Falling into Inclusion: Recognizing October Holidays & Observances 2024

Welcome to October, the official start of fall! As the leaves change colors and the air cools, this month offers an opportunity for workplace leaders to raise awareness about October holidays and observances. In this blog, we’ll explore various celebrations throughout this month, highlighting their significance and how sharing these observances can foster a more inclusive workplace. By acknowledging and embracing diverse experiences, leaders can drive meaningful change and create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Let’s take this chance to celebrate our differences together!

List of October Observances

Monthly Observances:

National Disability Employment Awareness

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) honors the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities and emphasizes the importance of inclusive hiring practices. NDEAM serves as a reminder of the ongoing commitment to providing disabled workers with access to quality jobs year-round, which is reflected in this year’s theme from the U.S. Department of Labor: “Access to Good Jobs for All.”

Make learning about disability inclusion a priority in your workplace and explore how your company can become more accessible and inclusive. Interested in educational opportunities for NDEAM? Consider booking the following Lunch & Learn sessions for your team:

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic violence—also known as domestic or familial abuse—impacts individuals across all communities and can manifest in various forms. It's crucial to promote education, share resources, and foster conversations around this important issue. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, over 12 million women and men in the United States experience physical abuse each year. In fact, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will face some form of physical abuse in their lifetime.

To raise awareness about domestic and physical abuse, its impact on survivors and their families, and how to recognize the signs and support those in potentially dangerous situations, consider sharing the following resources:

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a global health campaign dedicated to raising awareness, promoting early detection, and encouraging regular screenings for a disease that impacts 2.3 million women worldwide. Throughout the month, various initiatives support those diagnosed with breast cancer, educate the public on risk factors, and raise funds for critical research.

Do you know a teammate or someone affected by breast cancer? Show your support and get involved in the fight against this disease by exploring these insightful resources below:

Weekly Observances:

Invisible Disability Awareness

Invisible Disabilities Awareness Week, observed from October 20-26, is an essential time to raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with invisible disabilities and promote greater inclusion, especially in the workplace. Invisible disabilities include physical, mental, or neurological conditions that aren't immediately visible but can significantly impact daily activities. While around 10% of Americans are estimated to have a disability, the actual number may be much higher due to the prevalence of invisible conditions and recent studies showing high misdiagnosis rates among neurodivergent disabilities.

Looking for ways to spread awareness and celebrate the observance with your workplace? We've got you covered! Here's a free email template resource on Invisible Disabilities Awareness Week for you to adapt and share with your colleagues and work teams.

Take part in Invisible Disabilities Week and browse the following list of media and educational resources on invisible disabilities and the power of accessibility for all:

Special Observances:

World Mental Health Day

Observed on October 10th, World Mental Health Day is a crucial moment to highlight mental health issues and build support for mental well-being, both in the workplace and beyond. This day encourages all of us to reflect on our mental health initiatives, share what we're doing to support mental wellness at work, and identify further steps needed to ensure comprehensive mental health care for everyone. It's a chance for us to come together, discuss our efforts, and explore how we can make a positive impact on mental health in our workplace and community.

Are you a workplace leader aiming to raise mental health awareness? Click here to book one of our Lunch & Learn sessions focused on mental well-being to support and promote a healthier work environment.

International Day for Older Persons

Established by the UN in 1990, October 1 recognizes the elderly as valuable assets to society and highlights the urgent need for increased support and protection for this population. The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted older adults in the workforce. Forbes reported that from March to April 2020, 11% of workers aged 55 to 74 (3.8 million people) lost their jobs, with another 400,000 retiring a year later due to challenges in finding stable work.

Older employees have significantly shaped the workplace, creating an inclusive environment for all. Use this day as a starting point to explore how you and your organization can better support older workers, ensuring their skills are recognized and valued.

Are you interested in spreading awareness and celebrating the observance with your workplace? We've compiled a free email template resource on International Day for Older Persons for you to adapt and share with your colleagues and work teams.

Indigenous Peoples Day

On October 14th, the United States observes National Indigenous Peoples' Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and honoring the profound influence Indigenous communities have had on our society. It serves as a reminder to recognize the significant contributions these communities have made across various sectors, including economic, social, and environmental development.

As a workplace leader, you can enhance this observance by exploring the educational sessions featuring Indigenous topics and perspectives.

Learn more about the history of National Indigenous Peoples' Day below:

National Coming Out Day

October 11th marks National Coming Out Day, a global celebration in LGBTQIA+ communities that promotes support, understanding, and safe spaces for individuals to be their authentic selves. A Forbes study found that nearly 70% of LGBTQIA+ workers have witnessed or experienced negative comments or jokes, and 30% faced discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

This day serves as a reminder for workplaces to champion inclusion, visibility, and representation, reinforcing the importance of creating environments where everyone can express their true selves.

Read more about National Coming Out Day and how to support folks who are celebrating in the resources listed below:

Intersex Awareness Day

On October 26, we honor and amplify the voices of intersex individuals worldwide, advocating for their human rights and dignity. Intersex people often face discrimination, violence, and abuse simply because of their sex characteristics. Many, including children, endure invasive and unnecessary medical procedures, often with irreversible consequences. This day serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and the need for greater awareness and protection for intersex individuals.

For more information on this observance, please visit here.

Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur, or the "Sabbath of Sabbaths," is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar and will be observed this year on October 11. It marks the end of the 10-day repentance period of the Days of Awe in Tishrei. Jewish people observe Yom Kippur through fasting, reflection, prayer, and seeking forgiveness, focusing on personal growth for the year ahead.

As workplaces strive to foster inclusion and belonging, it's important to provide accommodations for those with religious or spiritual observances, supporting employees in honoring their personal commitments.

Understanding and accepting different religions fosters a more inclusive and welcoming workplace. Here are some resources to deepen your knowledge of this holiday:

Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is one of the holiest days in Judaism and is celebrated this year from October 2-4. It marks the beginning of the 10 days of reflection and repentance, concluding with Yom Kippur.

Jewish people around the world observe Rosh Hashanah by sharing symbolic meals, spending time with family, attending religious services, and hearing the Shofar. With nearly 8 million practicing Jewish people in the U.S. and yet one in four Jewish Americans experienced discrimination and antisemitic behavior in 2021.

It’s important to recognize this observance and the ongoing challenges the Jewish community faces today. Consider exploring and sharing the resources below on Rosh Hashanah:

How The Rise Journey is Helping Companies Build Supportive, Inclusive Workplaces for All

Imagine a workplace where Invisible Disability is prioritized with the same energy as Mental Health, where resources are readily available to support employees. Picture an environment where conversations about diverse experiences—whether cultural, religious, or personal—are not just accepted but encouraged, fostering understanding and growth.

At The Rise Journey, we believe the workplace should be a space where learning goes beyond job roles, challenging old mindsets and embracing the richness of every individual's perspective. As organizations evolve, there’s an opportunity to celebrate the people behind the work and cultivate a culture that values inclusivity and continuous learning.