In an effort to create a more inclusive and diverse workplace, it’s essential to recognize and celebrate holidays that may be overlooked in traditional calendars. We asked 12 professionals from various industries to share one often-overlooked day that should be included on an inclusive holiday calendar. From World Homeless Day to International Youth Day, these suggestions aim to foster a more inclusive and supportive work environment for all.
- Include World Homeless Day
- Day After New Year’s Holiday
- Recognize LGBTQ+ Rights Day
- Celebrate Indigenous People’s Day
- Honor International Migrants Day
- Embrace the International Day of Friendship
- Acknowledge NBA Championship Series
- Support Persons With Disabilities Day
- Raise Awareness on Autism Day
- Promote the International Day of Peace
- Value International Day of Cooperatives
- Empower International Youth Day
Include World Homeless Day
Inclusion in all facets of life is important, especially for holidays. An often overlooked day that should be included on an inclusive holiday calendar is World Homeless Day. This special occasion, held each year on October 10th, brings attention to the tragedy of homelessness and encourages people everywhere to get involved in finding a solution.
Because it isn’t as widely recognized as other days such as Christmas or Thanksgiving, this day often goes unnoticed but has the potential to affect a significant change in communities around the world.
Day After New Year’s Holiday
The day after New Year’s should be a holiday. If January 1st is not a Friday or Saturday, then most individuals will have to go to work as usual. In addition, hardly anyone wants to go to work on New Year’s Day.
That’s why in every office, there’s always that discussion, debate, or fistfight about who gets the day off and who has to put in a full day’s work. Having an extra day off during the holidays would make everything more pleasant. We may promote it as a time to reflect on the past year and count our blessings for the new one.
Recognize LGBTQ+ Rights Day
Observed on May 17th every year, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia is a day to raise awareness and promote the rights of LGBTQ+ people worldwide. It is a day to acknowledge and condemn discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals and communities.
Celebrate Indigenous People’s Day
Many people are unaware that the second Monday in October is recognized as Indigenous People’s Day in the United States. One of the best ways to support inclusivity in your company or industry is to recognize Indigenous People’s Day and give those who identify as Native Americans, Alaskan Natives, or First Nations a chance to celebrate the day however they choose.
This can be a great chance to learn more about the rich culture and history of indigenous peoples and to educate your workforce on how they can contribute to the betterment of Native American communities.
Honor International Migrants Day
Observed on December 18th every year, International Migrants Day is a day to recognize and honor the contributions and rights of migrants worldwide. It is a day to promote fair and humane migration policies, raise awareness of the challenges faced by migrants, and celebrate the diversity and richness of migrant cultures.
Embrace the International Day of Friendship
A day that should be celebrated on an inclusive holiday calendar is the International Day of Friendship. This day was established by the United Nations in 2011 to promote a culture of peace, inclusion, understanding, and global solidarity. This day is celebrated annually on July 30th and encourages people to connect with one another in a spirit of friendship and peace.
Acknowledge NBA Championship Series
The annual championship series of the National Basketball Association (NBA) is often overlooked by those who don’t follow basketball, but for many fans, it is an important holiday event. It brings excitement and anticipation all over the world, as we cheer on our favorite teams during what can be one of the most important sports competitions in the world. This tradition is commonly shared with friends and family, and it should definitely be included in any inclusive holiday calendar.
Support Persons With Disabilities Day
The International Day of Persons With Disabilities, which is observed on December 3rd each year, is often overlooked in company holiday calendars. Including this day in the holiday, the calendar can help to promote inclusivity, diversity, and social justice.
It provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the valuable contributions of people with disabilities and work towards a more fair and accessible society for all. By observing this day, businesses and organizations can show their commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible workplace for people with disabilities.
Raise Awareness on Autism Day
One often overlooked day that should be included on an inclusive holiday calendar is World Autism Awareness Day, which takes place on April 2nd each year. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and promoting understanding, acceptance, and support for individuals on the spectrum.
By including this day on your holiday calendar, you signal your organization’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and empathy for those with differing neurological experiences. Recognizing World Autism Awareness Day also provides an opportunity for employees to engage in conversations, educational activities, and initiatives that foster a more inclusive and supportive work environment for all.
Promote the International Day of Peace
Observed on September 21st every year, the International Day of Peace is a day to promote peace, non-violence, and global cooperation. It is a day to advocate for social justice, human rights, and environmental sustainability, and to build a culture of peace and understanding.
Value International Day of Cooperatives
The International Day of Cooperatives, celebrated on the first Saturday of July, is a day to celebrate the role and contributions of cooperatives in economic and social development. It is a day to recognize the values of cooperation, solidarity, and community engagement, and to promote sustainable and fair economic systems.
Empower International Youth Day
Celebrated on August 12th every year, International Youth Day is a day to recognize the contributions and potential of young people around the world. It is a day to promote youth empowerment, engagement, and participation in social, economic, and political spheres.
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