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Are you eagerly anticipating the August DEI holidays?
Our curated list of holidays for August includes common celebrations, plus unique and engaging DEI-focused opportunities for creating inclusion and supporting a high-performance culture. Stay informed and celebrate with us.
Month-long celebrations in August
National Wellness Month
August is National Wellness Month, which promotes self-care, stress management and healthy routines. National Wellness Month is an excellent opportunity to encourage your employees to focus on their wellbeing by making small changes – like trying a new activity or drinking more water – to improve their overall health.
Black Business Month
In 2018, more than 3.2 million Black-owned U.S. businesses employed more than 1.18 million workers, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. National Black Business Month was established in 2004 by two Black entrepreneurs, Frederick E. Jordan and John William Templeton, to showcase and encourage Black business owners.
Supporting Black business owners is crucial. Patronage is needed as companies rebound from the pandemic while facing systemic racism. Plus, advocating for and promoting Black businesses can promote diversity and inclusion, as Black-owned companies tend to hire more diverse workforces.
National Back to School Month
National Back to School Month is a great time to provide additional support to your team's parents as they prepare for the new school year. Consider celebrating with local school supply drives or engaging classes that support parents and caregivers.
Additional August DEI holidays
August 1
International Childfree Day
International Childfree Day honors people who have chosen to live a childfree life. In addition to celebrating choice and the childfree lifestyle, International Childfree Day helps normalize adulting without children. Workplaces can join in by hosting discussions on diverse life choices, encouraging employees to share their own stories or even nominating a "non-parent" of the year.
August 4
National Coast Guard Day
National Coast Guard Day commemorates the establishment of the United States Coast Guard. It's a day to honor the bravery and dedication of the people who serve and served in the Coast Guard.
August 7
Purple Heart Day
The Purple Heart was created on August 7, 1782, to honor those wounded or killed in the line of combat. Purple Heart Day is designated to remember their sacrifices.
August 9
International Coworking Day
In an increasingly remote world, coworking helps bring human connection to those who don’t go into an office daily. Additionally, coworking fosters collaboration and provides a space for professionals to share ideas and collaborate. You can celebrate International Coworking Day with classes about collaboration or by renting coworking spaces in communities where you have enough employees to support the initiative.
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
There are more than 476 million indigenous people worldwide, representing 5,000 cultures. Despite their cultural differences, they share common problems in protecting their rights. For years, indigenous people have sought recognition of their identities, their ways of life and their rights to traditional lands, territories and natural resources. The International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is commemorated to raise awareness of the needs of these population groups.
National Book Lovers Day
National Book Lovers Day on August 9th is a dream come true for all bookworms! It’s the perfect excuse to find a cozy spot and dive into a good book, whether it's fiction or non-fiction. Workplaces can join the fun by organizing a book swap, setting up a cozy reading corner or even hosting a lunchtime book club.
August 13
International Left-Handers Day
Celebrate while raising awareness about the challenges left-handed people face in a world designed for right-handed individuals. In preparation for International Left-Handers Day, research how your organization can make things more accessible to the left-handed members of your team. (Left-handed accessories can boost productivity!)
August 14
National Financial Awareness Day
National Financial Awareness Day is the perfect time to get your money matters in order! Whether you're a finance newbie or a budgeting pro, it's a great day to revisit your financial goals and brush up on best practices.
Your organization can observe by hosting a financial wellness workshop, sharing budgeting tips or organizing a lunch-and-learn with a financial advisor. Encourage your team to set personal finance goals and discuss strategies for better money management.
August 15
National Relaxation Day
Self-care isn't selfish. Take a deep breath, and help your employees enjoy National Relaxation Day! Here are some ideas to observe the holiday:
- Practice mindfulness: Take a few minutes to meditate, focus on your breath or pay attention to your surroundings without judgment.
- Spend time in nature: Being in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health.
- Treat yourself: Take some time to indulge in something that makes you feel good.
- Disconnect: Turn off your phone, log off social media and disconnect from the digital world for a few hours. Disconnecting can help you feel more present and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
August 19
World Humanitarian Day
World Humanitarian Day (WHD) is observed in memory of the 22 humanitarian aid workers who lost their lives in the 2003 bombing of the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq. The day focuses on advocating for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises, and for the safety and security of aid workers.
Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan, or Rakhi, is a beautiful Hindu festival that honors the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a Rakhi around their brothers' wrists, praying for their wellbeing, while brothers vow to protect them. Workplaces can join the celebration by encouraging employees to share stories and traditions, or even host a small Rakhi tying ceremony. Greet your colleagues with "Happy Raksha Bandhan!" and celebrate the spirit of sibling love and protection!
August 19-23
National Management Training Week
Get ready to level up! National Management Training Week happens every third full week in August. This week is all about equipping managers with the tools and skills they need to lead their teams to success. Your organization can participate by organizing workshops, setting up mentor programs or launching internal training initiatives.
Not sure where to start? Check out the 5 competencies today's managers need most or explore our Modern Manager Training program.
August 26
Women’s Equality Day
Women’s Equality Day commemorates the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which gave women the right to vote. Women’s Equality Day also recognizes ongoing efforts toward achieving gender equality.
Janmashtami
This vibrant Hindu festival honors the birth of Lord Krishna, featuring dance-dramas, fasting, and delicious sweets. Workplaces can join in by hosting a cultural event, encouraging employees to dress in traditional attire or sharing stories and sweets to celebrate the spirit of Krishna's teachings. Be sure to wish each other "Happy Krishna Janmashtami!"
National Dog Day
This day is all about honoring our furry friends and raising awareness for dog adoption. Your organization can join the celebration by organizing a "Bring Your Dog to Work" day, sharing adorable pet photos on the company’s social media or recognizing pet parents with special treats for their pups. Consider hosting a virtual pet parade or a donation drive for local animal shelters.
August 30
National Grief Awareness Day
Grief is a natural response to loss of any kind, often coming from life changes, identity shifts and trauma. As a people leader, it’s important to recognize and honor all types of grief as valid. National Grief Awareness Day is an opportunity to educate everyone on grief and offer resources for those experiencing grief.
*Indicates a holiday that begins at sundown the day prior.
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