Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate diversity.

Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15, is an excellent opportunity to celebrate diversity with your workforce. Further information for employers may be found here.

What you’ll discover:

What is the significance of Hispanic Heritage Month?
How can workplaces honor Hispanic Heritage Month responsibly?
What activities are suitable for commemorating diversity?
Is it permissible to solicit money for charitable organizations or causes?
What should companies do when staff or consumers refuse to commemorate certain events or holidays?

Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 until October 15. It is a holiday in which Americans honor their ancestors from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. It is a means to recognize and recall Hispanic heritage, culture, and contributions to the United States. This heritage month is an excellent opportunity to highlight diversity among your workforce.

What is the significance of Hispanic Heritage Month?

Hispanic Heritage Week was inaugurated by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968, and President Ronald Reagan extended it to a full month in 1988.

Most month-long cultural events begin with the start of a new month. Hispanic Heritage Month, on the other hand, begins towards the middle of the month since September 15 is an important occasion in various nations.

Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Honduras commemorate their independence on September 15. Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16, while Chile celebrates on September 18. Dia de la Raza, or Day of the Race, takes place on the second Monday of October.

How can workplaces honor Hispanic Heritage Month responsibly?

Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations may be part of a larger diversity and inclusion strategy. Cultural sensitivity may boost morale, boost productivity, and aid in breaking down communication barriers among team members. As an employer, you may enhance the working environment by learning more about diverse cultures and backgrounds and encouraging others to do the same. You may wish to discuss your celebration preparations with managers or employees who are acquainted with, or have received training on, workplace cultural sensitivity problems.

In general, business practices that encourage employees of various cultures to observe specific holidays promote a sense of belonging and inclusion. The Employee Handbook may state that traditional holiday attire is acceptable, name specific holidays for time off, or give floating holidays.

An anti-discrimination policy may also be included in the Employee Handbook. You may wish to organize yearly staff trainings to cover what behaviors constitute discrimination and how to manage and report such actions if they occur.

What activities are suitable for commemorating diversity?

During Hispanic Heritage Month, you may host a range of events to promote diversity and educate employees. Here are some tried-and-true examples:

Plan a speaker.

You might invite a professional speaker to speak about Hispanic Heritage Month or discuss the importance of a certain event in a nation and how it is honored. Speakers may deliver remotely in addition to in-person presentations.

Play a movie

Showing a season-appropriate movie is a terrific approach to allow your staff enjoy learning about a holiday or culture. “El Norte” (1983), “The Mambo Kings” (1992), and “Selena” (1993) are some films that promote Hispanic culture or feature Hispanic-inspired themes (1997).

Volunteering

Local organizations or projects that assist Hispanic concerns may be found in many places. A fast internet search for “Hispanic volunteer opportunities near me” may turn up a few volunteer opportunities in your region. Several organizations will offer programs for companies or may be prepared to join with local businesses to provide group volunteer opportunities for employees.

Catering that is culturally varied

Potlucks are a terrific opportunity for friends to try cuisine from diverse cultures, but they may not be suitable in the office. However, a local caterer may be able to showcase traditional cuisine completely without burdening your personnel.

Online activities

Since your personnel is dispersed, you do not have to miss Hispanic Heritage Month. Although online lectures and movie watching groups are possible, the epidemic has resulted in a slew of new virtual online activities. One popular solution is a virtual cooking lesson that workers may complete in their own kitchens.

Is it permissible to solicit money for charitable organizations or causes?

There are no limits on the charity that a private company may sponsor. It is also up to you whether or not to include your staff in the contributions. Giving to charity may be a terrific way to remain active in the community. Companies often participate in dollar-for-dollar charitable contribution matching, in which employers match employee gifts up to a specified sum.

Charities, on the other hand, must be a legally recognized organization in order for contributions to be tax deductible. If workers are not donating directly to the charity, you should consult with a lawyer about the possible legal or tax implications of collecting the contributions yourself.

What should companies do when staff or consumers refuse to commemorate certain events or holidays?

Certain prejudices may be addressed via cultural sensitivity training. Employees may like the atmosphere if workplace rules foster an inclusive working environment. Internal business culture that is transparent and affirming may be an effective deterrent to negative responses to inclusion attempts.

You may convey to workers or customers that your efforts are meant to incorporate all individuals and cultures in your organization.