Top 9 Special Days Every HR Team Should Have In The Calendar For 2024

Do those “special” days creep up on you and your HR team? How many times has your Human Resources department had to do a last-minute scramble for Employee Appreciation Day, or International Women’s day?

Numerous holidays and special days occur throughout the year, allowing you to acknowledge the events and values important to your employees and necessary to your company’s success. Mark your calendars for these nine special days every HR team should acknowledge, then learn tips for how to celebrate these key dates within your workplace.

Here is a list of a few special days that won’t already be covered by your calendar app (like Thanksgiving or Labor Day). Add these ones to your calendar and plan ahead for 2024!

#1 Employee appreciation day: 1st Friday in March

This one’s good for every workplace! Employee appreciation day is an important opportunity for employers to recognize and thank their employees for the hard work they put in every day. It is a chance to show your staff how much you value them and to let them know that their contributions are valued and appreciated. Celebrating appreciation day demonstrates that you care about your employees’ well-being, which can lead to increased morale, improved job satisfaction, and ultimately higher productivity.

#2 International Women’s Day: March 8th

Celebrating this special day is a great way to recognize the contributions made by women in the workplace and demonstrate a commitment to promoting gender equality. This day can also be used as an opportunity to discuss issues related to work-life balance, equal pay, and career advancement opportunities.

#3 International Pride Month: June 28

Is your workplace a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community? Leave no doubt in employees’ minds by celebrating International Pride Day on June 28. Consider sharing an Instagram story and sending a company-wide email to acknowledge this worthy day of awareness.

#4 International Self-Care Day: July 24

Many workplaces don’t acknowledge or promote work-life balance, but you must emphasize this necessity to retain happy, satisfied employees. Celebrate International Self-Care Day on July 24, by giving away a massage or spa day gift card.

#5 National Wellness Month in August

As a human resources worker, you understand the value of overall physical, mental, and emotional wellness. In celebration of National Wellness Month, your HR department can organize a month-long wellness campaign this August. You can even offer incentive rewards like gift cards to the top five campaign performers.

#6 National Work-From-Home Week: 1st week in October

National Work From Home Week (#WFHWeek) is an opportunity for your HR team to recognize the technological and cultural advancements that allow employees to be productive anywhere in the world. Your department can celebrate working from home during this week in October and throughout the year by sending out DoorDash gift cards that employees can use to purchase lunch while working from their home offices.

#7 World Mental Health Day: October 10

Show your employees you care about their mental health and well-being by acknowledging World Mental Health Day on October 10. Your team can send out tips for living a stress-free life and resources to help employees struggling with mental health.

Even just giving a nod to World Mental health day on your Instagram story can demonstrate your commitment to this necessary cause without intruding too far into employees’ personal lives.

#8 National Gratitude Month in November

National Gratitude Month is the perfect time to reward employees for their dedication to the company. Show your appreciation throughout the month by sending digital gift cards at random times, offering additional PTO days, bringing in catered lunches, and even just sending out heartfelt “thank you” emails.

#9 Extraordinary Work Team Recognition Day: December 4

December 4 is an annual celebration of workplace teams. You know teams are pivotal to the success of your organization, so why not reward your highest performers? Whether you send eligible employees a digital gift card code or allow the top-ranking team to leave early on a Friday, you’ll showcase that teamwork makes the dream work.