2026 Awareness Days Calendar: Inclusive Family-Friendly Calendar for HR and People Professionals
For our 2026 Awareness Days Calendar – click here
Welcome to the 2026 Inclusive Family Friendly Awareness Days Calendar: A helpful resource for people, HR and DE&I professionals who are passionate about building workplaces that celebrate diversity and support family-friendly values.
Why Awareness Days Matter
As co-founders of Parent and Professional, we recognise the importance of these events. They give us a chance to pause and consider perspectives and experiences different from our own — and to support the people who are navigating life inside and outside of work.
Awareness days offer structured opportunities to promote empathy, spark meaningful conversations, and build trust within teams. When approached with care, they can help shape a workplace culture where everyone feels seen, supported and understood.
This past year, our CPO Talk: Family-Friendly Cultures podcast has shown just how much culture matters — and how leaders across sectors are using moments like these to connect, listen and drive real change. The stories we’ve heard are a reminder that inclusive cultures don’t just happen — they’re built, day by day, through consistent, thoughtful action.
Our Awareness Days Calendar: Your Go-To Guide for Planning
This calendar is more than a tool; it’s a quiet commitment to making our workplaces reflect the world we want to live in — diverse, inclusive and family-friendly.
We know how busy people leaders are, which is why we’ve put together this awareness days calendar to make your life a little easier. By keeping these dates on your radar, you can plan ahead and create meaningful moments for your teams
Whether that’s an awareness campaign, a team lunch, or a simple but thoughtful acknowledgment of an important day – a small step towards creating a workplace where everyone feels seen and supported.
Thank you for joining us in this meaningful journey.
Helen & Henriette
Co-Founders, Parent and Professional
Get your copy of our inclusive, family-friendly 2026 awareness day calendar PDF and plan your 2026 events.
Awareness Days January 2026
30 January
Parent Mental Health Day encourages understanding and awareness of the importance of parents’ mental health and its impact on the whole family system. #PMHD
“What an important message to start the year on! Parent Mental Health Day serves as a crucial reminder for HR and workplaces to recognise the challenges and balancing act that working parents manage day to day.
Workshops or webinars on topics related to parenting and mental health, such as stress management, work-life balance and self-care are a great way to show your employees that you value their well-being and understand the challenges they may face as working parents.”
Sarah Flynn
P&P Parental Transition and Work Family Balance Expert and Coach
Awareness Days February 2026
5 February
Time to Talk Day A day for friends, families, communities, and workplaces to come together to talk about mental health, listen and help change lives. #TimeToTalk
“On Time to Talk Day, let’s take a moment to start conversations that truly matter. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the value of connection, empathy, and understanding.
Organisations can play a vital role by fostering a culture of openness and support. This includes creating safe spaces for honest dialogue, equipping leaders with the skills to listen and respond with care and offering resources like mental health champions or employee assistance programmes.
Tim Hedin
P&P Parental Transition and Work Family Balance Expert and Coach
15-21 February
Random Acts of Kindness Week A week to celebrate and encourage random acts of kindness. #MakeKindnessTheNorm
17 February
Random Acts of Kindness Day A day to celebrate and encourage random acts of kindness. #MakeKindnessTheNorm
20 February
National Leadership Day An annual event that gives us the chance to reflect on the importance of capable leadership within society. #NationalLeadershipDay
Awareness Days March 2026
8 March
International Women’s Day International Women’s Day (IWD) has been around for over a hundred years, as have many of the issues still impacting women’s advancement. Since 1911, IWD belongs to all who care about gender equality. Celebrate women’s achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Get ready for #IWD2026.
“In my coaching experience, I’ve seen the profound impact of empowering women in the workplace. International Women’s Day isn’t just a celebration; it’s a call to action for organisations to acknowledge women’s outstanding contributions and advocate for gender equality.
By proactively promoting women into leadership, fostering mentoring and coaching, and cultivating a supportive environment for open discussions on gender equality, organisations can tap into untapped potential that benefits all. Let’s also motivate men to be integral to the necessary change.”
Anne Gelebart
P&P Work Family Balance Coach
12 March
National Working Moms Day US National Working Moms Day recognises all working moms, speak up for policies that support women in the workforce, especially moms. #NationalWorkingMomsDay
13 March
World Sleep Day This is an annual event which focuses on the importance of prioritising our health and wellbeing through sleep. #WorldSleepDay
Week 16-20 March
Neurodiversity Week Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. #NeurodiversityWeek
20 March
International Day of Happiness International Day of Happiness is an annual celebration aimed at helping people around the world to realise the importance of happiness in their lives. #HappinessDay
21 March
Single Parent Day Bring attention to the challenges faced by single parent families. #SingleParentDay
Awareness Days April 2026
7 April
World Health Day This is celebrated annually and each year draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world. #WorldHealthDay
Whole Month
Stress Awareness Month Stress awareness month has been held every April since 1992 to raise awareness of the causes of and cures for our modern-day stress epidemic. It is the time when we have an opportunity for an open conversation on the impact of stress. #ActNow
20-24 April
National Infertility Awareness Week US National Infertility Awareness Week®, founded in 1989 by RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, is the largest public awareness campaign that addresses the public health issue of infertility. #NIAW
“Shine a spotlight on the recognition of stress as a universal experience. By providing resources and support to promote Stress Awareness Month, organisations can cultivate a healthier and more resilient workforce.
Explore the topic of stress and challenges like low motivation, difficult conversations and managing physical health. By equipping individuals with the necessary tools and resources, you’ll empower them to cultivate resilience and thrive.”
Alex Pett
P&P Resilience Panel Expert
Awareness Days May 2026
1 May
Maternal Mental Health Month takes place every May, with various organisations around the world participating in activities and initiatives designed to support mothers’ mental health. #MaternalMentalHealth
Week 4-10 May
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week is a week-long campaign dedicated to talking about mental health problems before, during and after pregnancy. #MaternalMentalHealth
13 May
National Staff Networks Day is the world’s only nationwide day dedicated to recognising networks/resource groups and the incredible value they add to the workplace. #ReadyForChange
15 May
International Day of Families The Summit builds on the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration, which recognized families as the foundation of society and underscored the need for work-family balance and equal partnerships within households. #internationaldayoffamilies
Week 11-17 May
National Mental Health Awareness Week This annual event provides an opportunity to focus on achieving good mental health. #MentalHealthAwarenessWeekWeek
Week 18-24 May
Learning at Work Week Learning at Work Week is a unique annual event. It’s led nationally by Campaign for Learning and by employers and learning champions in their organisations. #LearningAtWorkWeek
Week 18-24 May
ICF International Coaching Week International Coaching Week (ICW) is a weeklong global celebration of the power and impact of professional coaching. #ExperienceCoaching
“As we embrace International Coaching Week (ICW), we recognise the influence that professional coaching can have in nurturing personal and professional growth.
HR and Organisations can truly value ICW by acknowledging the role of coaching in their success stories, appreciating the positive changes it brings to individuals and teams. Let’s seize this opportunity to harness the potential of coaching and propel our organisations and individuals toward even greater success.”
Helen Letchfield
P&P Co-Founder
14 May
National Staff Networks Day National Day for Staff Networks is the world’s only nationwide day dedicated to recognising networks/resource groups and the incredible value they add to the workplace.#ReadyForChange
Awareness Days June 2026
1 June
Global Day of Parents takes place on the 1st of June each year, providing an opportunity to honour parents worldwide. #GlobalDayofParents
Week 9-15 June
International Men’s Health Week The purpose of Men’s Health Week is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems as well as encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. #MensHealthWeek
Week 8-14 June
National Carers Week Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of hardships undertaken by carers including caring, highlighting the challenges carers face and recognising the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. #CarersWeek
“Carers Week is a vital reminder of the incredible dedication and selflessness of those who provide care to their loved ones. Organisations can play a pivotal role in supporting employees with caring responsibilities by recognising the immense value that carers bring to both their families and workplaces.”
Alison Yard
P&P Working Carers Coach
14 June
A day dedicated to living well. The purpose of Global Wellness Day is to ask the question, even if for just one day, “How can I live a healthier and better life?” #GlobalWellnessDay
Awareness Days July 2026
24 July
International Self-Care Day Self-Care Day marks the end of Self-Care Month. This symbolic day was chosen because self-care can be practiced “24 hours a day/7 days a week”. #SelfCarePromise
“When we take a moment to consider what self care looks like to us, it’s only a small step further to consider what it might be for others.
Any concerns about making the time, or finding the resources, to support employee mental health can be quickly put aside when we reflect on the benefits of supported self care – International Self Care Day.”
Ruth Harrison-Swift
P&P Parental Transition and Work Family Balance Coach
Awareness Days August 2026
Whole Month
Work-Family Balance Month In August, a crucial time for working parents, Work Family Balance Month, initiated by Parent and Professional, sheds light on the unique challenges encountered by parents, caregivers, and those seeking a work-family balance during the summer, when holidays often result in reduced available care. #WorkFamilyBalance
“P&P introduced Work-Family Balance Month to August to support working parents and caregivers during the demanding summer season when juggling work and family commitments can be especially challenging.
During this month, we encourage the adoption of flexible scheduling or remote work options to assist employees in achieving a better balance between their responsibilities, thereby creating a healthier work-life balance for all.”
Andi Simmons
P&P Parental Transition and Work Family Balance Coach
22 August
National Rainbow Babies Day US is recognised each year: to celebrate the rainbow babies, remember the babies who came before them, and honour each parents’ journey.#RainbowBaby
30 August
Grief Awareness Day In the US, National Grief Awareness Day falls on August 30 whilst in the UK, there is a dedicated week at the start of December for grief awareness. Whether that’s through an Employee Assistance Programme, or something else embedded into the wellbeing support of your workplace, shine the spotlight. Give people a platform to not only share their stories but also to signpost them to helpful support systems. #GriefAwarenessDay
Awareness Days September 2026
Whole Month
Sleeptember This campaign looks at how you can achieve better sleep and what benefits a good night’s sleep can bring. #Sleeptember
Week 14-20 September
National Inclusion Week National Inclusion Week (NIW) is a week dedicated to celebrating inclusion and taking action to create inclusive workplaces. #NationalInclusionWeek
16 September
National Working Parents Day National Working Parents Day is a day to celebrate those amazing parents who work hard all year to provide for their families. #NationalWorkingParentsDay
“As we celebrate National Working Parents Day, I reflect on how inspiring it has been to coach working parents, and how they are often surprised by the incredible potential released upon having a child – they become more impactful professionals because they are coming home to their children who remind them what they are working for. And better parents, because in pursuing their dreams, they are modelling for their children how to pursue their dreams.
Mythily Bhageerutty
P&P Parental Transition and Work Family Balance Coach
Week 21-25 September
International Week of Happiness at Work International Week of Happiness at Work is meant to connect people and organisations that consider work happiness important. #InternationalWeekOfHappinessAtWork
Awareness Days October 2026
Whole month
Global Diversity Month Celebrating all types of diversity including ethnicities, cultures, heritages, experiences, abilities, and other attributes contribute to more dynamic, innovative and efficient workplaces. #GlobalDiversityMonth
Week 5-9 October
National Work Life Week Working Families’ annual campaign to get both employers and employees talking about wellbeing at work and work-life balance. #WorkLifeWeek
Week 9-15 October
Baby Loss Awareness Week A special opportunity to mark the lives of babies lost in pregnancy, at birth or soon after. #WaveOfLight
10 October
World Mental Health Day A day to talk about mental health and show everyone that mental health matters. #WorldMentalHealthDay
18 October
World Menopause Day To raise awareness of the menopause and the support options available for improving health and wellbeing. #WorldMenopauseDay
“On World Menopause Day, let’s shine a light on this often-overlooked journey. It’s a day to elevate women’s experiences and provide crucial support. Organisations can make a difference by prioritising education, open communication, and a supportive culture.
Together, let’s create workplaces that understand and accommodate the needs of women during menopause. With empathy and knowledge, we ensure a more manageable and empowering journey. Join us in making a lasting impact in the lives of women navigating this natural transition.”
Laura Shuckburgh
P&P Menopause Panel Expert & Coach
20-26 October
National Adoption Week An annual event dedicated to raising awareness about adoption and celebrating the families that have been formed through this process.#NationalAdoptionWeek
Awareness Days November 2026
Whole Month
Men’s Health Awareness Month is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide. #Movember
Whole Month
National Career Development Month A whole month dedicated to promoting the importance of career development and encouraging employers to actively promote development. #CareerDevelopmentMonth
Week 2-6 November 2026 (dates TBC)
International Stress Awareness Week To raise awareness of stress around the world and improve the ways in which stress is managed. #StressAwarenessWeek
Week 2-6 2026 (dates TBC)
Fertility Awareness Week Fertility Week focusses on the impact fertility issues have on mental health and wellbeing. By participating in these events and utilising available resources, we can collectively support individuals on their fertility journeys and, in addition to supporting individuals, we can also promote mental wellbeing. #FertilityInMind
13 November
World Kindness Day World Kindness Day, raises awareness of the profound impact of kindness on individuals and communities, inspiring people worldwide to practice behaviour including compassion and generosity. By participating in World Kindness Day, we contribute to a global movement that transcends boundaries, fostering a more compassionate and connected society. #WorldKindnessDay
International Mens Day International Men’s Day celebrates the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities. #InternationalMensDay
“Celebrating International Men’s Day is an opportunity for organisations to recognise and appreciate the diverse contributions of men, and the challenges they can face, in the workplace and society.
When men are confident that they can be great dads without sacrificing their careers, we can normalise flexible working and parental leave for all, which is not only good for wellbeing but also essential for promoting gender diversity and closing the gender pay gap.”
Ian Dinwiddy
P&P Dads Coach
16-20 November (2026 dates TBC)
International Age Pioneers Week National Older Workers Week is an opportunity for employers to focus efforts on attracting and retaining older workers. #AgeDiversity
Awareness Days December 2026
Whole Month
Reflection and planning As the year wraps up in December, people, HR and DE&I teams are presented with a special chance to reflect on the past and chart a course for the year ahead. #InclusiveFamilyFriendlyWorkplace
“As the year draws to a close, leadership teams have a unique opportunity to reflect on the past and plan for the year ahead. It’s the ideal time to strategize on how to integrate awareness and support for health and wellbeing issues, such as caregiving responsibilities, parental transition, menopause, midlife health and work-family balance, into your corporate culture.
When we prioritise the wellbeing of our employees, we promote a culture of inclusivity and support that benefits everyone.”
Henriette Phillips
P&P Co-Founder
Whole Month
Do Good December Part of Action for Happiness, in December we’re encouraging you to carry out small acts of kindness. sharing is caring. #ActionForHappiness
2-8 December
National Grief Awareness Week spearheaded by The Good Grief Trust, takes place each year. It aims to break the stigma surrounding bereavement, raise awareness of support services, and foster open conversations about loss. #GoodGrief
Download Your 2026 Awareness Days Calendar from Parent and Professional
Marking these Awareness Days can have such a positive influence on your team, therefore, we encourage you to get your copy of our inclusive, family-friendly 2026 awareness day calendar PDF and plan your 2025 events.