As the new year rolls in, HR professionals are gearing up for another round of initiatives and celebrations that build stronger bonds, boost team morale and ramp up on employee engagement. Whether it’s Employee Appreciation Day or National Pet Day, there’s a monthly excuse for a coffee break chat or calls for celebration!

To keep things breezy for you and your HR team, we’ve put together a comprehensive HR Calendar 2024. It’s got all the important holidays, special events, and the nitty-gritty details on annual payroll and tax compliance that you should keep tabs on. That’s not all, we’ve compiled a full list of employee engagement ideas throughout the year to keep the spirits and energy high all through the year. Let’s dive right in!

January

First up on our HR Calendar 2024, January is the perfect time to set the pace for the new year. Start the year strong with your team by reaffirming your company’s vision and values. Engage in a company-wide vision board activity and spruce up the office with a little spring cleaning action for a clean slate on Clean Off Your Desk Day (8 January 2024)! Cap it all off by delighting your team with some delicious fresh bagels on Bagel Day (15 January 2024).

Omni Tip: January frequently sees new hires coming on board, and providing a positive onboarding experience is key to boosting employee engagement and retention. Explore our complete employee onboarding checklist or new hire training plan template to ensure a smooth onboarding journey for your new team members.

Key dates and holidays

• New Year’s Day – 1 January 2024
• Data Privacy Day – 28 January 2024

Employee Engagement Ideas

• Clean Off Your Desk Day – 8 January 2024
• Bagel Day – 15 January 2024

February 

Chinese New Year is just around the corner! Decorating the workplace with festive decorations not only adds a touch of celebration but also makes employees feel appreciated, lifting their spirits. Additionally, consider spreading some love on Valentine’s Day by stocking up the pantry with chocolates for a sweet treat. Finally, mark Random Acts of Kindness Day (17 February 2024) by encouraging employees to nominate someone who demonstrated a random act of kindness during the week. Let’s keep the positive vibes flowing all year round! 

Key dates and holidays

• Chinese New Year – 10 -12 February 2024
• Valentine’s Day – 14 February 2024
• National Day of Brunei Darussalam – 23 February 2024
• Leap Day – 29 February 2024

Employee Engagement Ideas

• Random Acts of Kindness Day – 17 February 2024 

March

As we wrap up the first quarter, March not only provides an excellent opportunity to evaluate your processes and initiatives but also serves as an ideal time to celebrate small wins on Employee Appreciation Day (1 March 2024). Acknowledging these wins is a powerful way to increase employee morale and engagement!

Omni Tip: This month is also a strategic period to prepare for the upcoming mid-year performance review. Omni’s total performance review kit is the perfect resource to kickstart the process and elevate your team’s performance to new heights!

Furthermore, March is recognized as Women’s History Month! Consider these significant days and events in mind when planning your HR Calendar 2024. 

Key Dates and Holidays

• International Women’s Day – 8 March 2024
• Good Friday – 29 March 2024
• Performance Review Preparation

Employee Engagement Ideas

• Women’s History Month
• Employee Appreciation Day – 1 March 2024 

Compliance, Tax & Payroll Information

• Philippines: Deadline for companies to file annual income tax returns – 31 March 2024

April

Entering April in our HR Calendar 2024, we joyously usher in Hari Raya celebrations! Infuse the workplace with festive spirit by adding appropriate decorations. Additionally, observe Earth Day by inspiring eco-friendly practices among your team, fostering a culture of sustainability and environmental awareness. 

Celebrate National Pet Day (11 April 2024) by encouraging employees to share adorable pictures of their pets. If circumstances allow, consider allowing pets in the office for the day to create a lively and pet-friendly atmosphere! 

Key Dates and Holidays

• April Fool’s Day 1 April 2024
• Hari Raya Aidilfitri – 10 April 2024
• National Pet Day – 11 April 2024
• Songkran Festival 13-15 April 2024
• Administrative Professionals’ Day – 18 April 2024
• Earth Day – 22 April 2024

Employee Engagement Ideas

• National Volunteer Month
• April Fool’s Day – 1 April 2024
• National Pet Day – 11 April 2024

Compliance, Tax & Payroll Information

• Hong Kong: Deadline for individuals to file salaries tax returns – 15 April 2024
• Philippines: Deadline for individuals to file income tax returns – 15 April 2024
• Malaysia: Paper filing deadline for individual income tax returns – 30 April 2024

May

It’s important to establish a supportive environment for your team to voice their thoughts, express concerns, and seek camaraderie within the workplace. Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month by encouraging peer-to-peer shout outs, introducing mental health days, setting up zen spaces in the office, and conducting informative mental health workshops. 

Key Dates and Holidays

• Labor Day – 1 May 2024
• Mother’s Day – 12 May 2024
• National Bike to Work Day – 17 May 2024
• Wesak Day – 22 May 2024 

Employee Engagement Ideas

• Mental Health Awareness Month
• World Password Day – 2 May 2024
• Star Wars Day – 4 May 2024

Compliance, Tax & Payroll Information

• Malaysia: E-filing deadline for individual income tax returns – 15 May 2024

June

Hooray, we’re halfway there in our HR Calendar 2024! Brighten your team’s day by indulging in sweet treats on National Donut Day (7 June 2024)! 

Omni Tip: As you gear up for mid-year performance reviews, rest assured with our ultimate performance review template and a collection of 200 performance review phrases for managers. Gain a well-rounded understanding of what constitutes a comprehensive performance review and find inspiration for crafting the best performance review questions and answers. 

Key Dates and Holidays

• Dragon Boat Festival – 10 June 2024
• Philippines’ Independence Day – 12 June 2024
• Father’s Day – 16 June 2024
• Hari Raya Haji – 16 June 2024
• Mid-Year Performance Reviews

Employee Engagement Ideas

• Leave the Office Early Day – 2 June 2024
• National Donut Day – 7 June 2024

Compliance, Tax & Payroll Information

• Hong Kong: Deadline for companies to file profits tax return – 15 June 2024
• Malaysia: Deadline for companies to file paper annual audited accounts and tax return – 30 June 2024

July

Embrace July with a delightful and popular concept – honoring the deliciousness of chocolate on World Chocolate Day (7 July 2024)! Take this moment to encourage your team to unwind and rejuvenate for the second half of the year with a dedicated Self-Care Day (24 July 2024). 

Key Dates and Holidays

• Parents’ Day – 28 July 2024

Employee Engagement Ideas

• World Chocolate Day – 7 July 2024
• International Self-Care Day – 24 July 2024
• National Intern Day – 25 July 2024

Compliance, Tax & Payroll Information

• Malaysia: E-filing deadline for companies to submit annual audited accounts and tax return – 15 July 2024

August

Books have a way of bringing people together. Switch things up from the usual happy hour and snacks by encouraging your team to exchange their favorite books in celebration of Book Lovers Day (9 August 2024). Consider organizing a book club, providing colleagues with an opportunity to connect through their shared love for reading. 

Need some recommendations? Explore our curated list of the best books for HR professionals!

Key Dates and Holidays

• Singapore’s National Day – 9 August 2024
• Indonesia’s National Day – 17 August 2024
• Malaysia’ National Day – 31 August 2024

Employee Engagement Ideas

• International Cat Day – 8 August 2024
• Book Lovers Day – 9 August 2024
• National Financial Awareness Day – 14 August 2024
• National Dog Day – 28 August 2024

September

September promises a blend of cultural richness and professional appreciation, making it a vibrant and significant month for both personal and career milestones. Consider organizing a festive gathering during Mid-Autumn Festival (17 September 2024), encouraging colleagues to share their favorite mooncake flavors, or even hosting a lantern-making competition to infuse the workplace with the spirit of this cultural celebration. 

Key Dates and Holidays

• National Day of Vietnam – 2 September 2024
• National Heroes Day – 16 September 2024 
• Mid-Autumn Festival – 17 September 2024

Employee Engagement Ideas

• National Working Parents Day – 16 September 2024
• IT Professionals Day – 17 September 2024
• HR Professional Day – 26 September 2024 

October

As the final quarter of our HR Calendar 2024 rolls around, this is a great time to assess team dynamics and be vigilant for signs of employee burnout, ensuring a supportive work environment. Mark World Mental Health Day (10 October 2024) by fostering discussions on mental well-being, organizing workshops, and providing resources to bolster the mental health of your team. 

This month also brings the joyous celebration of Deepavali. Embrace the cultural diversity within your workplace by decorating the workspace with vibrant decor, creating an inclusive atmosphere that enhances employee engagement and fosters a sense of belonging. 

Key Dates and Holidays

• World Mental Health Day – 10 October 2024
• Deepavali – 31 October 2024
• Halloween – 31 October 2024

Employee Engagement Ideas

• Diversity and Inclusion Awareness Month
• World Mental Health Day – 10 October 2024
• Halloween – 31 October 2024

November

In November, seize the opportunity to foster gratitude and kindness during National Gratitude Month. Set up gratitude walls around the workplace, providing spaces for employees to share their appreciations openly. Alternatively, host luncheons to bring the team together, allowing them to share a meal and express gratitude towards one another. 

Professionally, November also signifies National Career Development Month. Embrace this occasion by arranging skill-building workshops, engaging in career or networking events, and facilitating impactful 1-on-1 career development conversations. It’s also the perfect time for year-end reviews and goal setting, allowing for reflection on personal milestones and strategic planning for the new year. 

Key Dates and Holidays

• World Kindness Day – 13 November 2024
• Year-End Review and Goal Setting

Employee Engagement Ideas

• National Gratitude Month
• National Career Development Month

Compliance, Tax & Payroll Information

• Singapore: Deadline for individuals to file income tax returns – 15 November 2024
• Singapore: Deadline for companies to file annual audited accounts and tax returns – 30 November 2024

December

You’ve made it til the end of our HR calendar 2024! December is the time to sit back, unwind and reflect on the year’s accomplishments, and celebrate milestones. Plan fun activities for your team to discuss the highlights of the year, and consider hosting a festive Secret Santa gift exchange to get your team in the festive spirit! 

Key Dates and Holidays

• Christmas Eve – 24 December 2024
• Christmas Celebration – 25 December 2024
• Year-End Break and Holidays
• New Year’s Eve – 31 December 2024

Employee Engagement Ideas

• Holiday Celebrations

Planning Your HR Calendar 2024

That’s a wrap on our comprehensive HR Calendar 2024! Bookmark this calendar to plan your key events and holidays. If you would like the printable version with an added bonus of employee engagement ideas applicable throughout the year, and reap the engagement benefits that come from these occasions, 

Omni’s intuitive, all-in-one HRIS helps HR teams and managers keep track of key dates, engagement opportunities, and manage employee schedules easily with automated reminders and at-a-glance scheduling. Omni’s platform allows you to create bespoke calendars for your employees around the globe, with pre-loaded holidays and cultural happenings based on your employee’s location, and automated alerts so you never miss a holiday, work anniversary, or opportunity to engage with your team or prepare for your next important HR initiative. 

With a full suite of modules to support every aspect of your business, Omni’s platform offers an intuitive and fully customizable platform that integrates with your team’s favorite tools for a seamless and timely adoption. If you’d like to learn more about how Omni’s all-in-one HR software automates the entire end-to-end employee lifecycle, book a demo with our team today and explore the features tailored to enhance your HR experience in 2024!