We highlight some of the main diversity events that take place throughout the year so employers can plan accordingly.
Diversity and inclusion make businesses more successful. Period. 83% greater employee engagement, 30% better team performance, 19% higher rates of innovation, and 35% more likely to have higher returns than their competitors. Need I go on?
It’s clear, therefore, that diversity and inclusivity need to be celebrated. And what better way to do so than by recognising the wide variety of diversity events that take place throughout the year?
We’ve created a calendar of key diversity events from June 2024 to May 2025 that all employers should be aware of and actively participate in.
Diversity Events 2024/2025
Get your calendar ready and set reminders well in advance of these important diversity events that are celebrated throughout the year.
June 2024
Pride Month
Pride Month is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, their history, and their contributions to society. As an employer, you can encourage all of your employees to participate in Pride parades and events.
Perhaps you could also consider hosting workshops or talks to educate employees on LGBTQ+ issues and allyship.
Bonus reading: Pride Month 2024: Enhancing LGBTQ+ Representation in the Workplace 👉
Refugee Week
Refugee Week takes place every year globally on the week surrounding World Refugee Day (20th June). This week highlights the contributions, creativity, and resilience of refugees.
It’s a great opportunity to engage in activities that support refugees, such as volunteering, donating to refugee charities, or hosting events that raise awareness about their experiences and challenges.
You might also like: Refugee Week 2024: Promoting Employment Opportunities for Refugees 👉
July 2024
Disability Pride Month
Disability Pride Month is all about honouring the diversity, achievements, and contributions of people with disabilities.
Employers can focus on creating an inclusive workplace by ensuring accessibility and promoting understanding and respect for disabilities through training and awareness campaigns.
Learn more: Disability Pride Month 2024 👉
August 2024
World Breastfeeding Week
World Breastfeeding Week is set every August for the first seven days of the month. It’s all about promoting the benefits of breastfeeding and supporting breastfeeding parents.
Employers can support this by providing breastfeeding-friendly spaces, offering flexible working hours, and educating employees on the importance of breastfeeding support.
Check it out! Support Hub for Women 👉
September 2024
National Inclusion Week
National Inclusion Week takes place on the last week of September. This year it will go from the 24th to the 29th. The whole week is about celebrating inclusion in the workplace.
National Inclusion Week is a perfect time to assess and improve your organisation’s EDI practices. You can host events, workshops, and training sessions to create and nurture a more inclusive environment.
Further reading: National Inclusion Week 2023: Employer’s Guide 👉
October 2024
Black History Month
Black History Month is celebrated in October in the UK and February in the United States. This year’s theme “Reclaiming Narratives” focuses on acknowledging and correcting the stories and histories of Black culture.
Employers should use this month to educate employees about Black history and culture, and to highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion through events, discussions, and educational resources.
Find out more: How to Support Black History Month at Work 👉
November 2024
Transgender Awareness Month and Transgender Day of Remembrance (20th November)
Transgender Awareness Month is dedicated to raising visibility and awareness of the transgender community and the issues they face. Employers can support this by providing resources and training to educate employees on transgender issues and by promoting a culture of respect and inclusion.
On the 20th of November, Transgender Day of Remembrance honours the memory of transgender people who have lost their lives due to anti-transgender violence. You could consider holding a moment of silence, sharing educational materials, or hosting a vigil to show solidarity and support for the transgender community.
Must read: How to Support Transgender Employees in the Workplace 👉
December 2024
International Migrants Day
International Migrants Day on the 18th of December recognises the contributions of millions of migrants worldwide and promotes the protection of their rights.
Employers can celebrate this day by sharing stories of migrant employees, hosting cultural events, and supporting migrant communities through various initiatives.
Bonus reading: How Employers Can Support Migrant Workers in the UK 👉
January 2025
Red January
Red January is a campaign that encourages people to get active every day in January to support their mental and physical well-being.
Employers can promote participation in physical activities, whether it’s through organised events, fitness challenges, or providing resources for employees to engage in regular exercise.
Get some ideas here: Mental Health Awareness Week 👉
February 2025
LGBT+ History Month
Starting in 2005, LGBT+ History Month is an annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. It was created to “claim our past, celebrate our present, create our future”.
Employers can get involved by organising educational events, sharing historical information, and promoting LGBT+ rights and inclusion.
Further reading: A Guide on How to Be an LGBT Ally at Work 👉
March 2025
Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day (8th March)
Women’s History Month celebrates the contributions of women to society. This entire month should focus on highlighting the achievements of women in your organisation. You can do this by sharing educational resources and organising events that promote gender equality and women’s rights.
On 8th March, International Women’s Day focuses on celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Host events, panel discussions, or workshops that address gender equality issues and support women in the workplace.
Do your research: Three Common Barriers To Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion 👉
April 2025
Autism Acceptance Month and World Autism Awareness Day (2nd April)
Autism Acceptance Month promotes understanding and acceptance of autistic individuals. It’s based around World Autism Awareness Day which takes place on the 2nd of April and is dedicated to improving acceptance of people with this hidden disability.
There are many ways employers can support this day and month. This could include providing training on autism awareness, creating inclusive policies, and ensuring a supportive environment for autistic employees.
Learn from our sister site, Careers with Disabilities: What Employers Should Know About Autism at Work 👉
May 2025
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) (17th May)
IDAHOBIT takes place on the 17th of May, 2025 and raises awareness of the discrimination and violence faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
Employers can participate by promoting anti-discrimination policies, supporting LGBTQ+ employees, and organising events to create an inclusive and understanding workplace.
Learn more from: The Importance Of Preventing Discrimination 👉
Conclusion
So, there you have it. A full year of diversity and inclusion events that your whole workplace can get involved in.
But remember, these events highlight real, everyday issues that many of your employees face. As such, it’s vital that you begin to incorporate EDI practices into your workplace every single day, not just during the month we celebrate it.
Need support? We can help.
At Aspiring to Include, we believe in equal opportunities for all. As well as an inclusive job board and a free resource hub, we offer a range of employer services.
From advertising opportunities to inclusivity screening, we can support your business in building an inclusive and diverse workplace.
Get in touch today.
