Wei-Ya goes way beyond feasts with entertainers

It has long been a tradition in local business circles that companies host grand feasts and give out extravagant gifts to treat their employees on Wei-Ya (尾牙), the 16th day of the 12th lunar month.

It is traditionally the time of year when the boss treats his employees to a lavish banquet during which gifts are exchanged as a token of appreciation for the year's work. Wei-Ya parties are also a time when employers rate their employees' performances.

In addition to special festive delicacies, the bosses pull out all the stops to entertain their employees. Some company heads and executives go to elaborate lengths to make sure their employees are entertained, such as inviting pop idols to give concerts. Last week, for example, Inventec Group (英業達集團) that invited A-Mei (張惠妹) and Wubai (伍佰) to entertain their employees.

Other firms have shifted the indoor extravagance to the outdoors this year. One company entertained its staff with a paintball game, during which the employees shot at the people they dislike the most -- the bosses, of course.