Employee Engagement Calendar - April 2023
March 28, 2023by Carissa Harrison in Workplace Wellbeing
Important dates and employee engagement ideas for the month of April.
Stress Awareness Month: April 1st - 30th
The month of April is dedicated to reducing stress! The goal of stress awareness month is to encourage people to identify and manage their stressors, adopt healthy coping mechanisms, and improve their overall well-being. During this month, individuals and organizations around the world participate in various activities and events to promote stress management and self-care.
Engagement Ideas
- Attend a mindfulness workshop - this month we are offering Mindfulness for Children with Laure Sabini
- Create a stress free-zone: Designate a quiet area in the workplace where employees can take a break from their work and relax.
- Encourage breaks: This can include short walks, stretching, or simply taking a few deep breaths.
April Fools' Day - April 1st
April Fools' Day is a holiday celebrated on the first of April each year. It's a day when people traditionally play practical jokes and hoaxes on each other, often resulting in laughter and good-natured fun. The origins of the holiday are unclear, but it has been celebrated for centuries in various cultures around the world.
Engagement Ideas
- Have everyone share the funniest April Fool's joke they have played on someone, or had played on them.
- Decorate the office: decorate the office with funny signs, balloons, and other decorations to celebrate the holiday.
World Autism Awareness Day - April 2nd
World Autism Awareness Day was first established by the United Nations in 2007 to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and promotes the rights and well-being of individuals with ASD. The day serves as an opportunity to increase understanding and acceptance of autism, and to celebrate the unique talents and abilities of people with autism.
Engagement Ideas
- Wear blue: This is the official colour of World Autism Awareness Day.
- Fundraising activities: Organize a fundraising event in support of an autism charity or organization.
- Promote Autism-friendly practices: You can encourage your workplace to adopt autism-friendly practices, such as providing a quiet space for employees who may be sensitive to noise or bright light.
World Health Day - April 7th
Each year, the WHO chooses a specific health topic to focus on and promotes awareness and action through various campaigns, events, and activities. The theme for 2023 is "Building a fairer, healthier world". The day serves as a reminder of the importance of good health and well-being and encourages individuals, organizations, and governments to take action to improve health outcomes for all.
Engagement Ideas
- Promote DEI in the workplace. You can do this through workshops, training, and leading by example.
- Speak to your team about how they feel you could build a "fairer, healthier" workplace.
Mindfulness for Children Workshop - April 12th
When children learn the skill of mindfulness, they are better able to control their emotions because they have the space to choose how they want to respond. Join Laure Sabini for this 45-minute session where we will dive into mindfulness, the physiology behind it, why it is important for children, and how to start practicing with your kids.
National Stress Awareness Day - April 16th
National Stress Awareness Day is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of stress on our physical and mental health. Stress is a natural response to challenges and can help us perform under pressure, but chronic stress can have negative effects on our health and well-being. On National Stress Awareness Day, individuals and organizations are encouraged to learn more about stress and to take steps to manage and reduce stress in their lives.
Engagement Ideas
- Promote a positive workplace culture: A positive and supportive workplace culture can help to reduce stress and promote well-being. Encourage open communication, collaboration, and respect among employees.
- Organize a yoga or meditation class: Yoga and meditation are great ways to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Earth Day - April 22nd
The first Earth Day was held in 1970 and it has since become a global movement, with over 190 countries participating in various activities to promote sustainable living and protect the environment. Earth Day activities can include everything from planting trees, cleaning up parks and beaches, and promoting renewable energy sources. The goal of Earth Day is to inspire people around the world to take action to protect our planet and ensure a healthy and sustainable future for generations to come.
Engagement Ideas
- Promote eco-friendly practices: using reusable water bottles and coffee cups, reducing paper usage, and using energy-efficient appliances.
- Organize a clean-up day.
- Offer a green commuting incentive: Encourage employees to use eco-friendly transportation options, such as biking, walking, or carpooling. Offer incentives such as coffee gift cards, or a paid day off to the person who commutes in an eco-friendly way, the most often.
