Work life is punctuated by special days that provide unique opportunities to congratulate and recognize the work accomplished by employees. These days also promote the creation of a positive work environment. However, if you are not aware of them, you may be missing out on many opportunities to strengthen employee relationships within your company. For this reason, we have compiled a non-exhaustive list of relevant days to celebrate at work. Without further ado, let's get to the heart of the matter.
International Mentoring Day - January 17
During Mentoring Month, this day is an opportunity to remind your team or introduce them to the benefits of mentoring. Particularly useful during periods of transition, mentoring is frequently used to prepare the next generation, support professional integration, facilitate the reception of immigrants, encourage knowledge transfer, and support career planning. In addition, it helps establish a culture of mutual aid focused on sharing and collaboration. If you have already implemented a mentoring program in your company, this day is ideal to highlight it.
Also read: How to recognize your employees without overloading your HR team?
Employee Appreciation Day - 1st Friday in March
Employee Appreciation Day is the perfect opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions of employees. To make this day a success, you can organize special activities or simply take the time to thank your employees. Our suggestion? Play Totem, a Quebec game that allows employees to discover their strengths and qualities through the eyes of their colleagues and managers. No matter how you mark the event, Employee Appreciation Day is the perfect time to show them that they are appreciated and that their work is essential to the success of the company.
International Fun at Work Day - April 1st
Who said work always had to be serious? April 1st, the same day as April Fool's Day, is International Fun at Work Day, a unique excuse to remind people that joy and good humor can also have their place in the office. As HR managers, you have the power to turn this day into a memorable moment for your teams. Whether it's by organizing fun activities, adding a touch of humor to your internal communications, or encouraging a relaxed atmosphere, make your employees' well-being a priority. After all, a pleasant work environment is the key to motivation and productivity!
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Administrative Support Staff Week - Last Week of April
Formerly known as Secretaries' Day, Administrative Support Staff Week highlights the essential role of these employees in various workplaces. As part of this day, which remains relevant despite (or because of) its evolution since 1950, you can offer gifts to your administrative support staff members to show them your appreciation. A membership in the Association du personnel de soutien administratif du Québec (APSAQ) is also a great way to reward them for their unwavering support. Of course, all recognition days and weeks associated with a profession or trade practiced in your company are relevant to celebrate.
Mental Health Week - 1st full week of May
Created in 1951 by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), this week is an invitation to learn about mental health issues and talk about them together. According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, "70% of Canadian employees are concerned about psychological health and safety at work and 14% believe that their workplace is neither healthy nor safe." Take advantage of Mental Health Week to promote mental well-being, implement concrete actions to improve mental health at work and break certain taboos.
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National Day of Sport and Physical Activity - May 2
This day aims to help people discover or rediscover the pleasure of moving, regardless of the physical activity, the location and the objective. At work, National Sports and Physical Activity Day (NSPAD) is a way to remind your employees that you also care about their physical well-being. If you are planning to organize a team-building sports activity, this is the perfect time. If you have a tight budget, you can also simply take advantage of it to organize an active break that will suit both employees in person and working remotely.
Labor Day - 1st Monday in September
Officialized in 1894, Labour Day has its origins in the Toronto printers' strike of 1872. At that time, printers were struggling to work less than 12 hours a day. Today, this holiday is mainly a way to recognize the work of employees and the end of summer. If your team has to work on Labour Day, think about showing them that you appreciate their presence and dedication. Offer snacks or express your gratitude through words of appreciation. This gesture will strengthen their motivation and they will feel recognized for their daily efforts.
National Bosses Day - October 16
While bosses play a vital role in the direction and success of a business, they are often overlooked when it comes to recognition at work. However, behind the status of boss is a person who also needs to feel appreciated for their qualities and commitment. National Bosses Day is an opportunity to recognize their leadership and vision. It is also a good time to show them gratitude for their trust. To mark the occasion, why not surprise your boss with a collective team testimonial, a special day where they will be free of certain tasks, or a unique experience to relax?
International Volunteer Day - December 5
If you work for a for-profit organization, you probably depend on the involvement of many volunteers. December 5th is therefore the perfect date to highlight the importance of their contribution to your mission. If you work for a company, this day remains an opportunity to recognize the commitment of your team members who get involved in a cause that is close to their hearts.
New Year's Eve - December 31
New Year’s Eve marks the end of one year and the beginning of a new one. Take this opportunity to reflect on the past year, celebrate successes, and look forward to new challenges for the year ahead. In the wake of the holiday festivities, you can also organize a festive event to strengthen bonds between team members.
Accolad, the solution for a successful celebration of important days
You have just discovered a list of relevant days to celebrate within your organization. To use them properly as a recognition lever, calling on the support of a specialist or a powerful tool can greatly help you. For this reason, we recommend Accolad. Its technological solutions are effective in highlighting any event at work. Based on an automation system, they allow you to reward and thank your employees in just a few clicks. In addition, it has a rewards store that offers modern and popular choices for your employees.
By choosing Accolad, you are choosing the support of recognition experts from the beginning of the process to the end. You also benefit from tools that will allow you to save as much time as possible on the various tasks to be accomplished. Chat with an expert now to discover the hidden power of Accolad.