Emily Mellwood
Welcome to April, longer days, warmer weather and a whole new host of exciting observances, celebrations and holidays!
In case you missed it (or just need a little more time), check out our post about April observances and holidays. For now, though, let’s dive into what’s in store for us next month in May.
Celebrating human connection
May boasts a broad variety of opportunities to connect with colleagues of all walks and backgrounds. The U.S. observes Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month this month to highlight the unique history and heritage of these ethnic groups. Additionally, we observe Mexican pride and resilience on Cinco de Mayo (May 5th).
May also features two big days for humorists and joy, with World Laughter Day on the 3rd and National Laughter Day on the 6th. Take the opportunity in the first handful of days of May to celebrate the value of laughter in life – and the office – and bring a little levity to your spring. Note also that May 1st is Global Love Day and a perfect opportunity to remind your employees that they matter well beyond Employee Appreciation Day in March. Don’t forget to shoutout your mothers on staff for Mother’s Day (May 10th)!
May 17th is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, reminding us all the value and importance of accepting others as they are – and five days later (May 22nd), we recognize Harvey Milk Day and the value of his contributions to LGBTQ+ activism in the U.S.
And just in case you need a formal invitation, May 15th is National Pizza Party Day, so pick your favorite local shop and cater lunch for your people!
Spotlight on healthcare professions 🏥
Healthcare organizations in particular have a busy month to ensure nobody gets left out, but putting in the effort will prove worth it for employee engagement and belonging. Consider formalized recognition moments for each population and, if budgets allow, even a small reward to demonstrate appreciation on these dates. Concentrate efforts around National Nurses Week (May 6 – 12) to minimize disruptions and maximize budget efficiency, but consider scheduling segmented emails to these populations to thank them for their time and efforts to make your organization strong.
Not a healthcare organization but want to show you care? Consider donating to a healthcare worker support charity organization, such as the American Nurses Foundation or The Emotional PPE Project to make a difference in the lives of the people who take care of us when we’re most vulnerable.
6th - National Nurses Day
12th - International Nurses Day
13th - National School Nurse Day
19th - World Family Doctor Day
20th - Emergency Medical Services for Children Day
Additional professional highlights
There are more people to celebrate in May outside of healthcare, and I wouldn’t dream of skipping them!
First up, on May 4th, the entire globe observes International Firefighters Day to highlight the professionals and volunteers around the world who put themselves in danger to protect their neighborhoods and cities. This is another excellent philanthropic opportunity for organizations looking for good ways to make real, tangible differences to their communities. Donate money, products or services (as relevant) to your local fire departments – or find a volunteer department in a more rural area and contribute to their ongoing survival.
National Password Day might feel like a side-step, and I’ll grant that it’s a stretch for the professional celebration section – but as technology continues to advance, cyber attacks and hacking advances faster than methods to stop them. Password hygiene is a critical element to your organization’s overall security posture, and using this opportunity to remind your people about the criticality of this one, small piece of the puzzle will make your IT security team breathe a sigh of relief. (You could even ask them to write the communication to give them a voice!)
May also features National Receptionists Day and International Customer Support Day, two important functions in a lot of organizations and worthy of acknowledgement and appreciation.
And – last but absolutely not least – International HR Day is May 20th! Don’t forget to let your organization celebrate your very own team and the work that you do to support it and its people – that’s you, too!
Wellbeing observances
April is Stress Awareness Month in the U.S., and we follow up with Mental Health Awareness Month in May, broadening the focus from the impacts of stress on bodily health to the overall climate of mental wellbeing – not just stress, but sleep quantity and quality, effects of exercise and sunshine, the roles of belonging, recognition and connection and more. This MHAM, offer your people a series of workshops on mental health topics like neurodivergence or the tangible value of choosing gratitude.
Throughout May, we also observe dates for common human ailments that disrupt our daily lives, such as National Asthma Day (May 5th) or National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day (May 18th) to celebrate the life-saving achievement of medical science. Observing these dates at work does not need significant input and can be as simple as a dedicated email send recommending covered preventative care options, testing or informational materials for anyone interested.
Additional dates in this category include:
19th - World IBD Day | Encourage your people to wear purple today to drive awareness of Irritable Bowel Diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, gastric disorders that cause a great number of people significant pain and distress. Fight stigma, raise awareness and make a difference.
24th - World Schizophrenia Day
And, lastly, we have these additional health-focused dates that are more about making the best of our time on this earth:
3rd - National Garden Meditation Day
7th - World Athletics Day
15th - National Bike to Work Day
Hobbies and interests corner
The thing I love most about humanity is just how diverse our collective interests are. In a world that is constantly seeking to squash wonder and minimize joy, push back against cynicism and celebrate something you love – or take an opportunity to find something new!
May is host to a variety of opportunities to connect with our colleagues on the things that make us happy – ask your office group chat where the best spots are for Free Comic Book Day (May 2nd)! Host a small scrapbooking contest for National Scrapbook Day (also May 2nd) for those who aren’t into comic books, but do love an artistic moment.
1st - National Space Day
4th - National Star Wars Day
7th - National Day of Reason | This observance celebrates “truth and reason”, but originates as an atheistic response to the National Day of Prayer (also May 7th). If your organization wishes to observe this date, focus primarily on the value of logical reasoning, honesty and transparency in your industry or business to avoid tension.
9th - National Train Day | If your organization is located amidst public transportation options, consider adding commuter benefits to your employees‘ benefits package. Not only does this help relieve the financial burden and stress of commuting into work, but it also drives connection and belonging.
10th - National Cactus Day
17th - World Baking Day | Host a bake sale for charity and let your employees stun you and your community with their stunning culinary creations – you could donate proceeds to a culinary charity organization like World Central Kitchen, the James Beard Foundation or Common Threads.
23rd - World Astronomy Day | This is a great opportunity for a casual trivia game with your people to name common astronomical structures or items, such as images of planets, moons or constellations to see who can get the most right. Don't forget to give out some space-themed prizes!
23rd - World Turtle Day
24th - National Scavenger Hunt Day
The snack bar
No monthly events post would be complete without at least a few tasty treat days – at least, not if you ask me! This month’s offerings are a little slimmer – but no less delicious.
2nd - National Truffle ( 🍄 ) Day
4th - National Orange Juice Day
13th - National Apple Pie Day
15th - National Chocolate Chip Day
28th - National Hamburger Day
Ready to plan beyond May? Check out our year-long HR calendar, packed full of holidays, celebrations and observances to make your employees shine all year long.
