Netizen complains about stingy work resumption red packet, sparking online debate

A netizen from Hong Kong sparked a widespread online discussion after posting on Xiaohongshu about receiving a stingy HK$50 red packet from her employer upon resuming work. The complaint revealed varying amounts of red packets received by others, igniting a debate about the practice.

The netizen, a 24-year-old working in Central, expressed her disappointment on social media, noting that in previous jobs, work resumption red packets typically amounted to HK$100 and were distributed by all members of management.

However, in her current position, despite the company consisting of five management members, only a collective HK$50 red packet was issued under the company's name.

She shared her frustration online, labeling her employer as very stingy, and pointed out that this was the smallest amount she had ever received in a red packet.

She mentioned hearing from friends that some red packets could reach up to thousands of dollars.

Despite her disappointment, she was pleasantly surprised when her colleagues gave her two red packets on the first day back to work.

The post led to a robust online discussion. Some netizens questioned why she didn't quit if she was so dissatisfied, to which she responded that such extreme thinking was not beneficial.

Others argued that the purpose of the red packet from employers was simply to wish good fortune.

The discussion also revealed the amounts of red packets received by others in different sectors. Employees in foreign-invested companies reported receiving HK$20, while those in Chinese-invested enterprises got HK$1,000.

A TV station employee even mentioned receiving a mere HK$2, and some noted that their bosses did not distribute red packets at all, as they returned a month after the New Year.

Many respondents stated that a HK$50 red packet was normal and often more than what most received.

The original poster acknowledged that while the amount might not reflect the company's overall quality, a more generous red packet would undoubtedly enhance employee happiness and told netizens to read the responses to her post.