It has long been recognized that HR practitioners have the influence to positively impact the lives of your employees as well as those of the people in your communities. To assist you and your organization in your goal to touch the lives of those around you in unique ways, SHRM's Knowledge Center has compiled the Going Beyond HR Calendar. In choosing which events to include, we decided to focus on four areas: employee relations, health & safety, diversity, and community relations. Where possible and appropriate, we've included contact information for you to learn more about getting involved in these events.
Key Takeaways for Employers
- Employee Engagement Opportunity: Awareness observances create a structured opportunity to promote inclusion, highlight diversity, and foster belonging within the workplace.
- Alignment with Company Culture & Values: When done thoughtfully, these observances reinforce organizational values such as respect and empathy.
- Employee-Led Initiatives: Employee resource groups (ERGs) or interest groups can help ensure recognition is authentic and relevant.
- Education & Learning: Awareness weeks/months can be used to provide training, panels, or communications that educate employees on the topic, history, and relevance.
- Multiple Formats of Recognition: Observances can be acknowledged via events, internal newsletters, social media, digital displays, or workplace activities, which present options for both virtual and onsite teams.
- Legal & Policy Alignment: Ensure all recognition activities comply with company policies and anti-discrimination laws.
September Observances
- Labor Day | Annually, the first Monday in September
- Hispanic Heritage Month Annually, September 15 – October 15 | National Museum of American Latino
- National Preparedness Month | Department of Homeland Security
- Prostate Cancer Awareness Month | Prostate Cancer Foundation
- Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month | Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance
- Hunger Action Month | Feeding America
- 401(k)/403(b) Day: Annually, the first Friday after Labor Day | Plan Sponsor Council of America
- National Payroll Week: Annually, the five days that start with Labor Day | PayrollOrg (Formerly American Payroll Association)
- American Business Women's Day: Annually, September 22 | American Business Women's Association
- Deaf Awareness Week: Annually, the last full week in September | National Association of the Deaf
October Observances
- National Disability Employment Awareness Month | US DOL Office of Disability Employment Policy
- Domestic Violence Awareness Month | National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
- LGBT History Month | Equality Forum
- Work to End Domestic Violence Day: Annually, October 1 | Futures Without Violence
- Drive Safely Work Week: Annually, the first full week in October | Network of Employers for Traffic Safety
- Getting Organized Week: Annually, the first full week in October | National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals
- Energy Awareness Month | Federal Energy Management Program
- Children's Health Month | U.S. EPA's Office of Children's Health Protection
- National Fire Protection Week: Annually, the Sunday through Saturday in which October 9 falls | National Fire Protection Association
- National Customer Service Week: Annually, the first full week in October | Institute Of Customer Service
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month | American Cancer Society
Susan G. Komen - Disability Mentoring Day: Annually, the third Wednesday in October | American Association of People with Disabilities | US DOL Office of Disability Employment Policy
- National Boss Day: Annually, October 16
- Freedom from Workplace Bullies Week: Annually, the third week in October | The Workplace Bullying Institute
- Eye Injury Prevention Month | American Academy of Ophthalmology
November Observances
- Daylight Saving Time Ends | Annually, the first Sunday in November
- National American Indian Heritage Month | Library of Congress
- National Family Caregivers Month | Caregiver Action Network
- National Adoption Awareness Month | Families Rising
- National Alzheimer's Awareness Month | Alzheimer's Foundation of America
- National Flu Awareness Month | American Lung Association
- National Veterans Awareness Week: Annually, Nov 5-11 | US Department of Veterans Affairs
- Great American Smokeout: Annually, the third Thursday in November | American Cancer Society
Additional Calendars & Resources
- U.S. Federal Government Holidays
- National Health Observances
- U.S. Census Bureau Facts for Features and Special Editions
- U.S. Census Bureau Stats for Stories
- U.S. Presidential Actions
- Interfaith Calendar
- Time and Date: Holidays 2025
- Multi-Faith Calendar
- 2025 Edition | Chase's Calendar of Events (Available for purchase)
SHRM Ask an HR Advisor
Get expert help on a wide range of HR topics. Access experienced, certified HR Knowledge Advisors by phone, chat & email
SHRM Members' Survey
Tell us what you think about the Express Request self-service feature in a few quick questions.
Was this resource helpful?
Validate your HR expertise
Earning your SHRM-CP credential makes you a recognized expert and leader in the HR field.
Related Content
Learn how Marsh McLennan successfully boosts staff well-being with digital tools, improving productivity and work satisfaction for more than 20,000 employees.
The proliferation of artificial intelligence in the workplace, and the ensuing expected increase in productivity and efficiency, could help usher in the four-day workweek, some experts predict.
As artificial intelligence technology continues to develop, the demand for workers with the ability to work alongside and manage AI systems will increase. This means that workers who are not able to adapt and learn these new skills will be left behind in the job market.