Engagement Dates to Remember

Employee recognition is crucial for maintaining a motivated and engaged workforce. Celebrating recognized engagement dates as incentive and reward dates, as well as celebrating individual achievements, is a great way to show appreciation, increase employee engagement and build a positive culture.

Recognized Incentive and Reward Dates are a time for employers to celebrate the impact and achievement of employees and create a sense of community and belonging within the workplace. Reward dates can range from nationally recognized holidays such as National Employee Appreciation Day, to more fun celebrations like National Pizza Day or Day or National Food Truck Day.

Now is the time to show your appreciation

Celebrate these days in a variety of ways, from simple gestures like free coffee or breakfast, to more elaborate activities like team building events, lunches, and volunteer opportunities. The most important aspect is to show employees that their hard work and contributions are valued and appreciated, no matter the celebration.

As always, employers can also celebrate employee achievements and milestones throughout the year. For example, recognizing an employee’s work anniversary, birthday, or a major project completion. This kind of recognition can help boost employee morale and motivation and foster a positive and supportive work environment.

See a list of engagement dates below and view the Engagement Calendar.

Reward dates to celebrate

February

Black History Month

  • 02 – Groundhog Day
  • 09 – National Pizza Day
  • 12 – Clean Out Your Computer Day
  • 13 – Mardi Gras
  • 17 – Random Acts of Kindness Day
  • 22 – National Chili Day
  • 26 – Carpe Diem Day

March

Women’s History Month

  • 01 – Employee Appreciation Day
  • 08 – International Women’s Day
  • 10 – Daylight Savings (US)
  • 14 – Pi Day
  • 17 – St. Patrick’s Day
  • 19 – First Day of Spring
  • 31 – DST & British Summer Time (Europe)

April

National Internship Awareness Month

  • 01 – April Fools Day
  • 07 – World Health Day
  • 07 – National Beer Day
  • 11 – National Pet Day
  • 17 – Patriot’s Day
  • 18 – National High Five Day
  • 24 – Administrative Professional’s Day

May

Employee Health and Fitness Month Month

  • 01 – May Day
  • 04 – Star Wars Day
  • 05 – Cinco de Mayo
  • 08 – National Receptionists Day
  • 17 – National Pizza Party Day
  • 17 – Bike to Work Day
  • 24 – National Scavenger Hunt Day
  • 27 – Memorial Day (US)

June

National Safety Month | Pride Month 

  • 02 – Leave the Office Early Day
  • 05 – World Environment Day
  • 06 – Higher Education Day
  • 14 – World Blood Donor Day
  • 16 – National Fudge Day
  • 21 – Summer Solstice
  • 23 – International Women in Engineering Day
  • 28 – National Food Truck Day

July

National Independent Retailer Month

  • 04 – Independence Day (US)
  • 05 – National Workaholic’s Day
  • 11 – National Blueberry Muffin Day
  • 15 – Give Something Away Day
  • 20 – Moon Landing Day
  • 25 – National Hot Fudge Sunday Day
  • 26 – System Administrator Appreciation Day

August

National Dog Month | National Sandwich Month

  • 02 – International Beer Day
  • 07 – National Play Day (UK)
  • 09 – National Book Lovers Day
  • 15 – National Relaxation Day
  • 22 – Be an Angel Day
  • 26 – Women’s Equality Day
  • 31 – Eat Outside Day

September

National Courtesy Month

  • 05 – Labor Day (US)
  • 05 – International Day of Charity
  • 08 – Star Trek Day
  • 13 – Positive Thinking Day
  • 19 – Talk Like a Pirate Day
  • 22 – Fall Equinox
  • 28 – National Good Neighbor

October

National Work and Family Month

  • 02 – Custodial Worker’s Recognition
  • 05 – National Do Something Nice Day
  • 16 – National Boss’s Day
  • 17 – Get to Know Your Customers Day (3Q)
  • 24 – National Food Day
  • 27 – National American Beer Day
  • 31 – Halloween

November

National Career Development Month

  • 01 – 02 – Día de los Muertos
  • 03 – National Sandwich Day
  • 08 – National STEM/STEAM Day
  • 15 – Clean Out Your Fridge Day
  • 23 – Family Volunteer Day
  • 28 – Thanksgiving Day (US)
  • 30 – Computer Security Day

December

Learn a Foreign Language Month

  • 04 – Extraordinary Work Team Recognition Day
  • 12 – Gingerbread House Day
  • 13 – National Salesperson Day
  • 19 – Oatmeal Muffin Day
  • 21 – Winter Solstice
  • 31 – New Years Eve Day

January

National Thank You Month

  • 11 – National Clean Off Your Desk Day
  • 15 – National Hat Day
  • 16 – Martin Luther King Day
  • 18 – Get to Know Your Customers Day
  • 24 – National Compliment Day
  • 29 – Lunar New Year
  • 31 – National Fun at Work Day

Reward dates to celebrate

January

National Thank You Month

  • 11 – National Clean Off Your Desk Day
  • 15 – National Hat Day
  • 16 – Martin Luther King Day
  • 20 – Get to Know Your Customers Day
  • 22 – Lunar New Year
  • 24 – National Compliment Day
  • 27 – National Fun at Work Day

February

Black History Month

  • 02 – Groundhog Day
  • 09 – National Pizza Day
  • 13 – Clean Out Your Computer Day
  • 21 – Mardi Gras
  • 23 – National Chili Day
  • 24 – Random Acts of Kindness Day
  • 26 – Carpe Diem Day

March

Women’s History Month

  • 01 – Employee Appreciation Day
  • 08 – International Women’s Day
  • 12 – Daylight Savings (US)
  • 14 – Pi Day
  • 17 – St. Patrick’s Day
  • 20 – First Day of Spring
  • 26 – DST & British Summer Time (Europe)

April

National Internship Awareness Month

  • 01 – April Fools Day
  • 07 – World Health Day
  • 12 – Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day
  • 14 – Moment of Laughter Day
  • 17 – Patriot’s Day
  • 20 – National High Five Day
  • 26 – Administrative Professional’s Day

May

Employee Health and Fitness Month Month

  • 01 – May Day
  • 04 – Start Wars Day
  • 05 – Cinco de Mayo
  • 10 – National Receptionists Day
  • 14 – National Pizza Party Day
  • 19 – Bike to Work Day
  • 24 – National Scavenger Hunt Day
  • 29 – Memorial Day (US)

June

National Safety Month | Pride Month 

  • 05 – World Environment Day
  • 06 – Higher Education Day
  • 14 – World Blood Donor Day
  • 16 – National Fudge Day
  • 21 – Summer Solstice
  • 23 – International Women in Engineering Day
  • 27 – National Food Truck Day

July

National Independent Retailer Month

  • 04 – Independence Day (US)
  • 05 – National Workaholic’s Day
  • 11 – National Blueberry Muffin Day
  • 15 – Give Something Away Day
  • 20 – Moon Landing Day
  • 25 – National Hot Fudge Sunday Day
  • 28 – System Administrator Appreciation Day

August

National Dog Month | National Sandwich Month

  • 02 – National Play Day (UK)
  • 04 – International Beer Day
  • 09 – National Book Lovers Day
  • 15 – National Relaxation Day
  • 22 – Be an Angel Day
  • 26 – Women’s Equality Day
  • 31 – Eat Outside Day

September

National Courtesy Month

  • 04 – Labor Day (US)
  • 05 – International Day of Charity
  • 08 – Star Trek Day
  • 13 – Positive Thinking Day
  • 19 – Talk Like a Pirate Day
  • 22 – Fall Equinox
  • 31 – National Good Neighbor

October

National Work and Family Month

  • 02 – Custodial Worker’s Recognition
  • 05 – National Do Something Nice Day
  • 16 – National Boss’s Day
  • 19 – Get to Know Your Customers Day (3Q)
  • 24 – National Food Day
  • 27 – National American Beer Day
  • 31 – Halloween

November

National Career Development Month

  • 01 – 02 – Día de los Muertos
  • 03 – National Sandwich Day
  • 08 – National STEM/STEAM Day
  • 15 – Clean Out Your Fridge Day
  • 18 – Family Volunteer Day
  • 23 – Thanksgiving Day (US)
  • 30 – Computer Security Day

December

Learn a Foreign Language Month

  • 04 – Extraordinary Work Team Recognition Day
  • 08 – National Salesperson Day
  • 12 – Gingerbread House Day
  • 13 – Ice Cream Day
  • 19 – Oatmeal Muffin Day
  • 21 – Winter Solstice
  • 31 – New Years Eve Day

Occasions to celebrate!

Plus you’ll find dozens of employee recognition and reward ideas, along with tips and tricks in the Engagement Dates Calendar.

Employee engagement calendar
2023 Incentive and Reward dates Calendar - Incentive and Reward Dates

Get Inspired and Celebrate Talent!

  • Employee retention is critical to the success of your company.
  • Hiring is costly. Employees at times are difficult to attract. The great resignation is still top of mind.
  • Employees know they can move on if they aren’t satisfied that they’re making a positive contribution.
  • When employees feel valued they perform better.
  • Employees who know they’re making a positive contribution to the organization feel more valued. 
  • Employees who see the results of their contributions and are acknowledged for them, will work harder.
  • Recognition and appreciation makes a difference.

Here are a few ways to say "Thanks"

“We are so grateful for all of the hard work and dedication that you bring to the team every day. Thank you for your contributions and for making our company a better place.”

“Your commitment and passion for your work is truly inspiring. We are so lucky to have you on our team. Thank you for all that you do.”

“We express our deepest gratitude for your contributions to the company. Your hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed, and we are so grateful to have you on our team.”

“Your positive attitude and willingness to go above and beyond make a real difference in the success of our company. Thank you for all that you do.”

“We are incredibly lucky to have you on our team. Your talent and dedication have played an instrumental role in our success. Thank you for all that you do.”

“On Employee Appreciation Day, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your hard work and dedication. You are a valuable asset to the company, and we are so grateful to have you on our team.”

“We are so thankful for your contributions to the company and for the positive impact that you make every day. Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated.”

“We want to take a moment to express our deep appreciation for your hard work and dedication. You are an essential part of our team, and we are so grateful to have you on board.”

“We are so fortunate to have you on our team. Your expertise and dedication have made a tremendous impact on our company. Thank you for all that you do.”

“On Employee Appreciation Day, we want to extend our warmest thanks for your hard work and dedication. You are a valuable team member, and we are so grateful to have you on board.”

“We couldn’t have done it without you! Thank you for your hard work and dedication.”

“You are an integral part of this team, and we are grateful for all of your hard work and effort.”

“Your positive attitude and enthusiasm are contagious and make the workplace a better place.”

“We appreciate your willingness to take on new challenges and your dedication to achieving success.”

“Your contributions to this company have been vital to its success. Thank you for all that you do.”

“We are lucky to have you on our team. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.”

“Your positive attitude and willingness to help others make you an invaluable member of the team.”

“Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence.”

“You have helped to make this company a great place to work. Thank you for your contributions.”

“We appreciate your willingness to go the extra mile and your dedication to making the company a success.”

“We are so grateful for all that you do. Your dedication and commitment to excellence do not go unnoticed.”

“Your positive attitude and willingness to go above and beyond make you a valuable asset to the team.”

“We appreciate your commitment to the company and your dedication to making it a better place for us all.”

“Your contributions to the team have been invaluable. Thank you for all that you do.”

“Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication. Your contributions to the team are greatly appreciated.”

[ninja_tables id="100088"]