives over social obligations.
A Shift in Workplace Culture Across Asia
The viral response reflects a broader shift in workplace culture across Asia, where younger employees are prioritising autonomy, mental well-being and practical rewards. Employers who adapt to these expectations may find it easier to retain talent and build loyalty in a competitive job market.
While not every company can replace events with cash payouts, the story highlights an important lesson: listening to employees can lead to simple changes that make a meaningful difference. In an era where employee satisfaction, productivity and retention are closely linked, sometimes the most appreciated gesture is also the most straightforward one.