Urban Origins
Updated
October 1, 2024
11 min read
2025 is packed with exciting workplace events that foster inclusivity, well-being, and cultural celebration. From New Year's Day to Christmas, each month is filled with opportunities for the workplace to unite, learn, and grow as a community.
Event count: 6
After ringing in the New Year on Jan 1, we commemorate World Braille Day (Jan 4) before welcoming the traditional Hindu harvest festival, Pongal (Jan 14). Then it's the start of festive Lunar New Year (Jan 29) celebrations for the Year of the Snake. January is also the month of Dry January and Veganuary challenges.
January 2025 Highlights:
1: New Year's Day
4: World Braille Day
14-17: Pongal
29: Lunar New Year
Entire Month: Dry January
Entire Month: Veganuary
See the detailed Employee Engagement Guide for what you can do in January 2025 here.
Event count: 10
Signalling the end of the Chinese New Year is the Yuan Xiao Festival or Chap Goh Mei (Feb 12), which also doubles as the Chinese Valentine’s Day. This precedes Valentine's Day (Feb 14) which adds a touch of romance and coincides with International Book Giving Day (Feb 14) which encourages the gift of reading. Thaipusam (Feb 11) festivities are in February this year, on the same day as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (Feb 11).
Compassion and resilience is also a recurring theme with a heartfelt reminder on World Cancer Day (Feb 4) to unite in the fight against cancer. On Random Acts of Kindness Day (Feb 17), people come together to spread goodwill through kind acts. In Singapore, Total Defence Day (Feb 15) further reminds us of the importance of safeguarding our nation and its values. World Day of Social Justice (Feb 20) seeks to raise awareness of social inequality in our community and around the world, while International Mother Language Day (Feb 21) celebrates cultural and linguistic diversity.
February 2025 Highlights:
4: World Cancer Day
11: Thaipusam
11: International Day of Women and Girls in Science
12: Yuan Xiao Festival / Chap Goh Mei
14: Valentine's Day
14: International Book Giving Day
15: Total Defence Day
17: Random Acts of Kindness Day
20: World Day of Social Justice
21: International Mother Language Day
See the detailed Employee Engagement Guide for what you can do in February 2025 here.
Event count: 17
In March, we welcome the Start of Ramadan (Mar 2) where our Muslim colleagues begin their month-long fast, culminating in Hari Raya Puasa (Mar 31). March also begins with Employee Appreciation Day (Mar 7), a day for appreciating our coworkers, and International Women’s Day (Mar 8) which celebrates the achievements and contributions of women globally, fostering recognition and diversity in the workplace.
In the midst of the vibrant spirit of March, we have Holi (Mar 14), the Hindu festival of colours, followed by St. Patrick’s Day (Mar 17) which brings a touch of Irish spirit, and the International Day of Happiness (Mar 20). This period coincides with the March School Holidays (Mar 15-23), which falls after the quarterly Eat With Your Family Day (Mar 14) encouraging families to put aside work among other things to have a meal together. If your coworker is a foodie, they may well enjoy World Cheese Day (Mar 27).
World Down Syndrome Day (Mar 21) aims to promote inclusion, advocate for rights, and celebrate the abilities of individuals with Down syndrome, while International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (Mar 21) is a timely reminder that workplaces have a responsibility to address racial discrimination at work.
The pick of environmental conservation and sustainability events this month include World Wildlife Day (Mar 3), International Day of Forests (Mar 21), World Water Day (Mar 22), followed by Earth Hour (Mar 22) at 8:30 pm the same day and International Day of Zero Waste (Mar 30).
March 2025 Highlights:
2: Start of Ramadan
3: World Wildlife Day
7: Employee Appreciation Day
8: International Women's Day
14: Holi
14: Eat With Your Family Day (Q1)
15-23: March School Holidays
17: St. Patrick's Day
20: International Day of Happiness
21: World Down Syndrome Day
21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
21: International Day of Forests
22: World Water Day
22: Earth Hour (8.30pm)
27: World Cheese Day
30: International Day of Zero Waste
31: Hari Raya Puasa
See the detailed Employee Engagement Guide for what you can do in March 2025 here.
Event count: 16
It’s not the right way to start the month without April Fool's Day (Apr 1), which coincidentally happens to be International Fun at Work Day (Apr 1). If you have a fun workplace, you may wish to continue the fun on International Pillow Fight Day (Apr 5), or a sports activity on the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (Apr 6).
This month, we observe World Autism Awareness Day (Apr 2) and World Health Day (Apr 7). It is also the Holy Week, observed by some of our colleagues, with Good Friday (Apr 18) and Easter (Apr 20). This is alongside both Chinese Language Day (Apr 20) and English Language Day (Apr 23) for those who are keen on linguistic activities and upskilling language proficiency.
At the workplace, we can come together and share our knowledge on World Creativity and Innovation Day (Apr 21) and World Book Day (23 Apr). We also celebrate our administrative professionals on Administrative Professionals Day (Apr 23), while reinforcing workplace health and safety on the World Day for Safety and Health at Work (Apr 28).
Lastly, Earth Day (Apr 22) is a reminder of our collective responsibility for environmental protection, inspiring a shared commitment to preserving our planet for future generations.
April 2025 Highlights:
1: April Fool's Day
1: International Fun at Work Day
2: World Autism Awareness Day
5: International Pillow Fight Day
6: International Day of Sport for Development and Peace
7: World Health Day
18: Good Friday
20: Easter
20: Chinese Language Day
21: World Creativity and Innovation Day
22: Earth Day
23: World Book Day
23: English Language Day
23: Administrative Professionals Day
28: World Day for Safety and Health at Work
Entire Month: Earth Month
See the detailed Employee Engagement Guide for what you can do in April 2025 here.
Event count: 19
May kicks off with Labour Day (May 1), honouring workers' contributions and encouraging reflection on labour-related issues. Continuing the theme of gratitude is Mother's Day (May 11) and International Day of Families (May 15).
This is an important month for inclusivity with Global Accessibility Awareness Day (May 15) and International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (May 17). Cultural awareness and appreciation takes centre stage with International Museum Day (May 18), International Tea Day (May 21) and Vesak Day (May 12).
There is also a ecological theme in May on days like World Tuna Day (May 2), World Bee Day (May 20), and International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22), which reminds us to coexist with wildlife and nature.
With the June School Holidays (May 31 - Jun 29), it's time to recharge and spend more time with your children. Finally, World Nutrition Day (May 28) encourages healthy eating habits among colleagues, underscoring the importance of nutrition for a healthy and productive workforce.
As a bonus, why not enjoy World Laughter Day (May 5) with a laughter-inducing activity like comedy hour.
May 2025 Highlights:
1: Labour Day
2: World Tuna Day
4: World Laughter Day
11: Mother's Day
12: Vesak Day
13: World Cocktail Day
15: International Day of Families
15: Global Accessibility Awareness Day
17: International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
18: International Museum Day
20: World Bee Day
21: International Tea Day
22: International Day for Biological Diversity
28: World Nutrition Day
30: International Day of Potato
30: Eat With Your Family Day (Q2)
31 May - 29 June: June School Holidays
31: World No-Tobacco Day
31: Dragon Boat Festival
See the detailed Employee Engagement Guide for what you can do in May 2025 here.
Event count: 13
We begin June with the Global Day of Parents (Jun 1), followed by Father’s Day (Jun 15). The key sustainability events are World Environment Day (Jun 5) and World Oceans Day (Jun 8). Health and wellness opportunities prevail with World Blood Donor Day (Jun 14) recognising the importance of blood donation, International Picnic Day (Jun 18) encouraging social gatherings in a relaxed setting while International Yoga Day (Jun 21) promotes well-being through yoga.
June is also Pride Month as we foster inclusivity, acceptance, and unity in the workplace.
June 2025 Highlights:
1: Global Day of Parents
3: World Bicycle Day
5: World Environment Day
7: World Food Safety Day
7: Hari Raya Haji
8: World Oceans Day
14: World Blood Donor Day
15: Father’s Day
18: International Picnic Day
18: Sustainable Gastronomy Day
21: International Yoga Day
27: Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME)Day
Entire Month: Pride Month
See the detailed Employee Engagement Guide for what you can do in June 2025 here.
Event count: 12
July brings us Youth Day (Jul 6) which empowers the youth, recognizing their contributions. We also honour the Singapore Armed Forces' dedication to national defence on SAF Day (Jul 01).
We celebrate Singapore's diverse cultural tapestry on Racial Harmony Day (Jul 21). International Day of Friendship (Jul 30) also encourages positive relationships among colleagues, contributing to a harmonious work environment, while World Emoji Day (Jul 17) is genuinely a good opportunity to improve our literacy in emojis as a form of communication.
There's also a reminder to have a treat with World Chocolate Day (Jul 07), and International Self-Care Day (Jul 24) to prioritise well-being, emphasising the significance of self-care for a balanced and healthy workforce. Some humour-related activity is also a good idea on International Joke Day (Jul 1).
This month we commemorate World Hepatitis Day (Jul 28) which allows us to raise awareness about the impact of hepatitis on workforce health, promoting preventive measures. Finally, Plastic Free July reminds us of our shared responsibility to protect the environment, fostering a collective commitment to sustainability.
July 2025 Highlights:
1: SAF Day
1: International Joke Day
6: Youth Day
7: World Chocolate Day
15: World Youth Skills Day
17: World Emoji Day
20: International Chess Day
21: Racial Harmony Day
24: International Self-Care Day
28: World Hepatitis Day
30: International Day of Friendship
Entire Month: Plastic Free July
See the detailed Employee Engagement Guide for what you can do in July 2025 here.
Event count: 3
Singapore's National Day (Aug 09) marks a celebration of our nation's heritage, fostering cultural appreciation and unity as we commemorate our history. On World Humanitarian Day (Aug 19), we pay tribute to the dedicated efforts of humanitarian workers, highlighting the importance of compassion and global cooperation in our workplace.
August 2025 Highlights:
9: National Day
12: International Youth Day
19: World Humanitarian Day
See the detailed Employee Engagement Guide for what you can do in August 2025 here.
Event count: 13
September begins with the September School Holidays (Sep 6-14), another school term break where the kids are home. On Teachers’ Day (Sep 5), we express gratitude to educators in the office who play a vital role in shaping our professional journeys.
This month we commemorate a series of meaningful international days, including International Day of Charity (Sep 5), International Literacy Day (Sep 8), World Gratitude Day (Sep 21), International Day of Peace (Sep 21), International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (Sep 29) and World Heart Day (Sep 29).
September 2025 Highlights:
5: International Day of Charity
5: Teachers’ Day
5: Eat With Your Family Day (Q3)
6-14 Sep: September School Holidays
7: International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies
8: International Literacy Day
20: World Cleanup Day
21: World Gratitude Day
21: International Day of Peace
23: International Day of Sign Languages
27: World Tourism Day
29: International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste
29: World Heart Day
See the detailed Employee Engagement Guide for what you can do in September 2025 here.
Event count: 18
Kicking off the month is World Vegetarian Day / Month (Oct 1) and International Coffee Day (Oct 1), followed by World Food Day (Oct 16) where we take a collective stance on food security and the crucial role of nutritious meals for a productive workforce.
As the Mid-Autumn Festival (Oct 6) approaches, our workplace becomes vibrant with colourful lanterns and delightful mooncakes. Colleagues also come together for the F1 Singapore GP (Oct 3-5), an exhilarating event that sparks camaraderie and excitement as we witness the thrill of Formula 1 racing.
World Dyslexia Awareness Day (Oct 8) is a day of inclusivity, raising awareness about dyslexia and promoting understanding among colleagues. While Children’s Day (Oct 4) honours children, let’s also uplift the parents in our workplace and celebrate their roles in bringing up their children.
As the month unfolds, we focus on mental health and eye health on World Mental Health Day (Oct 10) and World Sight Day (Oct 9). Global Handwashing Day (Oct 15) instils good hygiene habits, and World Osteoporosis Day (Oct 20) reminds us of the importance of bone health. These events encourage open conversations about well-being and the importance of regular health check-ups in the office.
Towards the end of the month, we celebrate Deepavali / Diwali (Oct 20), a festival of lights, unity, and diversity, and Halloween (Oct 31). Throughout October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month and ADHD Awareness Month raise awareness about breast cancer, ADHD, and further highlights the significance of health check-ups and inclusivity.
October 2025 Highlights:
1: World Vegetarian Day
1: International Coffee Day
1: International Music Day
1: International Day of Older Persons
3: Children’s Day
3-5: F1 Singapore GP
6: Mid-Autumn Festival
8: World Dyslexia Awareness Day
9: World Sight Day
10: World Mental Health Day
15: Global Handwashing Day
16: World Food Day
20: World Osteoporosis Day
20: Deepavali / Diwali
31: Halloween
Entire Month: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Entire Month: ADHD Awareness Month
Entire Month: Vegetarian Awareness Month
See the detailed Employee Engagement Guide for what you can do in October 2024 here. (Oct '25 coming soon!)
Event count: 11
The running theme through November is caring and sharing. We begin with Community Care Day (Nov 1), where communities in Singapore celebrate the role of healthcare professionals and caregivers. World Kindness Day (Nov 13) encourages gestures of kindness, and Thanksgiving (Nov 27) is another opportunity to acknowledge the things we're thankful for.
Throughout the month, we observe World Vegan Day / Month (Nov 1) and Movember which raises awareness about men's health issues and emphasizes the importance of supporting men's well-being in the workplace. It's an opportunity to champion the health and wellness of our male colleagues. November also marks December School Holidays (Nov 22 - Dec 31), the longest school break where you can spend more time with the family.
November 2025 Highlights:
1: World Vegan Day
1: Community Care Day
13: World Kindness Day
19: World Toilet Day
20: World Children's Day
21: Eat With Your Family Day (Q4)
22 Nov - 31 Dec: December School Holidays
26: World Sustainable Transport Day
27: Thanksgiving
Entire Month: Movember
Entire Month: World Vegan Month
See the detailed Employee Engagement Guide for what you can do in November 2024 here. (Nov '25 coming soon!)
Event count: 7
December is largely about awareness and inclusivity, with World AIDS Day (Dec 1), International Day of Persons with Disabilities (Dec 3), International Volunteer Day (Dec 5) and Human Rights Day (Dec 10).
We end the year with the festive Christmas (Dec 25) and New Year's Eve (Dec 31) as we look forward to new opportunities, growth, and shared successes in the year ahead.
December 2025 Highlights:
1: World AIDS Day
3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
5: International Volunteer Day
10: Human Rights Day
21: World Basketball Day
25: Christmas
31: New Year’s Eve
See the detailed Employee Engagement Guide for what you can do in December 2024 here. (Dec '25 coming soon!)
This guide has been updated to reflect activities and events in 2025. It is currently adapted for Singapore. If you are interested to see this at your location, or would like to notify us of any inaccuracies or propose additions, please leave us a note here.