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In the coming months there are a handful of important holidays to consider celebrating in the workplace as part of a comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy. The significance of celebrating more diverse holidays in support of inclusion is one of many ways to create a work environment that makes all employees feel recognized, supported, and able to be their authentic selves. Below are some upcoming DEI holidays along with some tips on how to celebrate in the office.

April 2 — World Autism Awareness Day

Autism Acceptance month, previously Autism Awareness Month was first held in April 1970 by the National Autism Society with the goal of creating awareness and educating the public on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The name changed in 2021 due to an increasing need for acceptance of individuals living with ASD, over awareness, with the goal of encouraging people to accept and include those with autism in their daily activities and community.

Mothers of children with autism tend to be primary caretakers and are more likely to be unable to work outside the home. It is estimated they earn 56% less than other mothers, and 35% less than those with children who have other disabilities.

Ways to accommodate include:

  • Adjust workplace policies, procedures, and culture to be more inclusive to autistic individuals and create an inviting process for employees to request accommodations, such as:
    • Noise-reducing headphones
    • Swapping desks for a quieter area or different lighting
    • Taking lunch at an exact time of day
    • Outlining the day’s priorities each morning
    • Work from home ability
    • Advance notice of meetings
  • Provide sensitivity and awareness training for employees and hiring teams
  • Create an Employee Resource Group (ERG) to support neurodiverse or autistic individuals
May — Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

The month of May was chosen as Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month as a commemoration of the migration of the first immigrants from Japan to the United States on May 7, 1843. It also celebrates the completion of the transcontinental railroad by over 20,000 Asian immigrants on May 10, 1869.

AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) includes “all people of Asian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander ancestry who trace their origins to the countries, states, jurisdictions, and/or the diasporic communities of these geographic regions.”

Ways to celebrate include:

  • Games and activities such as Asian Heritage Month Trivia or building an interactive map of employees’ cultural history
  • Educational sessions that involve question and answer segments that encourage professional development and employee engagement
  • Introduce an ERG where team members of similar identities can share experiences and discuss potential workplace/cultural improvements
May 30 — Memorial Day

Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day began following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. It honors the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military and is observed on the last Monday of May.

You may have employees who are veterans, active-duty members, military spouses, military parents, or have a loved one who has made the ultimate sacrifice.

Ways to honor the holiday include:

  • Encourage employees to share memories and photos of themselves or relatives if they are comfortable and willing
  • Allow your employees the opportunity to attend or observe a Memorial Day parade
  • Participate in the “National Moment of Remembrance”, encouraging all Americans to take a minute of silence at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day
  • Thank a veteran!

 

Advancing Belonging & Inclusion (ABI)

At Circa, our ABI product is a DEI calendar with content that includes:

  • A comprehensive list of DEI observances, holidays, and awareness dates
  • Ready to use communication templates to engage your workforce
  • Educational materials for each event, complete with employee action items
  • A practitioner event guide with insights and suggestions to foster honor and respect for impacted groups

Learn more about how we can help you leverage DEI in your workplace and build high-performing, diverse teams using ABI.

Author

Katie Coleman
Product Marketing Manager
Circa
Katie Coleman is a Product Marketing Manager at Circa. Based on her conversations and research, Katie produces webinars and writes articles on diversity and other employment-related topics to guide employers, employees and job seekers in their professional endeavors.

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