Mooncakes & Mindsets: What Mid-Autumn Festival Reminds Us About Team Unity in Singapore

GeneralSeptember 01, 2025 09:00

As the Mid-Autumn Festival draws near, Singapore’s skyline begins to glow with colourful lanterns, mooncake boxes fill pantry tables, and we’re reminded of something deeper than just festive cheer — the power of unity.

In today’s fast-paced work culture, deadlines often take precedence over deep human connection. But cultural celebrations like the Mid-Autumn Festival offer a unique opportunity to pause, reflect, and realign — not only with ourselves but also with the teams we spend most of our waking hours with.

At Reeracoen, we believe festivals are more than calendar events. They are moments that bring people together, spark gratitude, and inspire a more human-centred workplace. This season, let’s explore how five lessons from the Mid-Autumn Festival can inspire stronger, more connected teams — especially in today’s hybrid workforce.

1. Mooncakes Are Meant to Be Shared — So Should Success

Mooncakes symbolise togetherness, gratitude, and the act of sharing blessings. In the workplace, we often get caught up in tasks and metrics — and forget to celebrate one another.

🧠 Team Insight: Recognise team effort beyond performance reviews. Celebrate wins regularly. Something as simple as a team huddle, a "thank you" email, or even shared treats during meetings can go a long way.

📊 According to a 2023 LinkedIn study, 7 in 10 employees say regular recognition improves their motivation and sense of belonging at work.

2. A Full Moon Symbolises Wholeness — Just Like Inclusive Teams

The round moon signifies unity and completeness in Chinese culture. The best-performing teams also feel whole — where every voice, background, and contribution is respected.

🧠 Team Insight: Encourage inclusive communication in meetings, team rituals, and leadership practices. Rotate facilitators, embrace quiet voices, and create space for diverse viewpoints.

📊 McKinsey reports that inclusive companies are 36% more profitable — and significantly more innovative.

3. Lanterns Light the Way — So Should Leaders

Traditionally, lanterns guide loved ones home. In teams, great leadership lights the path with clarity, empathy, and purpose — especially in hybrid or remote settings.

🧠 Team Insight: Offer consistent feedback, acknowledge emotional wellbeing, and create a sense of direction. Your words could be someone’s compass.

📊 Harvard Business Review found that employees who receive regular feedback are 3.6x more likely to feel engaged at work.

4. Traditions Evolve — So Should Our Work Culture

Modern Mid-Autumn celebrations now feature healthier mooncakes, digital lanterns, and eco-packaging. Just like traditions evolve, so must our workplace rituals.

🧠 Team Insight: Reassess outdated meetings, processes, or KPIs. Could a Friday town hall replace your Monday blues? Could asynchronous check-ins reduce Zoom fatigue?

📊 Gallup research suggests 43% of remote workers cite outdated routines as a source of stress or disengagement.

5. The Spirit of Reunion — Even in Hybrid Workspaces

This festival celebrates reunion — whether across dinner tables or across borders. In hybrid teams, creating intentional moments of connection can be transformative.

🧠 Team Insight: Host bonding moments such as team picnics, festive lunches, or even virtual games. Don’t underestimate the power of laughter and shared memories.

📊 A 2023 NTUC LearningHub report noted that 84% of Singapore workers still value in-person time with colleagues, even as hybrid models become the norm.

Frequently Asked Questions: Fostering Unity During Mid-Autumn Festival

Q1: How can companies celebrate Mid-Autumn in an inclusive way?

Focus on values like appreciation, togetherness, and reflection. You don’t need grand gestures — even small acts like handwritten notes, story-sharing, or festive snacks make a difference.

Q2: What if our team is fully remote?

Digital mooncake vouchers, lantern-themed virtual backgrounds, or hosting a casual "tea time" chat can spark connection and make people feel seen.

Q3: Is this only relevant to Chinese staff?

Not at all. Like Deepavali or Hari Raya, the deeper values of Mid-Autumn—gratitude, harmony, and reunion—are universal and appreciated across Singapore’s multicultural workforce.

Q4: Can these tips be applied throughout the year?

Absolutely. These aren’t just festive practices—they’re relationship-building tools that strengthen engagement, loyalty, and culture year-round.

Q5: How do I know if my team lacks cohesion?

Signs include low meeting engagement, high turnover, minimal collaboration, or lack of trust. Don’t wait for an exit interview to start making changes.

 

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