We’re always looking for an excuse to celebrate with our team at work but there’s only so many birthday cakes a team can have. So we’ve compiled a list of employee recognition days for you to add to the office calendar in 2024 so that you can unleash your inner event planner and try something different this year. Whether it’s a reminder to unwind, fostering positive culture or just highlighting someone important on your team, no event is too small to mark. Be sure to add these Irish holidays to your 2024 calendar and celebrate.
Random Act of Kindness Day: Saturday, February 17, 2024
As employers and managers, fostering a positive and supportive work environment is key to team morale and productivity. One key day to mark on your team's calendar is Random Act of Kindness Day. Taking place on February 17th, this day offers an opportunity to encourage camaraderie and empathy within your workforce. It's a chance for you to initiate team-building activities centred around acts of kindness. Whether it's organising volunteering efforts, acknowledging team members' efforts, or simply spreading positivity through small gestures, celebrating this day can foster a more connected and engaged team, boosting morale and strengthening workplace relationships.
National Employee Appreciation Day: Friday, March 1, 2024
What better way to tell your employees that you appreciate what they do than a whole day dedicated to them? The first Friday of March every year is National Employee Appreciation Day, the perfect opportunity for employers to acknowledge the work that their team do. A simple way to celebrate is by letting your employees finish up early or organising a team lunch. You could even treat them by gifting them something personalised or a voucher to treat themselves to a spa treatment.
International Women’s Day: Friday, March 8, 2024
March 8th is a very important date to keep in your diary. International Women’s Day is a day focused on celebrating women and highlighting the impact they have made on the workforce. Use this day to acknowledge the women across your company and highlight the impact that they have had. One way to bring the company together to recognise the importance of this day is by holding a talk or a panel discussion with women in business who can speak directly about their journeys and inform your company about what they can do to ensure the workplace is constantly striving to be a more just and fair place.
St. Patrick’s Day: Sunday, March 17, 2024
St Patrick’s Day is perfect excuse to have a little fun in the office. Whether you are an Irish company or just have Irish employees, why not use the day to plan something fun for lunchtime or after work? While going out for an after-work drink is nice, St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t need to be centred around drinking, consider celebrating the Irish culture with a traditional music session or an Irish dancing class for anyone to join.
Easter: Sunday March 31st, 2024
Who doesn’t love a holiday centred around chocolate? Celebrating Easter with your office couldn’t be easier. You can get the team involved with a companywide Easter egg hunt or show your appreciation with an Easter basket raffle. If your team is particularly crafty, you could even decorate easter eggs for them to take home.
Earth Day: Monday, April 22, 2024
For the active office, Earth Day is a great time to get the team active in helping out the planet. Help out your local community by organising a litter picking day with your colleagues or have a 'no car day' where everyone must choose a greener way of getting to work. Earth Day is also the perfect opportunity to introduce some new green initiatives into the office.
Mental Health Awareness Month: May 2024
May is all about acknowledging our mental health. Mental Health Awareness Month is a great opportunity to remind your employees about your company’s wellness policies and let them know where to go if they need support. Use this month to host a talk on how your team can effectively manage their stress and look out for each other in the office.
Pride Month: June 2024
The whole month of June calls for celebration as we mark another year celebrating Pride Month. With 30 whole days to choose from, there’s no excuse not to plan something fun, colourful and exciting for your staff to take part in this year. You can do something simple like rainbow coloured cupcakes for the office or host an extravagant event with LGBTQ performers and music.
Last Working Day Before Christmas: December 20th, 2024
This year, Christmas falls on a Tuesday meaning that the last working Friday before the holidays is December 20th. Give your team the gift of time for last minute Christmas shopping with a half-day or plan a festive lunch for everyone to enjoy. If you really want to get in the holiday spirit why not make some homemade mulled wine for an after work pick-me-up.
Extra Employee Recognition Days in 2024
If that wasn't enough days for you to celebrate, we've got you covered. Here are some other events you can add to fill out your calendar and make every month this year an exciting one.
Mother's Day: Sunday, March 10, 2024
Valentine’s Day: Wednesday, February 14, 2024
World Bicycle Day: Monday, June 3rd, 2024
Father's Day: Sunday, June 16th, 2024
Halloween: Thursday, October 31st, 2024
Extraordinary Work Team Recognition Day: Thursday, December 4, 2024