Awareness days calendar for HR professionals

Why do awareness days matter?

This guide has been curated specifically for HR and D&I professionals who are nurturing a diverse, inclusive and family-friendly workplace.

As co-founders of Parent and Professional, we recognise the profound importance of these events. They give us a chance to pause and consider perspectives and experiences different from our own.

For HR professionals, these awareness days and periods are invaluable. They provide structured opportunities to promote empathy, respect and appreciation within your teams. Embracing these values is key to bringing people together, bridging gaps and creating a more inclusive and united workplace where everyone feels valued and understood.

Our awareness days calendar for HR professionals is more than just a tool; it’s a commitment to making our workplaces a reflection of the world we want to live in – diverse, inclusive and family-friendly. As you navigate through these dates, we encourage you to use them as stepping stones towards building a culture where every employee thrives.

Thank you for joining us in this meaningful journey.

Helen & Henriette

“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 parents so that they can thrive both at work and in their important roles as parents.”

Sarah Flynn
P&P Parental Transition and Work Family Balance Expert and Coach

“LGBT+ History Month, and Pride Month in June, are great opportunities to reflect on the remarkable journey of the LGBTQ+ community.

Consider offering diversity training, establishing employee resource groups, organising celebratory events and promoting LGBTQ+ friendly policies to create an equitable, welcoming and respectful environment for all employees. Let this month serve as a reminder that our shared history is a testament to resilience, courage and the ongoing pursuit for a more inclusive world.”

Rachel Ward
P&P Confidence Expert and Specialist in LGBTQ+ in the workplace

“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

“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

“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

“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.

By offering flexible work arrangements, access to resources and a supportive environment, organisations not only ease the burden on carers but also tap into their untapped potential. Together, let’s can create a more compassionate and productive work environment where carers are not only valued but also empowered to thrive.”

Alsion Yard
P&P Working Carers Coach

“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.

By proactively addressing this, you can reduce employee turnover, boost productivity, and minimize extended absences due to poor workplace mental health. This is an area that is especially crucial for working parents, and caregivers, who often prioritise the well-being of others. When we seize the opportunity presented by International Self Care Day, we collectively break the silence to prioritise the well-being of all.”

Ruth Harrison-Swift
P&P Parental Transition and Work Family Balance Coach

“As P&P introduces Work-Family Balance Month to August, we’re embracing a significant milestone in acknowledging and providing support for the challenges experienced by working parents and caregivers, particularly 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

“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.

This day serves as a reminder to support the invaluable role they play in both their careers and families. It’s an opportunity for organisations to create workplaces that empower working parents to thrive, providing them with the flexibility, resources, and understanding they need to be the best they can be.”

Mythily Bhageerutty
P&P Parental Transition and Work Family Balance Coach

“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

“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 well-being but also essential for promoting gender diversity and closing the gender pay gap. By raising awareness and engaging in activities such wellness initiatives and discussions on men’s mental health, organisations can nurture an inclusive and supportive environment that encourages men to thrive both personally and professionally.”

Ian Dinwiddy
P&P Dads Coach

“As the year draws to a close, HR 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.

By doing so, you can create a more inclusive and resilient workplace, ultimately developing a brighter future for employees and the organisation as a whole. These initiatives are not just about empathy; they’re about building stronger, more resilient organisations. 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