While it only takes 60 seconds for the ball to drop in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year is celebrated over the course of 16 days. Various traditions and rituals take place each day all supporting the general themes of gratitude and family. The observance of this holiday has been increasing in non-Chinese countries around the world. As the celebrations of this holiday spread, the more appropriate moniker is Lunar New Year.

For example, countries like Vietnam and Korea observe Lunar New Year. In the U.S., Lunar New Year celebrations have even become popular among non-Asian communities due to the influence of growing Chinese populations in major cities across the country. While celebrations in these other places may look different from those in China, the honoring of family is still prevalent across the board. This increasing cultural awareness is a testament to the idea that, as we take the time to learn more about the values and celebrations of other people groups, we find that we have much more in common with them than we originally thought.

This year, Lunar New Year was observed on February 1. In honor of the holiday, the Brooklyn Nets launched a new line of merchandise designed by Phillip Lim. You can read more about this, as well as how the Nets partnered with Panda Express to honor Chinese people in their community, in this month’s Simply Good article.

Also, this Black History Month, as we continue to look at our DEI strategies, it is important to ask if your training and workshops fail to take root and affect real change in your workplace? This month’s Simple Diversity shares how the right first step in implementing an effective DEI strategy is NOT the one that most companies have chosen.

With appreciation,

Stacey Gordon,MBA
Rework Work CEO