HR Holiday Checklist
A practical monthly checklist to help People/HR and Comms teams plan.
1. Communicate important dates for the month
Let employees know key November dates (safety, wellness, year-end schedule) so nothing catches them by surprise.
| Date | Observance | Focus for HR/Comms |
|---|---|---|
| All month | American Diabetes Month | Wellness communications & benefits reminders |
| All month | Slips, Trips & Falls Prevention Month | Emphasize safe walking, floor hazard awareness for employees |
| All month | Lung Cancer Awareness Month | Health awareness, screening and support messaging |
| Nov 11 | Veterans Day (US) | Recognize veterans in your workforce, reinforce values |
| Nov 20 | Transgender Day of Remembrance | Inclusion, safe workplace culture |
| Nov 27 | Thanksgiving Day | Culture and company values recognizing gratitude and thanking employees for their contributions to the company’s success |
| Nov 30 | Computer Security Day | Timely for cyber-security messages: remote workers, device use, etc. |
2. Communicate the year-end holiday schedule and PTO plan
Clarify office closures, expected coverage, and PTO deadlines to avoid last-minute confusion. By giving early notice, you reduce last-minute scheduling issues, improve coverage, and help teams plan their workloads.
3. Launch a safety message for field/remote teams
Target mobile, field, and remote workers with a safety-focused message: remind them about winter travel vigilance, slip/trip & fall prevention, commuting hazards, and vehicle or weather-related risks.
4. Ensure employee contact and preference data is up-to-date
Review and clean your contact lists (email, SMS, intranet) now so your messages reach the right people at the right time. Up-to-date segmented data allows you to tailor communications by role or location for better relevance and engagement.
5. Send a year-end “Thank you & what’s ahead” message
Take a moment to recognize the team’s achievements, highlight major wins from the year, and preview next year’s focus areas. Work with senior leadership to ensure appreciation is clearly communicated across the organization and strengthen the connection between management and staff. Recognition goes a long way in boosting morale and engagement.
6. Make channel and audience decisions now
Decide which message goes via text, email or portal, and tailor for remote vs desk vs frontline employees. Planning channel + audience ahead ensures you’re using the best path for reach and engagement.