Rising before dawn, heading to the garment factory, working to the constant hum of machines and fixed schedules – this is the everyday reality for thousands of garment workers in Bangladesh. But even in the middle of busy workdays, people look for moments of joy, rest, and time together. Keeping that in mind, at the beginning of each year, Hop Lun gently breaks this familiar rhythm. For a few days, the company organizes its annual picnic, where work uniforms give way to colorful smiles and fatigue is replaced by joy.
Stepping away from work pressure, tight schedules, and daily routines, this year’s annual picnic brought together 20,000 employees from Hop Lun’s eight factories across Bangladesh, turning a simple outing into a special gathering of connection and renewal.
Spread across multiple days and paid for entirely by the company, the event ensured that everyone had a chance to join – regardless of which factory they worked at or what shift they were on. It was meant to provide workers with a mental break before the busy year begins.
For many workers, stepping away from factory floors into a festive open space brought an immediate emotional change. The day was packed with fun – cultural shows, games, shared meals – all creating moments where people connect as humans, not just coworkers. When top executives sit and eat alongside factory workers, something shifts. Walls come down. Understanding grows.
“People are the strength of Hop Lun,” said Nishanth Mohottige, Country Head of Hop Lun Bangladesh. “This is our way of showing care and respect towards them. When employees feel happy, refreshed, and valued, they return to work with a stronger focus and commitment. We believe this approach sets an example for the RMG sector in Bangladesh.”
For Sabina Akter, an operator at Hop Lun Apparel Limited, the picnic was more than just a day of fun. She said, “We work throughout the year without taking a break from our regular routine. But at the picnic, we could forget about work for a while. We're all equal here, just enjoying ourselves. It makes me so proud to work somewhere that actually cares.” To most employees like Sabina, it isn’t simply about a day out. It’s about getting appreciated and feeling that they truly matter.
At last, as the buses headed back to the factories, the stress of the previous year was gone, replaced by a sense of belonging and shared spark of enthusiasm for the months ahead.
