Employee Engagement Calendar - May 2023
May 1, 2023by Carissa Harrison in Workplace Wellbeing
Important dates and employee engagement ideas for the month of May.
Mental Health Awareness Month
For the CheckingIn community, Mental Health Awareness Month is one of the most important times of the year!
This time reminds us all of the importance of seeking help when we are struggling with our mental health. It is a time to break down the barriers and stigma surrounding mental illness, which too often keeps people from seeking the help they need. Mental health conditions can strike anyone, regardless of their background, and it is important that we show compassion and understanding to those who are suffering.
Mental Health Awareness Month provides an opportunity for us to stand together as a community, support those who are struggling, and advocate for better access to mental health resources. We must work together to promote positive mental health and to ensure that everyone has access to the help they need.
National Teacher Appreciation Day - May 2nd
National Teacher Appreciation Day, celebrated on the first Tuesday of each year, is an important day to recognize and honour the invaluable contributions of teachers to our society. Teachers play a critical role in shaping the future by imparting knowledge and inspiring students to reach their full potential. They often go above and beyond to support their students, whether through providing extra help, mentoring, or counseling. National Teacher Appreciation Day provides an opportunity to show gratitude and thank teachers for their dedication and hard work.
Engagement Ideas
- Encourage your team to write personalized thank you notes to the teachers in their lives.
- Donate gift cards or vouchers to a local school on behalf of your organization.
'Ask a therapist' live session - May 5th
We know therapy can be expensive and inaccessible... which is why we want to give you a space to connect with a therapist, free of charge! "Ask a therapist" allows you to ask questions you may have pertaining to mental health, relationships, workplace wellbeing... anything really! Submit your questions here, and tune into our Instagram live session to get your answers. The 30-minute Q&A will run May 5th at 11AM PST and will be led by registered clinical counselors Ruth Unaegbu and Brittany Cowen.
Engagement Ideas
- Encourage your team to take advantage of this resource.
- Attend the live session as a team!
National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day - May 7th
National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day reminds us of the heart-wrenching struggles that our children face on a daily basis when it comes to their mental health. It's a day that forces us to confront the stark reality that our kids are not always okay and that they need our help and support to navigate the challenges of life. We cannot ignore the emotional needs of our kids any longer, and National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day is a powerful reminder of that.
Engagement Ideas
- Give your team resources that teach them to practice mindfulness with their children.
'Living your truth' Live Session - May 10th
To celebrate and raise awareness, CheckingIn will be running a program highlighting lived-experience in the mental health space. Our intention is to show that everyone has a unique relationship with mental illness, regardless of their life experiences or background. The speakers for this live session are Nitai Weinberg and Lennis Perez. At 18 years old, Nitai found himself in a position that is unimaginable for most - In a rehabilitation centre recovering from a stroke. Lennis Perez built a career for herself in STEM but found there was extreme stigma within the industry, along with very few resources to support her mental health struggles.
Engagement Ideas
National Mental Health Provider Appreciation Day - May 12th
National Mental Health Provider Appreciation Day acknowledges and honours the crucial role that mental health providers play in improving the lives of individuals struggling with mental health issues. Mental health providers work tirelessly to support and empower their clients, often under challenging and emotionally taxing circumstances. This day recognizes their dedication and hard work and encourages individuals and communities to express their gratitude and appreciation for mental health providers.
Engagement Ideas
- Share messages of appreciation on your organization's social media.
World Fair Trade Day - May 13th
World Fair Trade Day raises awareness about the global fair trade movement and its impact on people and communities around the world. The day highlights the importance of fair trade practices that promote social, economic, and environmental sustainability. It recognizes the efforts of fair trade producers, businesses, and organizations to promote fair trade practices and improve the lives of farmers, workers, and artisans in developing countries.
Engagement Ideas
- Re-evaluate your organization's current fair trade practices.
- Organize a fair trade potluck. Employees will each bring in fair trade foods to share with the team.
Mother's Day - May 14th
Mother's Day allows us to celebrate and express gratitude to the women who have played a pivotal role in shaping us into the people we are today. For some people, Mother's Day can be a difficult time. Those who have lost their mothers or who have strained relationships with them may feel a sense of sadness or grief on this day. Additionally, those who have experienced infertility, miscarriage, or the loss of a child may also find this day challenging. While it's a day to celebrate and honour mothers, it's also important to acknowledge the complex emotions that can come with it and to show empathy towards those who may be finding it hard.
Engagement Ideas
- Host a "Bring your child to work day." This can be done virtually or in person.
- Host a Mother's Day appreciation lunch.
International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia - May 17th
International Day against Transphobia, Homophobia, and Biphobia is a significant occasion that aims to raise awareness about discrimination and violence that the 2SLGBTQIA+ community faces. This day serves as a reminder that everyone deserves to live a life free from discrimination and prejudice regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It is a day to celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and equality, and to reaffirm our commitment to upholding the human rights of all individuals. The day also provides an opportunity to recognize the struggles and hardships that the 2SLGBTQIA+ community has faced and to acknowledge the progress that has been made in the fight for equality. By spreading awareness and promoting acceptance and tolerance, we can work towards creating a world where every individual feels safe, valued, and respected.
Engagement Ideas
- Launch a social media campaign to show your support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Global Accessibility Awareness Day - May 18th
Global Accessibility Awareness Day was established to encourage designers, developers, and organizations to make their digital products and services more accessible and inclusive for all users. It is a day to celebrate the progress that has been made in creating more accessible digital environments and to acknowledge the work that still needs to be done to ensure that everyone has equal access to information and technology. By promoting accessibility, we can break down barriers and create a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to participate fully and equally. Global Accessibility Awareness Day provides an opportunity to start conversations, share knowledge, and take action toward creating a more accessible and inclusive world.
Engagement Ideas
- Re-evaluate if your current workplace technologies are accessible to all.
World Bee Day - May 20th
World Bee Day aims to raise awareness about the crucial role that bees play in our ecosystem. Bees are responsible for pollinating a vast majority of the world's crops and are vital to maintaining our food security and biodiversity. Bees and other pollinators are facing significant challenges due to habitat loss, climate change, and the use of harmful pesticides. World Bee Day is an opportunity to promote the conservation of bees and educate people about the importance of pollinators to our food systems and the environment. By raising awareness and taking action to protect bees and other pollinators, we can work towards creating a more sustainable and resilient future for ourselves and the planet.
Engagement Ideas
- Create a bee-friendly environment by buying plants for the office.
- Support local beekeepers by buying honey for your coffee station.
World Meditation Day - May 21st
World Meditation Day aims to promote the practice of meditation as a way to improve mental and physical well-being. Meditation is a practice that has been used for thousands of years to cultivate inner peace, reduce stress, and enhance focus and concentration. In today's fast-paced world, where stress and anxiety have become prevalent, meditation offers a way to manage our emotions and find balance in our daily lives. World Meditation Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the benefits of meditation, encourage people to try meditation, and promote the integration of mindfulness practices into daily life.
Engagement Ideas
- Practice a group meditation.
- Start a mindfulness challenge - Ask employees to keep track of how often they practice mindfulness. The winner gets a small prize!
Schizophrenia Awareness Day - May 24th
World Schizophrenia Awareness Day provides an opportunity to educate the public about the realities of living with schizophrenia and to reduce the stigma and discrimination that people with this condition often face. By increasing awareness and promoting empathy and support for those with schizophrenia, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate society for all.
Engagement Ideas
- Join an educational workshop as a team.
- Donate to an organization that supports those living with Schizophrenia.
