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Employee Spirit Month

An appreciation day in March recognizing employees’ hard work and dedication to boost morale and strengthen workplace community.

Monday

1–31

March 2027

Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAll of March

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCareers

SUBCATEGORYWorkplace Wellness

ORIGIN

Individual Initiative

FOUNDING ENTITY

Mike Kerr

FIRST OBSERVED

1985

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

Mike Kerr established Employee Spirit Month in 1985 to encourage employee recognition and improve morale and workplace culture.

Institutional Recordvia daysoftheyear.com

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

March 1 marks the beginning of Employee Spirit Month – a whole month dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the hard work and dedication of employees everywhere. This holiday was first established in 1985 by Mike Kerr, an employee recognition consultant, who believed that happy and motivated employees lead to a more successful business. Throughout this month, companies are encouraged to show their appreciation for their employees through various activities and gestures. So let's kick off this month with positivity and boost our employee spirits!

TIMELINE

Employee Spirit Month Timeline

Establishment of the Holiday

Employee Spirit Month is established by Mike Kerr, aiming to boost employee morale and resultant business success.

Increasing Adoption

Throughout the 1990s, awareness and celebration of Employee Spirit Month spreads among companies worldwide.

Recognition in the Media

Media outlets such as Forbes start covering Employee Spirit Month, helping to amplify its message.

Impact Studies Published

Researchers begin publishing studies on the positive impact of employee recognition programs, validating the importance of Employee Spirit Month.

Virtual Celebration

With the onset of COVID-19, companies turn to virtual means to celebrate Employee Spirit Month, demonstrating adaptability and innovation.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Employee Spirit Month

Host a team building activity

Plan a fun and engaging team building activity to boost morale and encourage teamwork among employees. This could be anything from an escape room challenge to a cooking class.

ORGANIZE

Organize a company-wide contest

Create a friendly competition among employees by organizing a contest such as a talent show, a sports tournament, or a scavenger hunt. This will help foster a sense of camaraderie and promote a positive work environment.

RECOGNIZE

Recognize and appreciate employees

Take the time to acknowledge and appreciate your employees for their hard work and dedication. This could be through personalized notes, small gifts, or a special employee appreciation event.

CELEBRATE

Celebrate with a themed party

Throw a themed party to celebrate Employee Spirit Month. Encourage employees to dress up and have fun with the theme, and provide food, drinks, and activities that fit the theme.

OFFER

Offer professional development opportunities

Invest in your employees' growth and development by offering workshops, seminars, or training sessions during Employee Spirit Month. This will show employees that you value their career progression and are invested in their success.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Employee Spirit Month is Important

It shows that the company values its employees

Recognizing and celebrating Employee Spirit Month conveys that the company cares about its employees’ well-being and wants them to thrive. This can lead to higher job satisfaction and employee retention rates, making it a win-win situation for both employers and employees.

It boosts morale and motivation

Employee Spirit Month is a great way to show appreciation for your employees and boost their spirits. This can lead to increased motivation and productivity, creating a positive work environment for everyone involved.

It promotes teamwork

By celebrating Employee Spirit Month, employees have the opportunity to bond and work together on different activities, projects or events. This can improve communication and collaboration among team members, leading to better performance and results.

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Boost productivity and positivity in the workplace during International Week of Happiness at Work! Join in on fun activities and spread joy among coworkers.

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Spice up your workday with games, team-building activities, and fun surprises to celebrate International Fun at Work Day!

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