Engaging with cultural holidays: September & October 2024

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By Chatashia Brown, Director, Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement 

Hispanic Heritage Month 

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually in the United States from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Coinciding with the Independence Day celebrations of several Latin American countries, including El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, and many others, this observance honors the culture, history, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. Hispanic Heritage Month began as Hispanic Heritage Week and was later extended to a month-long celebration in 1988. This year, the National Hispanic Heritage Month Theme is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” 

Best practices for celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in the workplace: 

      • Feature employee stories and contributions. Create and provide opportunities for Hispanic and Latino employees to share their traditions, stories, and experiences. This can be achieved through company newsletters, social media highlights, or special events/meetings where employees can present aspects of their culture. 
      • Engage in community support initiatives. Encourage employees to support Hispanic-owned businesses through internal promotion or coordinated events. Further, consider volunteering or making a financial contribution to nonprofit organizations that empower Hispanic and Latino communities. 
      • Celebrate with cultural events. Host events that provide employees with an opportunity to experience Hispanic and Latino culture through partnerships with local Hispanic organizations to provide authentic experiences.  

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National Disability Employment Awareness Month  

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is observed annually in October in the United States to highlight and raise awareness about disability employment issues and celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities. NDEAM began as a week-long event in 1945 and expanded into a month-long celebration in 1998. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy leads the observance each year with a theme to focus on specific aspects of disability employment. This year’s theme is “Access to Good Jobs for All.” 

Best practices for acknowledging national disability employment awareness month in the workplace: 

      • Participate in disability mentoring day. Hosted on the third Wednesday of October each year, Disability Mentoring Day promotes career development for youth with disabilities through mentorship, job shadowing, and hands-on programs.  
      • Review company policies. Ensure that your organization includes and implements policies that foster commitment to an inclusive workplace culture.  
      • Educate employees. To foster an inclusive workplace, you must have committed employees. You can provide employee education through brown bag lunch seminars or other informal events. Contact local disability organizations to partner and facilitate a training seminar or provide your employees with ready-to-use resources and videos for further education.  

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World Mental Health Day 

Initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992, World Mental Health Day is observed each year on Oct. 10, to promote mental health education, awareness, and advocacy. This year’s theme is “It’s Time to Promote Mental Health in the Workplace,” with the goal of championing mental health in the workplace and building best practices to foster a positive work culture and productive team.  

Best practices for acknowledging world mental health day in the workplace: 

      • Visit the World Federation for Mental Health website. This website is updated each year with toolkits, virtual courses, and resources to promote mental health awareness. With this year’s theme highlighting mental health in the workplace, be sure to visit the website for ready-to-use resources.  
      • Promote mental health resources. Provide employees or team members with information about available mental health resources in your workplace, including counseling services, mindfulness programs, or employee assistance programs.  
      • Encourage breaks. Encourage employees to take regular breaks and participate in relaxing activities. Organize a mindfulness session or take a brief walk outside with your team to reduce stress throughout the day.  

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