Number of workers returning to work after Tet increases

On the first working day of the New Year, most businesses recorded a high rate of workers returning to factories on time, averaging 90% higher than in previous years. Some companies, racing to fulfill orders, resumed production as early as the fourth day of Tet,  but still maintained a labor return rate of over 75%. Overall, the situation of laborers in early 2025 remains stable.

Over 2,000 businesses stabilizing production

According to a review by relevant departments and sectors, as of the 7th day of Tet (February 4), a total of 2,050 enterprises (accounting for 60.22%) resumed production, with approximately 480,000 workers returning to work stably (reaching 85% of total). Many enterprises in industrial parks reported a very high return rate of workers such as Showa Gloves Vietnam Co., Ltd. in Vietnam - Singapore Industrial Park with 1,714/1,714 workers, achieving 100% of return rate; Kurabe Industrial Vietnam Co., Ltd. in Vietnam - Singapore Industrial Park with 2,734/2,734 workers, achieving 100% of return rate; Phuc Can Industry Co., Ltd. in South Tan Uyen Industrial Park with 838/864 workers, reaching 96.99% of total; Uni-President Vietnam Co., Ltd. in Song Than 2 Industrial Park with 1,130/1,202 workers, reaching 94% of total. Overall, enterprises with a 95% to 100% post-Tet return rate account for about 20% of the total enterprises.

Some enterprises outside industrial parks also recorded a high rate of workers returning to work such as FrieslandCampina Co., Ltd. in Binh Hoa ward’s Binh Duc 1 quarter in Thuan An city with 350 employees, reaching 100% of total; Palm - Song Be Golf Course Co., Ltd. on Binh Duong Boulevard in Thuan An city’s Lai Thieu ward, with 295/300 employees, reaching 98.33% of total; Becamex International General Hospital Joint Stock Company on Binh Duong Boulevard in  Thuan An city’s Lai Thieu ward, with 806/815 employees, reaching 98.89% of total.

Pham Van Tuyen, Deputy Director of provincial Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA) stated that the number of enterprises and workers returning to work on the first working day of the new year (the 6th day of Tet) was about 4% higher than the previous year. The labor situation in enterprises has continued stabilizing and increasing after the 8th day of the lunar month (February 5) and most enterprises are expected to fully resume production after the 10th day of the lunar month (February 7).

According to leaders of provincial DOLISA, this positive result is due to the relatively good salary and bonus policies that enterprises provided for workers at the end of the year. Additionally, the increasing sense of professionalism among workers has contributed to ensuring that they return to work as planned.

At enterprises resuming operations after Tet, workers returning on the first working day received lucky money from their employers. The amount ranged from VND 100,000 to VND 800,000 per person, creating a joyful and enthusiastic atmosphere for the start of the new year.

Retaining workers

To ensure a high return rate of workers after Tet, most enterprises emphasize the importance of understanding employees, taking good care of their well-being and implementing professional management policies. Le Van Bien, Chairman of Response VN Co.’s trade union local in Tan Uyen city shared: “Most of our employees come from various provinces and cities across the country. Tet is a time for them to reunite with their families, so this year, the company extended the holiday period, giving them more time to spend with their loved ones. Additionally, we provided thoughtful Tet support policies, including salary, bonuses and transportation assistance”. He emphasized: “To retain workers, enterprises must understand them and take good care of every aspect of their lives”.

Motomotion Vietnam Co., Ltd. in Ben Cat city welcomed 4,000 employees back to work on February 4 (the 7th day of Tet), achieving 100% workforce resumption. Each worker receives a lucky money envelope of VND 500,000 from the company

Dinh Thi Huong, Chairwoman of Phong Thai Rubber Co., Ltd.’s trade union local in Ben Cat city stated that the company officially resumed operations on the 9th day of the lunar month (February 6) and ensured a 100% return rate of its workforce. "At our company, we assigned staff to form teams and groups, maintaining communication via Zalo. Through this, we sent Tet greetings and shared with each family during the holiday. As a result, when work resumed, we had a clear understanding of who was returning and who was not. Overall, the labor situation at the company remains stable. Along with material and financial support, we also consider the importance of time, allowing employees to take a longer Tet holiday than in previous years. This way, when they return to the factory, they can fully focus on their work", Ms. Huong said.

In recent years, enterprises have provided stable jobs and incomes for workers, leading most employees to seek long-term stability and commitment. Doan Van Quyen, a technical staff of Ty Minh Co., Ltd. in Thu Dau Mot city-based Song Than 3 Industrial Park shared: "Due to the high demand for orders, we had to return to work on the 4th day of Tet. Even with this early start, the post-Tet labor return rate still reached 75% of total. Our company has about 500 employees. During the pre- and post-Tet break, the company allowed workers to register their return dates to ensure workflow continuity. If you take an early leave, you return to work earlier, which I find a reasonable arrangement. Even though there are times when production activities encounter difficulties, the company still ensures good income and life for employees, so we stick with the company for a long time...".

Through policies that support workers' well-being, ensure reasonable rest periods and arrange suitable job placements, enterprises in the province have successfully retained employees for the long term, maintaining stable employment and production after the Tet holiday.

Pham Van Tuyen, Deputy Director of provincial DOLISA stated that the number of businesses and workers returning to work on the first day after Tet (the 6th day of the lunar month) increased by approximately 4% compared to the previous year. The labor situation in enterprises continues remaining stable and is expected to rise further after the 8th day of the lunar month (February 5), with most businesses set to fully resume operations after the 10th day of the lunar month (February 7).

Reported by Quang Tam-Translated by Kim Tin