Employee Engagement Calendar - November 2023
November 1, 2023by Carissa Harrison in Workplace Wellbeing
Important dates and employee engagement ideas for the month of November.
National Stress Awareness Day - November 1st, 2023
National Stress Awareness Day raises awareness about the issue of stress and its impact on each of us as individuals and on society as a whole. It is a reminder to prioritize managing stress for overall well-being. Stress levels can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health, leading to decreased productivity, absenteeism, and decreased job satisfaction. By observing National Stress Awareness Day, companies can foster a culture of support and wellness, encouraging open conversations about stress, and promoting stress-reduction strategies among their employees.
Engagement Ideas
- Relaxation zones: Create cozy relaxation areas where employees can take short breaks to unwind.
World Vegan Day - November 1st, 2023
World Vegan Day promotes compassion, sustainability, and ethical consumption. It highlights the growing movement towards veganism, advocating for a lifestyle that abstains from the use of animal products.
Engagement Ideas
- Vegan potluck lunch: Encourage employees to participate in a vegan potluck lunch, where they bring and share plant-based dishes. This promotes a sense of community and opens their minds to vegan options.
- Vegan challenge: Challenge employees to go vegan for a day providing support and resources to help them make the transition. Offer prizes or incentives for participation.
Indigenous Veterans Day - November 8th
Indigenous Veterans Day calls attention to the invaluable role played by Indigenous service members, past and present, in defending and upholding Canada's freedoms, especially when they themselves were not awarded these same freedoms. We strongly encourage organizations dedicate equal amounts of time and resources to Indigenous Veterans Day as they do Remembrance Day.
Engagement Ideas
- Indigenous guest speaker: Invite an Indigenous veteran or knowledgeable guest to share their experiences and expertise.
- Education workshops: Organize workshops to educate employees about the history of Canada's Indigenous Peoples.
Remembrance Day - November 11th
Remembrance Day in Canada holds profound significance as an occasion to honour and remember the sacrifices of Canadian military personnel who have served and continue to serve in times of war and peace. It serves as a time for reflection on the sacrifices made by the individuals who have defended our country, and a reminder of the enduring duty to uphold the values of peace, freedom, and democracy for which they served. In addition, it is a time to call attention to the lasting impact war has on veterans mental well-being which commonly manifests through PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Engagement Ideas
- Commemorative ceremony: Organize a brief workplace ceremony on or around Remembrance Day, where employees can gather to observe a moment of silence. Depending on your company's workplace culture, you can visit a cenotaph or local gathering as a team.
- Red poppy distribution: Distribute red poppies to employees in the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day. Encourage them to wear the poppies as a symbol of remembrance and provide information about the significance of this tradition.
- Support veterans' charities: Make a donation on behalf of your organization to a local charity that supports veterans and their psychological and physical needs.
Women's Entrepreneurship Day - October 18th
Women's Entrepreneurship Day recognizes the contributions of female entrepreneurs to economic growth and societal progress. This day highlights the economic potential of women entrepreneurs, emphasizing their role in driving innovation and creating job opportunities. It is a reminder of the need for gender equality in entrepreneurship regardless of background, sexual orientation or any other factors. Women's Entrepreneurship Day symbolizes a commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable, world where women can fully realize their entrepreneurial potential and contribute to thriving economies and vibrant communities.
Engagement Ideas
- Women entrepreneurs panel discussion: Organize a panel discussion featuring women entrepreneurs from various industries and backgrounds.
Transgender Day of Remembrance - November 20th
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) is a day of solemn reflection and remembrance of transgender individuals who have lost their lives due to violence, discrimination, and prejudice. It reminds us of the challenges and threats faced by transgender people, especially transgender women of colour, in their pursuit of expressing their authentic selves. TDoR highlights the urgent need for society to dedicate time and resources to eradicating the discrimination, hatred, and violence that transgender individuals often endure. It is a call to action, urging individuals and communities to stand in solidarity with transgender people, to foster understanding, and to advocate for the rights, safety, and dignity of all transgender individuals.
Engagement Ideas
- Awareness workshops: Host workshops on transgender issues and gender diversity to promote understanding and inclusivity.
- Ethics discussion: Have a conversation with your employees about the importance of supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and to clarify your ethics as an organization.
Thanksgiving (U.S.) - November 23rd
American Thanksgiving is a time for families and communities to come together in gratitude and reflection. We strongly encourage organizations remind their employees of the significance that today plays for the U.S. Indigenous population and to acknowledge we are holding these celebrations on land that was stolen.
Engagement Ideas
- Potluck thanksgiving lunch: Organize a potluck lunch where employees bring and share their favourite Thanksgiving dishes.
- Gratitude wall: Create a gratitude wall where employees can post notes expressing what they are thankful for.
- Charity drive: Initiate a food or charity drive to collect donations for local shelters or organizations in need.
