Five Ways to Help Celebrate Women's History Month at Work

March signals Women’s History Month as a moment to reflect and celebrate the monumental awesomeness women have provided to our world. While I’d like to think that women’s epic feats are deserving of accolades and attention 365 days a year, this month is the time for us to bask in our greatness. There are so many great things that we are responsible for, and it is time to get everyone involved.

The workplace is an important place to celebrate Women’s History Month. While we are still paid less than our men counterparts, most companies and industries could not run without women. Our leadership, innovation, business savvy, and know-how are tantamount to the workplace environment.

The theme for Women’s History Month this year is “Honoring Trailblazing Women in Labor and Business”. Use this as a foundation for creating activities for employees and coworkers.

You do not have to be shy about your accomplishments, sister. Why, you should bask in them all 31 days of March (and beyond)! If your workplace doesn’t have anything in place to help celebrate Women’s History Month, do not fret. This post will help you and the powers that be come up with ways to do so professionally and positively.

Being as how I was a Human Resource Manager for many years, I have a list of things that you can do within the workplace to help celebrate Women’s History Month. Check out my list below.

Award Breakfast or Lunch

Having an award ceremony to honor women in the workplace, who have been exceptional and groundbreaking employees, is one way to celebrate Women’s History Month. By giving these women the spotlight they deserve, it is a great way to show respect and admiration professionally. Help build company morale and kinship, while rewarding the best of the best. You can help defray the costs by obtaining a brand or meal sponsor.

Company Newsletter

Make sure to mention Women’s History Month in the company newsletter and spotlight various women in the company doing extraordinary things. Urge employees to nominate women who should be featured in the newsletter.

Women’s History Facts

Via email, send a little known Women’s History Month fact daily to employees to help them expand their knowledge. At the end of the week, ask them a random question from one of the emails, and select a winner randomly to win a gift card. This will encourage people in the office to actually read the emails.

Dress Up

This one is pretty hokey, but it is fun, too! Designate a day in the office for employees to dress up as their favorite historical woman. We did this in an office I worked at years ago and employees past and present still talk about it to this day.

Upper Management

When the boss or CEO speaks, people listen. Encourage a top staffer or key personnel to acknowledge and help celebrate Women’s History Month. Have them speak in front of employees or even record a video lauding women and their achievements and contributions to our country and to the world. Have them lead by example so that others follow suit.

The most important thing is to get creative. Reach out to coworkers and get their ideas and suggestions, too!

We are living in very interesting times, but the achievements women have accomplished are deserving of the spotlight. Here’s to you women and all that you do!