October 2025 Diversity and Inclusion Calendar: Key Dates
Yom Kippur - October 1–2
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar and a time for reflection, prayer, and fasting. It marks the end of the Ten Days of Repentance that begin with Rosh Hashanah. Many Jewish employees may request this day off to observe their religious practices.
How to Support at Work:
Offer paid time off for observance and avoid scheduling food-based team events. Respect that everyone observes differently—some may want to talk about it, others may not. Respect both approaches.
Dussehra - October 2
Dussehra, a major Hindu festival, celebrates the triumph of good over evil and marks new beginnings. It’s observed with rituals, fasting, and family gatherings.
How to Support at Work:
Accommodate time-off requests without requiring vacation time. Avoid food-centered events if team members may be fasting. A small gesture like a thoughtful message or card goes a long way.
National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls - October 4
National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls honours Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people who have gone missing or been murdered, raising awareness of systemic violence and discrimination.
How to Support at Work:
Listen to Indigenous voices. Attend local events, volunteer, and offer company services where appropriate. Relationship-building and allyship matter.
Mental Illness Awareness Week - October 5–11
(includes World Mental Health Day on October 10)
Mental Illness Awareness Week is national campaign to destigmatize mental illness and promote awareness. Approximately 15% of working-age adults experience a mental disorder.
How to Support at Work:
Promote mental health benefits, encourage open conversations, and review your workplace language. A check-in can mean the world.
Sukkot - October 6–13
Sukkot is a joyful Jewish harvest festival includes building and spending time in a “sukkah” (temporary shelter), celebrating the Israelites’ journey through the desert.
How to Support at Work:
Offer flexibility and respect requests for paid time off. Support employees observing this important holiday.
World Sight Day - October 9
World Sight Day raises awareness of global vision health challenges and calls for access to eye care and preventable blindness initiatives.
How to Support at Work:
Promote vision benefits, share awareness campaigns, and consider a workplace eye health screening.
World Mental Health Day - October 10
This day reinforces the importance of mental wellness and access to support. It’s a reminder to normalize discussions about mental health.
How to Support at Work:
Host a workshop, share internal mental health resources, and model wellness as a leader. Prioritize rest and recovery—for your team and yourself.
National Coming Out Day - October 11
National Coming Out Day celebrates the courage of LGBTQ+ individuals who live authentically and supporting inclusive environments for those not yet ready to come out.
How to Support at Work:
Normalize the sharing of pronouns, provide LGBTQ+ training, and create policies that actively support LGBTQ+ employees.
Thanksgiving (Canada) - October 13
Thanksgiving is both a harvest celebration and an opportunity to reflect on colonial history in Canada. For many Indigenous people, it can be a painful reminder of colonization.
How to Support at Work:
Offer an alternative day off. Frame Thanksgiving with reflection. Share educational resources about Indigenous contributions and perspectives.
Pronouns Day - October 15
Pronouns Day reminds us of the importance of referring to individuals using their correct pronouns—a small but powerful act of respect.
How to Support at Work:
Encourage pronoun sharing in email signatures and video calls. Offer training to increase awareness and inclusivity.
Spirit Day - October 16
Spirit Day stands in solidarity with LGBTQ+ youth against bullying. Wearing purple and raising awareness are common ways to show support.
How to Support at Work:
Educate employees about LGBTQ+ issues and strengthen policies that protect queer and trans staff. Visibility and policy matter.
Diwali - October 20
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important Hindu holidays and is also celebrated by Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. It symbolizes light over darkness and is celebrated with feasts, fireworks, and family time.
How to Support at Work:
Offer paid time off, decorate shared spaces, and share warm wishes. Like Christmas, it’s a time for connection and celebration.
Halloween - October 31
Halloween is a fun and widely celebrated cultural holiday rooted in Celtic traditions.
How to Support at Work:
Encourage inclusive activities like pumpkin carving. Avoid costumes that appropriate cultures or misrepresent communities.
More tips: Celebrating Halloween at Work
Inclusive Observances for October
Creating a workplace where everyone feels recognized and respected starts with awareness. October brings a wide range of opportunities to show your team you care—through education, flexibility, celebration, and space to reflect.
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