Month-long observances:
ALS Awareness Month
ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. While there is currently no cure, this month is dedicated to raising awareness about the ongoing research efforts aimed at finding a cure and supporting those whose lives have been impacted by ALS. Each May, we strive to bring hope and move closer to ending this devastating disease.
Observance Suggestion: It’s important to catch the early signs of ALS for early intervention and treatment. Check with your organization’s health plans and ensure screenings are covered. Bring in a health expert to talk to your employees about early symptoms so they can be tested early on.
Better Hearing & Speech Month
This month focuses on speech and hearing disorders in an effort to bring awareness to the importance of making effective communication accessible for everyone. A theme is selected each year as the focal point for the month to help kickstart the conversation.
Observance Suggestion: If your workplace has noise levels that require hearing protection, use this month to spotlight its importance for all employees, and consider hiring an audiologist to do a noise audit. Share resources through your company newsletter about better understanding communication disorders.
Haitian Heritage Month
In celebration of the traditions that have grown since Haiti’s independence in 1804, the entire month of May is Haitian Heritage Month. It is a time to honor the vibrant culture, art, and cuisine of the Haitian people. This month, we encourage you to take a look at how Taino, African practices, and European elements combine to create such a unique culture.
Observance Suggestion: Invite employees with Haitian heritage to share their family and cultural traditions in an informal event.
Jewish-American Heritage Month
Recognizing over 350 years of Jewish-American history, this month focuses on celebrating the many Jewish contributions to American culture. Each year, those who celebrate aim to offer appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities to educate the public with factual information about this vibrant community.
Observance Suggestion: Invite a speaker with deep ties to Jewish-American culture to share stories of the past and explore how Jewish traditions have become woven into the fabric of American society. Gain insights into how your organization can honor and integrate these values by conducting a cultural audit, fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment.
Mental Health Awareness Month
Millions of people live with the reality of mental illness, and rarely does it ever look the same in two people. Spurred in part by the isolation of the pandemic, ongoing political and social unrest, and increasingly open conversations on social media, the complexities of mental health have been brought into sharper focus in recent years. More than ever, employees need comprehensive support systems in the workplace. Established to enhance public understanding of mental health issues and to promote mental wellness, May serves as a crucial reminder to address the mental health needs in our communities and companies alike.
Observance Suggestion: Check in with yourself by taking a mental health assessment via Mental Health America, and take a moment this month to touch base with your “strong” friends to ensure their mental wellbeing is adequately supported. As an organization, review your team’s mental health policies and benefits, and share available options with your team members. Collaborate with Culture Refinery to facilitate a panel discussion on Mental Health in the workplace for your organization.
National Asian American and South Pacific Islander Heritage Month
National Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is celebrated each May to recognize the contributions and achievements of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. It originated in 1978 as a week-long observance, and was expanded to a month in 1990. The month includes cultural events, educational programs, and storytelling that highlight the rich history and impact of AAPI communities. The theme for each year is announced in January by the Federal Asian Pacific American Council.
Observance Suggestion: Assess your organization’s AANHPI representation. Research how AANHPI people have influenced your company and industry and share with employees. Host a book club throughout the month featuring a current AANHPI author.
Older Americans Month
Older Americans Month is a time to honor the contributions of older Americans, raise awareness about aging trends, and renew our commitment to supporting older adults in our communities. In the workforce, this month also serves as a reminder to recognize the value and experience that older employees bring, fostering an inclusive environment that supports all generations.
Observance Suggestion: Set up a mentor program for young employees to learn from older employees. Organize a fundraising event in your workplace to support local programs and centers that provide services to older adults.
Calendar dates:
May 5 — Cinco de Mayo (same every year)
While some incorrectly represent Cinco de Mayo as Mexican Independence Day, it actually celebrates the victory over France in the Battle of Puebla. Cinco de Mayo celebrations, however, have a fraught history, especially when Americanized celebrations perpetuate harmful stereotypes about Mexican people.
Observance Suggestion: Use this day as an opportunity to highlight the contributions of people with Mexican heritage to your company and industry. Highlight the dangers of harmful stereotypes perpetuated by the Americanization of the holiday. And honor Mexican culture by hosting a celebration supplied by Mexican-owned businesses.
May 17 — International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (same every year)
Commemorating the decision by the World Health Organization in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder, activists, organizations, and allies around the world engage in educational campaigns, public events, and demonstrations to challenge prejudice and promote equality for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
Observance Suggestion: Dive into the community and listen to the concerns of LGBTQIAA+ people within your organization. Donate to causes that address those concerns, and apply cultural strategies within your culture to ensure LGBTQIAA+ people can show up as themselves.
May 21 — World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development (same every year)
Three-quarters of the world’s major conflicts start with cultural division. This day was created by UNESCO to highlight the power of celebrating diversity for developing advancements across every aspect of life in the pursuit of peace.
Observance Suggestion: Identify the diversity across your organization and in the broadest sense of the word and ask employees to reflect on a time they benefited from working with a colleague with a different background, belief system, or way of thinking.
May 23 — Declaration of the Bab (Baha’i) (same every year)
Every year, those within the Baha’i faith celebrate the event from 1844. Mulla Husayn, a Shi’a Muslim, went on a quest for the Promised One. When Husayn met with Siyyid Ali-Muhammad, it became clear that Muhammad was this Promised One (Bab), and thus began the Baha’i faith.
Observance Suggestion: Devotees of the religion take time to reflect on their spiritual enlightenment. Give anyone in your organization time away from work without repercussions so they can contemplate as they see fit.
May 26 — Memorial Day
Memorial Day is dedicated to the men and women who died fighting for American rights throughout history through the present day. Someone within your organization is inevitably honoring a loved one as part of their personal observance.
Observance Suggestion: Send a message to employees in gratitude for the individuals who gave their lives in the pursuit of peace, and in support of anyone who may be honoring a loved one. If you operate a business that does not close on Memorial Day, offer a payment incentive for employees that are scheduled to work through the holiday.
May 28 — Ascension of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i) (same every year)
The Baha’i faith focuses on humanity’s spiritual unity. Bahá’u’lláh was the prophet to teach this idea to all those who follow the religion. On this day in 1882, Bahá’u’lláh passed away, leaving behind all of his teachings.
Observance Suggestion: One of the Bahá’is beliefs (perhaps the most important) is that we should always strive to be better people. Honor this belief today. Ask how you can better yourself and your organization. How can you better the culture inside of your organization so that the people who make up the culture can show up better, too?
