October is here, and with it comes a crisp autumn breeze, a flurry of exciting events, and endless opportunities to connect with your team! This month is all about embracing creativity, fostering well-being, and celebrating the diverse tapestry of your workplace. Let's dive into some key dates and ideas to make this October unforgettable for your employees!

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💡 Month Theme: National Work and Family Month

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October is dedicated to celebrating the essential balance between work and family life. It's the perfect time to recognize the diverse responsibilities your employees manage outside of the office and to promote a supportive and flexible work environment.

• Idea: Host a "Family and Friends" virtual talent show where employees and their loved ones can showcase their unique skills. You could also organize a "Work-Life Harmony" workshop with a guest speaker to provide tips on managing time and setting boundaries.

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🗓️ October 10: World Mental Health Day 💚

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A day to raise awareness and mobilize efforts in support of mental health. It’s an opportunity to open up conversations about mental well-being in the workplace and to provide resources and support to your team.

• Idea: Organize a "Mindfulness Monday" with a guided meditation session. You could also create a "Wellness Wall" in a common area where employees can share anonymous tips and resources for managing stress and promoting mental well-being.

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🗓️ October 13: Indigenous Peoples' Day & Canadian Thanksgiving 🍁

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In the United States, this day honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native American peoples. In Canada, it's Thanksgiving, a day to celebrate the harvest and give thanks.

• Idea (U.S.): Host a lunch and learn with a guest speaker from a local Indigenous community to share their history and culture. You could also support an Indigenous-owned business by catering lunch from a local restaurant.
• Note for Canadian employees: This is a public holiday in Canada.

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🗓️ October 16: National Boss's Day 👨‍💼👩‍💼

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A day to show appreciation for the managers and leaders who guide and support your teams. It's a great opportunity to foster positive relationships between managers and their direct reports.

• Idea: Encourage teams to create a collaborative "Thank You" video or e-card for their managers. You could also organize a "Coffee with the Boss" session where employees can have an informal chat with their team leaders.

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🗓️ October 27: National Mentoring Day 🤝

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A day to celebrate the power of mentorship and to encourage the development of mentoring relationships within your organization.

• Idea: Launch a "flash mentoring" event where employees can sign up for short, 30-minute mentoring sessions with senior leaders or experts in different departments. This is a great way to foster cross-functional connections and skill-sharing.

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🗓️ October 31: Halloween 🎃👻

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A classic day for fun, creativity, and a little bit of spookiness! Halloween is a fantastic opportunity to boost team morale and encourage some lighthearted fun.

• Idea: Host a company-wide costume contest (with categories like "Most Creative," "Funniest," and "Best Team Costume"). You could also organize a "Desk Decorating" competition or a virtual pumpkin carving contest.

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We hope these ideas spark some inspiration for your October event planning! For more tips and a supportive community of Employee Experience experts, be sure to join the Epoch Employee Experts community. And don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and ideas!

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Want access to a community of Employee Experience experts who share event ideas?

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Join the Epoch Employee Experts community: an invite-only community for connecting like-minded individuals in the employee experience space. Get access to a private Slack community and event invites. This is a safe environment for meaningful conversations and connections. Apply here!

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