Keeping employees engaged can be tough. According to a Gallup study, 62% of employees feel disengaged in their workplace. When they’re not feeling connected, it affects everything. Their work slows down, morale drops, and people just aren’t as motivated. So, how do you keep them interested and excited to come in every day? One easy way is by using an employee engagement calendar.
An engagement calendar helps you plan out activities and events throughout the year to keep things fresh. From celebrating Employee Appreciation Day to hosting team-building events, it gives you a way to stay on top of it all. Instead of waiting until everyone’s feeling disengaged, you have a plan that keeps them feeling appreciated year-round.
In this blog, we’ll go over the key dates and activities to put on your calendar. Having a plan like this can boost morale, improve your company culture, and keep your employees happy and loyal to your business.
An employee engagement calendar is exactly what it sounds like: a plan to help you schedule and organise activities, events, and initiatives to keep your employees engaged throughout the year. Instead of leaving engagement to chance or focusing only on big events, an engagement calendar helps you consistently prioritise it.
You wouldn’t wait until your car breaks down to think about getting it serviced, right? You keep up with regular check-ups to make sure it runs smoothly. An employee engagement calendar works the same way. It helps you schedule regular moments of connection, appreciation, and development so your team stays happy, motivated, and loyal.
Example: You might think of planning the Employee Appreciation Day. Without a calendar, it might sneak up on you, and you’ll be searching for ideas at the last minute. But with an engagement calendar, you already know when it’s coming and have time to plan something meaningful, like a surprise lunch, small gifts, or even just a thank-you message from leadership. You can also spread out other important moments throughout the year, like monthly team-building activities or quarterly feedback sessions.
This keeps engagement flowing throughout the year rather than trying to cram it all into a few big events. With a clear plan, your employees know you’re committed to their happiness and growth, and consistency goes a long way in boosting morale.
To make your employee engagement calendar effective, it’s important to include the right dates and events that keep your employees engaged and motivated throughout the year. These dates can be dedicated to more personal activities or company-wide celebrations and smaller ones. Here are some important events to consider adding to your calendar:
1. Employee Appreciation Day
This one is a no-brainer. Employee Appreciation Day is a chance to recognise your team's hard work and show them that you appreciate their efforts.
2. Monthly Check-Ins
Instead of waiting for the annual review, schedule monthly check-ins to touch base with employees. These check-ins help keep employees on track, address any concerns, and make sure they feel heard.
3. Team-Building Activities
Regular team-building activities are a great way to improve communication, build trust, and boost overall morale. These events don’t always have to be “big” team-building retreats. They can be something as simple as an afternoon of games or problem-solving activities.
4. Diversity and Inclusion Celebrations
Celebrate the different backgrounds and cultures that make up your workforce. Observing Diversity and Inclusion Week or other related events can be a powerful way to show your commitment to an inclusive workplace and foster a sense of belonging among employees.
5. Health and Wellness Events
Employee well-being is important to maintain engagement. Scheduling health and wellness days helps employees take a break and recharge. These activities can be anything from fitness challenges to mindfulness workshops, showing that you care about their health.
6. Seasonal or Holiday Celebrations
Don’t forget to include some fun, light-hearted events around the holidays. Seasonal celebrations like holiday parties, summer picnics, or even a spring outing can help employees bond outside of work and bring some cheer to the workplace.
By incorporating these key dates into your employee engagement calendar, you’ll know that there’s always something to look forward to throughout the year. These events create a positive work environment, show that you care, and help employees feel connected to the company and each other.
An employee engagement calendar helps you to actively develop employee engagement throughout the year. One of the easiest ways to do this is to schedule monthly engagement activities. By planning these activities ahead of time, you create a rhythm that your team can look forward to.
1. Overview of Scheduled Activities
A big part of an employee engagement calendar is consistency. Monthly engagement activities help keep the team connected and motivated all year long. These activities don’t need to be big or complicated; they just need to happen regularly.
Each month, plan a few activities that make your team feel appreciated and involved. It could be something simple like a team lunch, a quick virtual hangout, or a wellness challenge. The goal is to keep things fresh and ensure there’s always something that engages the team.
2. Highlight Important Observances and Event Themes for Each Month
In addition to regular activities, include important dates or themed events that make each month feel special. These can be tied to national holidays, awareness days, or other events that connect with your team’s values.
Your employee engagement calendar stays relevant and exciting for your team through monthly activities. It also helps build community and connection, which keeps employees engaged and excited. However, it is not easy to plan activities throughout the year, so we have listed some important events for each month that you can organise to boost engagement.
Kick off the year right by filling your employee engagement calendar with fun and meaningful activities. January is packed with opportunities to boost morale, connect your team, and start the year with energy.
1. New Year’s Day
Kick off the year with a fresh start by celebrating New Year’s Day! It’s a great opportunity to bring your team together and set the tone for the year ahead. You can organise a virtual or in-pe
rson New Year’s celebration, encouraging employees to share their goals and resolutions for the upcoming year.
By celebrating New Year’s Day, you can boost morale, foster team bonding, and create a sense of excitement about the future. It’s an excellent way to kick-start employee engagement for the year, reinforcing a positive and collaborative work environment right from the start.
2. Republic Day
Republic Day is a perfect opportunity to celebrate national pride and unity within your team. You can host a virtual event or a small gathering to reflect on the significance of the day and how it relates to the company’s values, promoting a sense of belonging and community.
3. National Mentoring Month Events
January is National Mentoring Month, a great time to focus on employee growth. To strengthen relationships and help employees develop new skills, you can set up a mentoring program or pair employees for one-on-one learning sessions.
4. Trivia Day Contest
Celebrate National Trivia Day (January 4th) with a fun trivia contest! It’s a light, competitive way to bring your team together. You can host a quick virtual or in-person game with a prize for the winning team.
5. International Thank You Day Initiatives
On International Thank You Day (January 11th), encourage employees to show appreciation for one another. You could set up a thank-you board or have team members share messages of gratitude. It’s a simple way to boost positivity in the workplace.
6. Clean Off Your Desk Day
Clean Off Your Desk Day (the second Monday of January) is a chance to declutter and refresh workspaces. Encourage your team to tidy up their desks and organise their work areas. It’s a quick activity that can lead to better focus and productivity.
February is the month of appreciation and fun. It’s a great time to continue boosting morale and keeping employees engaged with activities that celebrate team effort and show appreciation.
1. Maha Shivratri
Maha Shivratri is a day of reflection and devotion for many, and it can be an excellent opportunity for employee engagement. You can organise a quiet, mindful event, such as a meditation session or a discussion on personal growth and resilience, aligned with the spirit of the day. Encouraging employees to take a moment for self-reflection and mindfulness can improve mental well-being and foster a sense of balance and focus.
2. Basant Panchami / Sri Panchami
Basant Panchami marks the arrival of spring and is often seen as a time for new beginnings. Celebrate this day by organising a team-building activity that encourages creativity and fresh ideas. You could host a colourful, lively event with music or a dress code that celebrates the vibrancy of the season.
This celebration helps energise your employees and fosters a sense of renewal. It’s a great opportunity to encourage teamwork, creativity, and enthusiasm, all of which contribute to higher employee engagement and morale. Plus, it’s a fun way to break the routine and add some brightness to the work environment.
3. Valentine's Day Team Building
Use Valentine’s Day (February 14th) to promote team bonding with a fun activity. Organise a team-building game or a “secret friend” gift exchange. It’s a lighthearted way to encourage teamwork and boost morale while keeping things festive.
March is a great time to keep the momentum going with activities that focus on appreciation and important causes. Here’s what you can add to your employee engagement calendar:
1. Holi
Holi, the festival of colors, is a great chance to foster a lively and inclusive atmosphere in your workplace. Organise a fun, interactive event where employees can enjoy games, music, and activities that encourage everyone to let loose and celebrate together. Whether virtual or in-person, a Holi-themed gathering can bring a burst of joy and energy to your team.
2. Id-ul-Fitr
Id-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is a time for celebration, gratitude, and community. To engage your team, consider hosting a special lunch or virtual event where employees can share stories, traditions, and personal experiences related to the festival. You could also organise a charity drive to reflect the spirit of giving during this time. Celebrating Id-ul-Fitr at work promotes inclusivity and fosters a sense of community.
3. Women's History Month Highlights
March is Women’s History Month. Use this time to recognise women's achievements, both in history and within your own team. Share stories, hold a quick discussion, or spotlight the women in your workplace. It’s a simple way to promote inclusivity and appreciation.
4. Employee Appreciation Day Events
Even if Employee Appreciation Day was in February, it’s never too late to show some extra thanks. Organise a small celebration or send out a note to employees to recognise their hard work. It doesn’t have to be big, but showing appreciation keeps employees motivated and engaged.
5. International Women’s Day Discussions
International Women’s Day (March 8th) is a perfect opportunity to discuss gender equality. You can host a casual discussion, share resources, or highlight the contributions of women in your workplace. It’s a great way to foster an open, inclusive culture.
April is the perfect time to focus on well-being, financial education, and giving back. These activities in your employee engagement calendar will keep your team engaged and motivated.
1. Mahaveer Jayanti
Mahaveer Jayanti celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, and is a day for reflection, peace, and non-violence. To mark this day, you can organise activities that focus on personal growth, mindfulness, and ethical decision-making, such as a discussion on the values of compassion and non-violence.
Celebrating Mahaveer Jayanti at work encourages a culture of respect, kindness, and ethical behavior. It’s a perfect opportunity to foster mindfulness and thoughtfulness among employees, which can lead to a more positive and engaged workforce.
2. Good Friday
Good Friday is a day of reflection and solemnity, often observed by many employees as a time for personal reflection or spiritual activities. As an employer, you can create a quiet, respectful environment where employees can reflect, perhaps by offering flexible hours or a quiet space for contemplation.
3. Stress Awareness Month Programs
April is Stress Awareness Month, so it’s a great opportunity to offer programs that help employees manage stress. Activities like meditation sessions or tips on work-life balance can make a big difference. Supporting employees’ mental health shows you care about their overall well-being, which boosts morale and engagement.
4. Financial Literacy Initiatives
April is also a good time to provide financial literacy initiatives. Offering workshops or resources on budgeting, saving, and understanding financial benefits helps employees feel more secure. When employees feel financially supported, they’re more likely to stay focused and engaged at work.
5. Volunteer Opportunities
Encourage employees to give back with volunteer opportunities in April. Organising a company volunteer day or providing time for employees to support a cause can create a sense of purpose and strengthen team bonds. Giving back not only helps the community but also boosts employee morale and engagement.
May is a time to focus on mental health and celebrate diversity. These activities in your employee engagement calendar will help build a supportive, inclusive environment while keeping your team engaged.
1. Maharashtra Day
Maharashtra Day celebrates the formation of the state of Maharashtra and is a great time to recognise local culture and heritage. To mark the occasion, you could organise an event that highlights Maharashtra’s history, traditions, and achievements. This could include sharing stories, organising cultural performances, or even a community lunch featuring local delicacies.
2. Buddha Purnima
Buddha Purnima marks the birth, enlightenment, and death anniversary of Lord Buddha. To observe this day, you can organise activities focused on mindfulness, meditation, and peaceful reflection. Hosting a session on the teachings of Buddha, such as compassion and wisdom, can promote a calm and positive work environment.
Celebrating Buddha Purnima encourages employees to reflect on values like kindness and patience, fostering a supportive atmosphere at work. By incorporating mindfulness practices, you can help employees feel more focused and engaged, leading to a healthier and more harmonious workplace.
3. Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to prioritise mental well-being. Offer activities like mindfulness workshops and stress-relief sessions or provide resources for mental health support. These initiatives show employees you care about their overall well-being, which helps reduce stress and increases engagement.
4. Mother’s Day
May also brings Mother’s Day, a perfect chance to show appreciation for the working mothers on your team. You can send thank-you notes, offer flexible hours, or host a small appreciation event. Recognising their effort in balancing work and home life boosts morale and strengthens your company’s culture of support.
June is a great month for team-building and summer celebrations. These activities in your employee engagement calendar will help keep your team connected, motivated, and energised.
1. Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid)
Id-ul-Zuha, also known as Bakrid, is a festival of sacrifice and community. It’s a time for reflection, charity, and unity. To celebrate, you can organise an event where employees come together to donate to charity or share meals. Creating a sense of togetherness and promoting charitable acts can help strengthen relationships within your team.
2. Team-Building Day
June is a great time to plan a team-building day. Whether it’s an outdoor event, a virtual game, or a problem-solving challenge, team-building activities improve communication and collaboration. These events help employees feel more connected and engaged with each other and the company.
3. Pride Month Celebrations
June is Pride Month, an opportunity to show support for the LGBTQ+ community. Organise events, share educational content or host a discussion on inclusivity. Celebrating Pride creates a sense of belonging and promotes an open, inclusive workplace culture.
July is a fun month with opportunities to focus on relaxation, self-care, and even a bit of indulgence. These activities in your employee engagement calendar will keep your team engaged while promoting balance and well-being.
1. Muharram
Muharram is a significant month in the Islamic calendar, marked by reflection, mourning, and remembrance. While it’s observed solemnly by many, employers can acknowledge the day by creating a respectful environment for employees to observe the occasion. You can also encourage the sharing of traditions and stories, fostering cultural understanding.
Observing Muharram at work shows respect for diverse religious beliefs and allows employees to feel valued. Acknowledging such occasions can strengthen workplace bonds, promote inclusivity, and support overall employee engagement.
2. World Chocolate Day
Who doesn’t love a treat? World Chocolate Day (July 7th) is a fun opportunity to surprise your team with a little indulgence. Bring in chocolate treats or host a virtual chocolate-tasting event. This small act of kindness boosts morale and helps employees feel appreciated, creating a positive atmosphere in the workplace.
August is a month for creativity, connections, and celebrating hobbies. These activities in your employee engagement calendar will keep your team engaged and connected.
1. Independence Day
Independence Day is a powerful occasion to celebrate freedom, unity, and the nation’s progress. You can organise events like flag-hoisting ceremonies, motivational talks, or quizzes on the country’s history. These activities not only inspire patriotism but also foster a sense of community and belonging within your team. By celebrating Independence Day, you encourage a collective spirit, boosting employee morale and engagement.
2. Janmashtami
Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, a day filled with joy, devotion, and cultural festivities. At work, you can host fun activities such as a Dahi Handi competition or a quiz about Krishna's teachings. Encouraging employees to participate in these activities helps build team spirit and promotes a lively, engaging atmosphere.
3. Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, a festival marked by joy, creativity, and community spirit. At work, you can celebrate by decorating the office with colourful Ganesha idols or hosting a small prayer ceremony. You could also organise a team-building activity, such as a creative competition where employees design their own Ganesha idols or crafts.
4. World Photography Day
Celebrate World Photography Day (August 19th) by hosting a photo contest or encouraging employees to share their favourite photos. You could also organise a photography workshop or even a team photoshoot. This creative activity helps boost morale and gives employees a fun way to express themselves.
5. International Day of Friendship
International Day of Friendship (August 30th) is all about building connections. Encourage employees to appreciate their colleagues by sharing messages of gratitude or organising team-building activities. Strengthening friendships at work leads to better communication, trust, and overall engagement.
September is a great time to focus on creativity, support for working parents, and celebrating specific professional groups. These activities in your employee engagement calendar will keep your team engaged and appreciated.
1. IT Professionals Day
IT Professionals Day (3rd Tuesday in September) celebrates the often-unsung heroes of the tech world. Take a moment to recognise and appreciate the IT professionals in your company. You can show your appreciation with a thank-you lunch, small gifts, or by highlighting their work in a company-wide message.
2. Women's Health and Fitness Day
Women’s Health and Fitness Day (the last Wednesday of September) is a great opportunity to promote health and wellness for your team, especially women. Organise a fitness challenge wellness seminar or provide resources focused on healthy living. Supporting employees' health helps keep them energised and engaged in their work.
October is a month focused on mental health, security, and fun celebrations. These activities in your employee engagement calendar will keep your team engaged and supported.
1. Gandhi Jayanthi
Gandhi Jayanti is a day to honour Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of peace, non-violence, and truth. To celebrate this day, you can organise activities that focus on these values, such as group discussions or a workshop on ethics and leadership inspired by Gandhi’s teachings.
Celebrating Gandhi Jayanti in the workplace promotes values like integrity, respect, and peaceful collaboration. It’s a great way to inspire employees to reflect on their own personal values and align them with the company’s culture, fostering a more cohesive and engaged team.
2. National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about online safety within your teams. Consider hosting a cybersecurity workshop or sharing tips on how to keep data secure. This will help employees feel more informed and add value to their professional development.
3. World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day (October 10th) focuses on mental well-being. You can host activities like mindfulness sessions, provide resources for mental health support, or simply start a conversation about mental wellness. Supporting employees' mental health helps them feel valued and keeps them engaged in their work.
4. Diwali Celebration
Diwali, the festival of lights, is a great opportunity to celebrate diversity and bring some joy to the workplace. Organise a Diwali-themed event, complete with decorations, food, or cultural activities. Celebrating different cultural holidays makes employees feel included and strengthens team bonds.
November is a month focused on gratitude, awareness, and celebrating everyone in the workplace. These activities in your employee engagement calendar will help boost morale and foster a positive, inclusive atmosphere.
1. National Gratitude Month
November is National Gratitude Month, a time to show appreciation and thank your team for their hard work. Encourage employees to share what they’re grateful for or organise a team gratitude activity. Recognising contributions makes employees feel valued and strengthens team connections.
2. International Stress Awareness Day
International Stress Awareness Day (November 3rd) is an opportunity to focus on reducing stress in the workplace. Offer stress-relief workshops, share resources on managing stress, or even have a short break to encourage mindfulness. Addressing stress helps keep employees focused, healthy, and engaged.
3. International Men’s Day
International Men’s Day (November 19th) celebrates men’s contributions to society. Use this day to provide awareness about mental health, equality, and well-being for all employees. Acknowledge the men on your team and create conversations around work-life balance and mental wellness to foster a supportive environment for everyone.
December is a month of celebration and giving back. These activities in your employee engagement calendar will help end the year on a high note while fostering a sense of togetherness.
1. World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day (December 1st) is a day to raise awareness and show support for those affected by HIV/AIDS. You can organise educational events, share resources, or hold fundraising activities. This helps employees feel connected to a cause and reinforces your company’s commitment to social responsibility.
2. Christmas
Christmas is a holiday that brings a lot of opportunities for team celebrations. You could organise a holiday party, a gift exchange, or even a charitable event to give back to the community. Celebrating Christmas together helps create a festive atmosphere and allows employees to connect outside of work.
3. New Year’s Eve
As the year winds down, consider organising a New Year’s Eve celebration or a team reflection activity. It could be as simple as an end-of-year meeting to reflect on accomplishments or a casual party to ring in the new year. This gives employees a chance to celebrate the year’s successes and set new goals for the coming year.
These monthly activities create a festive, engaging and morale-uplifting environment and help your team feel connected throughout the year. By adding them to your employee engagement calendar, you ensure that employees feel appreciated, motivated, and ready for the new year ahead.
Planning and executing year-round employee engagement can feel daunting. With so many events, activities, and key dates to remember, engagement can easily slip through the cracks. When employees don’t feel consistently supported or recognised, morale drops, productivity slows, and turnover increases. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
An employee engagement calendar provides the structure and consistency needed to keep employees motivated, appreciated, and connected throughout the year. By planning ahead with activities tied to important dates and observances, you ensure your team stays engaged and committed to the company’s mission. However, managing this calendar can be overwhelming without the right tools.
Craze can help make this easier. With its all-in-one platform for HR, payroll, finance, and IT, Craze automates many of the tasks that would normally take up your time, from tracking leave and attendance to ensuring error-free payroll processing. Book a demo with Craze to keep everything running smoothly. It gives you more time to focus on what matters: your people.
