Hanoi (VNA) – In the immediate aftermath of the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday in 2026, industrial activity across Vietnam has swiftly regained momentum. From Hanoi and Quang Ninh to Thanh Hoa and Dong Nai, worker return rates have reached notably high levels, in many cases approaching 96%.
The figures not only reflect strong workforce commitment but also signal renewed confidence in the country’s economic recovery and growth prospects for the year ahead.
Occupancy rates across industrial zones nearing 96%
As of the morning of February 23 (the seventh day of the Lunar New Year), industrial activity in the capital had resumed at pace. According to the municipal Labour Federation, both the proportion of enterprises reopening and employees returning to work recorded impressive levels.
Notably, in high-tech parks and industrial zones, workforce attendance on the first day of operations reached 95.99%.
In practice, many workers had already returned to Hanoi between the fourth and sixth days of the holiday. Enterprises utilised this period to prepare operations, inspect machinery and stabilise production lines to meet early-year orders.
In some construction firms, worksites remained operational throughout the holiday period. Workers’ willingness to forgo family reunions underscores both their long-term commitment and their readiness to support businesses during critical periods.
Authorities also confirmed that throughout the holiday, industrial zones maintained stable security, with no major incidents reported. Enterprises complied fully with holiday regulations while ensuring strict on-site supervision to safeguard production facilities.
Incentives and retention strategies drive workforce stability
In Dong Nai province, the southern industrial hub, production activity has been equally vibrant, with around 95% of workers returning on the first working day after Tet.
Beyond worker commitment, businesses have played a key role through effective retention strategies. Many companies introduced incentive schemes, including prize draws and “lucky money” bonuses equivalent to half to a full month’s salary for employees who resumed work on time.
A notable example is Chang Shin Vietnam Co., Ltd., the province’s largest labour-intensive enterprise, employing over 40,000 workers across multiple factories. Nearly 90% of its workforce returned following the nine-day holiday.
Similarly, Pou Sung Vietnam Co., Ltd., with approximately 17,000 employees, recorded a return rate of 91%, while Pou Phong Vietnam Co., Ltd. achieved 90%.
These figures point to stable workforce sentiment and sustained confidence in business growth prospects for the year.
Trade unions have also played a vital role. During the holiday, the Dong Nai Labour Federation supported workers with 2,800 free bus tickets and organised 72 trips to help workers travel home and return to work.
In Quang Ninh, operations resumed as early as the sixth day of Tet, with transport initiatives from the Vietnam Coal - Mineral Industry Group (TKV). After arranging 314 trips to bring nearly 11,900 miners home for the holiday and funding 20,000 tickets, the group continued to deploy return transport services for workers and their families.
In Thanh Hoa, local labour authorities visited the production site of Roll Sport Vietnam Footwear Limited at the Hoang Long Industrial Park to encourage workers. Representatives distributed “lucky money” envelopes to employees as a gesture of support, aiming to foster morale and productivity at the start of the year.
An official noted that while the financial value of such gestures may be modest, they carry significant symbolic weight, helping to energise the workforce and set a positive tone for the year to come./.
