One date to put in your summer employee appreciation calendar: National Ice Cream Day, always the third Sunday in July. (Photo via seelensturm, Flickr)
Whether you’re planning team-specific celebrations or large interdepartmental events, or both, an employee appreciation calendar is a helpful organizational tool.
Summer is the perfect time to start an appreciation calendar, too! We’re entering the season of vacations, outdoor distractions and temptations to play hooky. Having a calendar full of fun celebrations and employee recognition keeps everyone looking ahead, focused and motivated.
Not every celebration has to be a big blowout, either. Low-key celebrations can be just as effective.
A story in the Washington Post this week describes “the arms race in employee perks” among some companies vying to provide the flashiest, hottest benefits to their employees. But prevailing wisdom among engagement experts tells a different story: regular celebrations and daily appreciation, not expensive perks, are the foundation of a happy, productive workplace.
Your Guide to Summer Appreciation
Read on for a sample summer employee appreciation calendar with don’t-miss holidays and celebrations coming up this June, July and August. Want more reasons to celebrate? Make up your own! Take meetings outdoors every Tuesday, or share a team bagel breakfast on Fridays. Get inspired to start your own summer traditions.
Don’t Miss: Summer Workplace Celebration Days
Be sure to confirm dates for the current year. Some of these celebrations never change date, and some do. Jump in and have inspire some workplace fun!
June
National Safety Month — Safety is a team effort so celebrate your team! Host a BBQ workplace meal and make sure all shifts can participate.
Say Something Nice Day (around June 1) — Get everyone back into work mode after the long Memorial Day Weekend holiday. The objective of Say Something Nice Day is simple and sweet: practice your gratitude by paying people compliments.
National Doughnut Day (around June 3) — The history of National Doughnut Day is surprisingly altruistic! In 1938, the Chicago branch of the Salvation Army launched the day as a way to raise awareness for the organization’s work in the community — and honor the Salvation Army volunteers who boosted morale during World War I by making doughnuts for soldiers serving overseas.
Summer Solstice (around June 20) — Celebrate the start of a new season — and the longest day of the year — with an all company grill-out or other summery activity.
Public Service Day (around June 23) — Embrace the spirit of public service and civic responsibility with a team volunteer outing or by showing gratitude to local public service workers with a treat.
Say Something Nice Day (around June 1) — Get everyone back into work mode after the long Memorial Day Weekend holiday. The objective of Say Something Nice Day is simple and sweet: practice your gratitude by paying people compliments.
National Doughnut Day (around June 3) — The history of National Doughnut Day is surprisingly altruistic! In 1938, the Chicago branch of the Salvation Army launched the day as a way to raise awareness for the organization’s work in the community — and honor the Salvation Army volunteers who boosted morale during World War I by making doughnuts for soldiers serving overseas.
Summer Solstice (around June 20) — Celebrate the start of a new season — and the longest day of the year — with an all company grill-out or other summery activity.
Public Service Day (around June 23) — Embrace the spirit of public service and civic responsibility with a team volunteer outing or by showing gratitude to local public service workers with a treat.
July
Independence Day (July 4) — If your employees work on the 4th of July, be sure they get a chance to celebrate. Host a potluck with a “red, white and blue” menu and hand out gift certificates for the All- American dessert: pie!
Intern Appreciation Day (around July 9) — Your interns are potential future employees, so make the most of this opportunity to engage them. On Intern Appreciation Day, share a small gift, a Thank You card and treats to let your interns know their time and efforts are appreciated and that they’re part of the company, if only for a few months.
National Ice Cream Day (Always third Sunday in July) — “I scream, we all scream, for ice cream!” Ice cream is a treat everyone enjoys and a classic reward for a job well done.
System Administrator Appreciation Day (around July 29) — System administrators are the unsung heroes who keep your network secure, computers running and printers jam- free. Thank them (and your IT department) with a party, treats and Thank You cards from the whole staff.
Intern Appreciation Day (around July 9) — Your interns are potential future employees, so make the most of this opportunity to engage them. On Intern Appreciation Day, share a small gift, a Thank You card and treats to let your interns know their time and efforts are appreciated and that they’re part of the company, if only for a few months.
National Ice Cream Day (Always third Sunday in July) — “I scream, we all scream, for ice cream!” Ice cream is a treat everyone enjoys and a classic reward for a job well done.
System Administrator Appreciation Day (around July 29) — System administrators are the unsung heroes who keep your network secure, computers running and printers jam- free. Thank them (and your IT department) with a party, treats and Thank You cards from the whole staff.
August
National Picnic Month — Pack coolers and head out to a nearby park for an afternoon of picnics, games and team building. Surprise everyone with team T-shirts to make it a celebration to remember!
Summer Olympics (August) — Olympics-themed employee celebrations are a great model for engagement. Olympic athletes know a thing or two about practicing gratitude, grace under pressure, selflessness and work-life balance while on the job. If you have a year where there are Summer Olympic games (2020, 2024, etc.), host a game-watching party with snacks from the countries represented. Frame the celebration around sharing gratitude and honoring hard work and excellence.
If it’s an off year, host your own creative Olympic Games. Take advantage of an easy team-building opportunity. Who doesn’t enjoy a chance to play hooky with colleagues, participate in fun games and celebrate one another?
National Tell-A-Joke Day (around Aug. 16) — Humor breaks the ice, sparks creative thinking and improves teamwork. For inspiration, try The Oatmeal’s Dumb Jokes That Are Funny or Reader’s Digest’s “1,000s of Our Best Clean Jokes.”
Summer Olympics (August) — Olympics-themed employee celebrations are a great model for engagement. Olympic athletes know a thing or two about practicing gratitude, grace under pressure, selflessness and work-life balance while on the job. If you have a year where there are Summer Olympic games (2020, 2024, etc.), host a game-watching party with snacks from the countries represented. Frame the celebration around sharing gratitude and honoring hard work and excellence.
If it’s an off year, host your own creative Olympic Games. Take advantage of an easy team-building opportunity. Who doesn’t enjoy a chance to play hooky with colleagues, participate in fun games and celebrate one another?
National Tell-A-Joke Day (around Aug. 16) — Humor breaks the ice, sparks creative thinking and improves teamwork. For inspiration, try The Oatmeal’s Dumb Jokes That Are Funny or Reader’s Digest’s “1,000s of Our Best Clean Jokes.”
Now That You’re On A Roll …
Don’t stop at August!
Download our FREE Day-to-Day Celebration Calendar for expert tips on engaging, recognizing and building a happy and loyal workplace every day of the entire year. This one-of-a-kind eBook will help you build everyday workplace spirit with month-by-month guides, case studies, research highlights, how-to recognition advice and celebration ideas for specific holidays and anytime.
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