7 December, 2023
Introduction
In the realm of human resources, the significance of acknowledging and celebrating special days throughout the year cannot be overstated. This blog delves into days that not only mark cultural, social, or personal events but also present invaluable opportunities for organizations to enhance employee engagement, fortify team cohesion, and foster a thriving workplace culture! While we continue with our blog series on creating a culture of appreciation in the organization, this calendar could not have been missed. Use this practical guide to plan events, contests, communication campaigns, and appreciation fests!
National Employee Appreciation Day: Friday, March 1st, 2023
Organize a team lunch, offer personalized notes of appreciation, or give out awards to outstanding employees.
International Women’s Day: Friday, March 8th, 2024
Host a panel discussion on gender equality, showcase successful women in your company, or arrange a mentorship program.
Holi: March 25th, Monday
Initiate a day where different teams dress up in different colors, make it a colorful event at the workplace, and ask teams to post photos on Gratifi!
Earth Day: Monday, April 22nd, 2024
Ask employees to plant a tree and post a photo of their plantations on Gratifi! Give out environmentally friendly rewards and ideas.
Administrative Professionals Day: Wednesday, April 24th, 2024
Ask employees to write a note of appreciation for their colleagues in the Admin Department. They work hard to make sure every day at the workplace goes smoothly.
Mental Health Awareness Month: May 2024
Offer workshops on stress management, and mindfulness sessions, or provide mental health resources to employees. Ask employees how they take care of their mental health.
International Pride Month: June 28th
Create awareness of the stigma associated with addressing LGBTQIA+ persons in the workplace. Conduct workshops on pronouns, stigma, etc. Appreciate a colleague who identifies with the community and makes them feel seen and heard.
International Self-Care Day: Wednesday, July 24th, 2024
Self-care comes in many forms. Ask employees to have a discussion on what they consider self-care and how it helps them. Initiate ways of self-care that boost positivity and mental well-being!
National Intern Day: Thursday, July 25th, 2024
Conduct a fun activity for the interns in the office and make them feel at home! Recognize them for their efforts since they’ve been around.
Parents’ Day: Sunday, July 28th, 2024
Make it a half-day for all the parents in the office! Conduct a “bring your child/ren to work” day.
HR Professional Day: Thursday, September 26th, 2024
Say thanks to your colleagues in HR for all that they do that goes unnoticed, often! Introduce a week of gratitude #ThankyouHRs.
World Mental Health Day: Thursday, October 10th, 2024
Create awareness about therapy and conduct sessions on mental health awareness and how to tackle them. Introduce counseling sessions with a psychologist for all employees who sign up.
Halloween: Thursday, October 31, 2024
Trick or Treat? Create a fun activity, and ask people to dress up as their favorite movie/TV show characters in the office.
National Gratitude Month in November
The ideal opportunity to thank employees for their commitment to the organization is during National Gratitude Month. Sending random e-gift cards during the month is an excellent approach to express your appreciation to others.
International Men’s’ Day: 19th November 2024
Host a panel discussion on gender equality, showcase successful men in your company, or arrange a mentorship program.
Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 24th, 2024
Arrange a gratitude wall, encourage teams to share what they’re thankful for, or organize a volunteer activity as a team!
Extraordinary Work Team Recognition Day: December 4th
December 4 is an annual celebration of teams who excel at the tasks they’re given with teamwork. You know teams are pivotal to the success of your organization, so why not reward your highest performers?
Conclusion
Employees are the heartbeat of any organization, their dedication, and efforts propelling success. Acknowledging their contributions through these special days is more than a gesture; it’s a powerful tool for HR departments to weave a tapestry of goodwill, mutual respect, and camaraderie within the workplace.
So, as the days unfold and the calendar pages turn, let us embrace these opportunities to celebrate, appreciate, and connect. In doing so, we not only mark a day but also enrich the human experience within the workplace—a legacy that reverberates long after the celebration ends. On that note, Happy New Year! May 2024 bring you many days that make you smile. Contact us if you’re looking for a way to make all your employees smile- bring a culture of appreciation to your organization with Gratifi!
