Multiple community spaces help enrich the mental well-being of workers

At enterprises across Dong Nai, alongside efforts to ensure material well-being, grassroots trade unions have organized a variety of cultural and sports activities for workers.

Workers of Far Eastern New Apparel (Vietnam) Ltd., located in Dong Phu commune, Dong Nai province, compete in the 2025 Volleyball Championship. Photo courtesy of the Trade Union

Cultural playgrounds have become a fulcrum, contributing to the improvement of workers’ quality of life and strengthening community bonds.

Numerous healthy playgrounds

In a vibrant atmosphere celebrating the success of the 1st Congress of the Dong Nai Provincial Party Committee for the 2025-2030 term and in preparation for the upcoming Congress of Trade Unions at all levels for the same term, the grassroots trade union of Far Eastern New Apparel (Vietnam) Ltd. in Dong Phu commune, Dong Nai province, organized the 4th “FENV Cup” Volleyball Championship for workers. This year’s tournament featured 13 men’s and women’s teams, with over 300 supporters from the company’s departments and workshops.

Nguyen Thi Mai Chi, Chairwoman of the grassroots trade union at Far Eastern New Apparel (Vietnam) Ltd., stated that the event is not only a healthy sports activity but also an opportunity to strengthen solidarity, promote exchange and learning, and enhance the physical health and cultural life of all Trade Union members and workers throughout the company. With a spirit of unity, the athletes delivered impressive performances, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere throughout the factory.

Cultural and sports movements, along with competitions organized by the grassroots trade union of Dona Victor Footwear Co., Ltd. (Binh Minh commune, Dong Nai province), have become familiar playgrounds, allowing workers to relax and maintain their health after working hours.

Ha Thi Hai, a worker and active participant in activities at Dona Victor Footwear Co., Ltd., shared that in recent years, she has registered to take part in the cross-country race organized by the grassroots trade union, which she finds very enjoyable and exciting. These events help her relieve stress and offer opportunities to meet and interact with colleagues from various departments.

“The exciting competition atmosphere, the spirit of solidarity, and the enthusiastic support from everyone provide me extra motivation and a more positive mindset at work. I hope the company will continue to maintain and develop more meaningful activities to strengthen the bond among workers,” Hai shared.

Nguyen Thi My Linh, General Director of Dona Victor Footwear Co., Ltd., stated that the company consistently strives to create a friendly working environment where everyone feels cared for, shared, and has opportunities to develop both physically and mentally. Consequently, in all activities organized for workers, the company’s leadership participates to convey positive energy to the workforce. Furthermore, the company enhances the value of prizes to motivate workers to engage in health training.

“For the company, workers are not only a labor force but also companions in the sustainable development of the business. Organizing recreational, cultural, and sports activities not only enhances spiritual life and restores working energy but also provides opportunities for employees to relax, connect, and strengthen their bond with the collective.”

Nguyen Thi My Linh, General Director of Dona Victor Footwear Co., Ltd.

Meeting the entertainment needs of workers

In reality, due to long working hours, workers have limited opportunities to engage in recreational activities. Many, living far from home in shared spaces such as cramped boarding houses, face an even greater lack of spiritual and emotional fulfillment. As a result, organizing cultural spaces, such as sports festivals, art performances, mobile film screenings, and life skills classes, has brought a breath of fresh air, allowing workers to relax, express themselves, and connect with the community.

Workers of Dona Victor Footwear Co., Ltd. (Binh Minh commune) participate in tug of war at the sports festival organized by the Trade Union and the company in 2025. Photo: Nguyen Hoa

Duong Hoang An, Chairman of the Trade Union at Jason Furniture Viet Nam Co., Ltd. (Dong Xoai III Industrial Park, Binh Phuoc ward), stated that with over 6,000 employees, the demand for recreational activities among workers is very high. Understanding this need, the company’s grassroots trade union organizes various competitions each year for employees to participate in. Notable examples include the “Jason Gold Challenge - Companionship of Intelligence” contest, essay writing about the Trade Union, the company, and football tournaments, as well as flower arrangement competitions during holidays. After each event, employees gain energy and motivation, leading to more positive and effective work performance.

“Cultural playgrounds not only help workers relieve stress and enhance their spiritual well-being, but also create an environment for developing soft skills, increasing legal awareness, protecting their health, and preserving the environment. Consequently, employees cultivate a deeper love for their work, strengthen their bond with the company, and contribute positively to overall development,” Duong Hoang An shared.

At Elma Vietnam Industrial Co., Ltd. in Nhon Trach commune, despite having a workforce of over 200 employees, the sports activities organized by the grassroots trade union consistently attract enthusiastic participation from the workers. Vo Thi Xuan Hang, Chairwoman of the Trade Union at Elma Vietnam Industrial Co., Ltd., emphasized that cultural life is a key factor in enhancing quality of life, fostering motivation for work, retaining employees, and cultivating a healthy and united working environment. Nurturing workers’ cultural life also plays a significant role in boosting productivity and work efficiency.

In addition to organizing in-person competitions, many recreational activities for workers are also conducted online in the context of digital transformation, such as photo and video contests, as well as online legal knowledge competitions. These initiatives help expand participation and enhance interactivity.

Recently, the Dong Nai Provincial Labor Federation launched the “Beautiful Labor Photos” contest for female workers and public employees. Each unit is invited to select its 10 best photos to submit either to the Provincial Labor Federation or via the Dong Nai Provincial Labor Federation’s Facebook page. Notably, through this online contest, Trade Union members and workers participated enthusiastically, submitting photos that capture female workers diligently engaged in their tasks. The contest serves to honor traditional beauty and celebrate the dedication and spirited efforts of workers in their labor and production activities.

Bui Thi Bich Thuy, Standing Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai Provincial Labor Federation, noted that the “Beautiful Labor Photos” contest for female workers and public employees provides a new platform for women from various units and enterprises to participate, showcasing their beauty in the workplace, particularly their diligence in labor. The Dong Nai Trade Union will also continue to organize the Ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress) and ba ba blouse fashion contest, which promises to deliver a fresh and engaging experience for workers throughout the province.

With numerous effective models in activities that support workers’ spiritual lives from provincial to grassroots levels, it has helped compensate for the shortage of cultural playgrounds for workers in industrial parks. However, for the cultural playground to genuinely serve as a sustainable spiritual support for workers, collaboration is essential from government authorities, trade unions, businesses, and society as a whole. Investing in workers’ cultural lives is also an investment in the sustainable development of the labor force and the province.

By Nguyen Hoa - Translated by Huyen Trang, Minho