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Workplace holidays to celebrate in March

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March 2027 offers HR, People and L&D teams opportunities to recognize women’s history, disability inclusion, employee appreciation, religious observances and global awareness days. Use this calendar to plan inclusive workplace communications and activities, while giving employees flexibility around observances that may vary by tradition, location or lunar calendar.

March 2027 workplace holidays at a glance

Electives is excited to provide resources that help your organization honor holidays that are important to your diverse workforce and build an inclusive, high-performance culture. Use the dates and context below as a starting point, then ask employees how they would like their workplace to acknowledge the observances that matter to them.

This blog post was updated on August 28, 2026, and features dates for March 2027.

Month-long celebrations in March

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

March is an opportunity to recognize the positive contributions people with intellectual and developmental disabilities make in society every day. Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month also raises awareness of barriers people may face, fosters understanding and encourages workplace accessibility and inclusion.

Gender Equality Month

Gender Equality Month raises awareness of gender bias and creates space to recognize the social, academic, political and cultural contributions of women. HR and L&D teams can use the month to explore gender equity issues in the workplace.

Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month commemorates the vital role women have played in American history. From science to politics, March gives us a chance to reflect on trailblazing women and the changes they helped create.

Irish-American Heritage Month

First celebrated in 1991, Irish-American Heritage Month honors the achievements and contributions of Irish immigrants and their descendants living in the U.S.

Additional March 2027 holidays and observances

March 1

Zero Discrimination Day

Zero Discrimination Day supports a global movement to end all forms of discrimination. It is a day to affirm every person’s right to live a full and productive life with dignity and without discrimination.

International Women of Color Day

International Women of Color Day recognizes women of color and Indigenous women, including those working for justice, equality, reparations and a sustainable world. Workplaces can mark the day by highlighting contributions without asking individual employees to speak for an entire community.

March 5

Employee Appreciation Day

The first Friday of March is Employee Appreciation Day. Recognition should not be limited to one day a year, but March 5 is a useful prompt to thank employees with specific, meaningful appreciation.

March 5-6

Global Day of Unplugging

The Global Day of Unplugging is a 24-hour invitation to disconnect from technology and reconnect with yourself and others. Encourage employees to set healthy boundaries around email, phones, laptops and AI agents, while keeping participation voluntary and realistic for their roles.

Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power)*

Laylatul Qadr is a significant night for Muslims, observed on an odd night during the last ten nights of Ramadan. In 2027, it is expected around March 5 or 6, although the date may vary by community and moon sighting. Also known as the Night of Decree or Night of Power, it commemorates the revelation of the first verses of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad.

March 6

Maha Shivratri*

This Hindu festival honors Lord Shiva. Observances vary, but may include fasting, prayer, meditation, temple worship and an overnight vigil.

March 8

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the social, cultural, political and economic achievements of women. It is also an opportunity for organizations to examine barriers to gender equality and identify practical actions they can take.

March 10

Eid al-Fitr*

Eid al-Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast, marks the end of Ramadan. In 2027, it is expected around March 9 or 10, depending on moon sighting and location. The holiday is a time for prayer, charitable giving, festive meals, family gatherings, gifts and community.

Common greetings include “Eid Mubarak,” meaning “Have a blessed Eid,” as well as “Blessed Eid” and “Happy Eid.”

March 12

National Working Moms Day

National Working Moms Day recognizes mothers balancing paid work, caregiving and family responsibilities. People leaders can use the day to listen to working parents and review whether workplace practices provide meaningful flexibility and support.

Date to be announced

Women’s Equal Pay Day

Women’s Equal Pay Day symbolizes how far into a new year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year. The date is set using updated earnings data, so HR teams should confirm the official 2027 date before scheduling communications. The observance can prompt a broader review of pay equity, promotion practices and salary transparency.

March 13

Smart and Sexy Day

Smart and Sexy Day is an initiative to empower women by highlighting the importance of intelligence and confidence in personal and professional success.

March 14

Daylight Saving Time begins

Daylight Saving Time begins in most U.S. locations at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 14, 2027. Clocks move forward by one hour. Because not every state or territory observes the change, distributed teams should confirm local time zones when scheduling meetings.

Pi Day

Pi Day marks the numerical date 3/14, matching the first three digits of π, or 3.14. The day was especially memorable in 2015, when the date corresponded with π to five digits: 3.1415. It is also Albert Einstein’s birthday.

In the workplace, celebrate Pi Day by sharing pies, offering fun facts about π or organizing a math-themed trivia activity. Make food-based activities inclusive by considering allergies, dietary needs and remote employees.

Genius Day

Celebrated on Albert Einstein’s birthday, Genius Day recognizes creativity, curiosity and problem-solving. Consider inviting employees to share an idea, teach a skill or discuss how thoughtful AI learning and practice can change how work gets done.

March 17

St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day recognizes the patron saint of Ireland and celebrates Irish culture and heritage. Parades, festivals and céilithe mark the day. In the U.S., people often wear green or display shamrocks.

March 20

International Day of Happiness

In 2011, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution recognizing happiness as a “fundamental human goal” and calling for a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth. In 2012, it designated March 20 as the International Day of Happiness. Organizations can use the day to consider how workplace practices support employee wellbeing and a positive employee experience.

March 21

World Down Syndrome Day

World Down Syndrome Day is observed on March 21, a date chosen to represent the triplication of the 21st chromosome associated with Down syndrome. Officially observed by the United Nations since 2012, the day advocates for the rights, inclusion and wellbeing of people with Down syndrome.

Workplaces can share educational resources, host an accessibility discussion or highlight the contributions of people with Down syndrome. Include disabled voices in planning and avoid activities that reduce the day to symbolism alone.

National Single Parent Day

National Single Parent Day recognizes the contributions and challenges of single parents. People leaders can use the observance to consider whether benefits, scheduling norms and workplace communications reflect a wide range of family structures.

(Learn more about discussing modern family dynamics in the workplace.)

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday is observed by many Christians on the Sunday before Easter, marking Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem and the beginning of Holy Week. Practices may include church services, processions and the blessing of palms.

March 22

Holi*

Holi is a Hindu festival celebrating spring, love and new life. Traditions and timing vary by region, but celebrations are often associated with color, community and the story of Holika and Prahlad. Workplace activities should respect the religious and cultural meaning of the festival rather than treating it only as a color-themed event.

March 23

Purim*

The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the survival of the Jewish people in ancient Persia from Haman’s plot, as recorded in the Book of Esther. Traditions include reading the Megillah, giving to people in need, sending food gifts, wearing costumes and sharing a festive meal.

Common greetings include “Chag Purim Sameach” in Hebrew and “Ah Freilichen Purim” in Yiddish, both wishing someone a happy Purim.

March 26

Good Friday

Good Friday is observed by Christians on the Friday before Easter to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In many denominations, it is a solemn day of prayer, fasting, repentance or reflection.

March 28

Easter Sunday

Easter is a major Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Workplace communications should recognize that traditions and levels of observance vary among Christian employees.

March 31

International Transgender Day of Visibility

International Transgender Day of Visibility celebrates transgender people, their lives and their contributions to society. It also raises awareness of the discrimination and barriers transgender people may face. Organizations can pair recognition with year-round attention to respectful language, equitable policies and psychological safety.

*Dates for some religious observances begin at sundown the prior day or vary by tradition, location and lunar calendar. Confirm locally before finalizing workplace schedules.

Looking for more holiday calendars? Click the month you want to see:

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December | Full-year overview

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Frequently asked questions

What workplace holidays are celebrated in March 2027?

March 2027 includes Women’s History Month, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Employee Appreciation Day, International Women’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, World Down Syndrome Day, Holi, Purim, Good Friday, Easter and other cultural, religious and awareness observances.

How can HR teams celebrate March holidays inclusively?

Choose activities that educate without stereotyping, invite voluntary participation, avoid asking employees to represent an entire community and provide flexibility for religious or cultural observances. Confirm lunar-calendar dates locally before finalizing schedules.

When is Employee Appreciation Day in 2027?

Employee Appreciation Day is Friday, March 5, 2027. It is observed on the first Friday in March, but meaningful employee recognition should continue throughout the year.

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