May is finally upon us, which means spring is in full swing! Out of the April showers, we are now enjoying May flowers. Other than your normal spring activities of spending time at parks and patios, try these five things to do this month!
National Blood Pressure Awareness Month
Nearly one out of three American adults and one out of five Canadians have high blood pressure. Known as hypertension, high blood pressure is the number one risk factor for strokes and heart disease, according to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. So to raise awareness of this silent killer, North Americans observe May as a time to raise awareness and education for blood pressure. This month, consider encouraging your team to have their blood pressure checked and host a luncheon to explain the causes of high blood pressure, the effects of hypertension, and how to prevent it. Your employees are your biggest asset, so do what you can to keep their blood pressure down!
International Workers’ Day (May 1)
Coinciding with the spring celebration May Day, International Workers’ Day is a perfect chance to celebrate your staff. This holiday derives from an uprising in Chicago held in 1884, as laborers demanded an eight-hour workday. We’ve come a long way since those days, but it’s still important to be cognizant of your team’s workload. This month, take the time to evaluate your office’s projects and tasks to ensure your employees aren’t overworked and stressed, because that’s one of the easiest ways to create employee disengagement.
Cinco de Mayo (May 5)
Though commemorating the Battle of Puebla and an unlikely Mexican victory over the French, Cinco de Mayo is observed in North America by celebrating Mexican culture and heritage. It is a great chance to experience a different culture or celebrate family heritage. Use this opportunity to take a break from the ordinary and throw a fiesta for your office. This is a chance to raise office morale, build relationships within your team, and celebrate victories so far in 2014.
National Bike to Work Day (May 16)
Instituted in 1956 by the League of American Bicyclists, Bike to Work Day is held in the United States and Canada to promote a green way to commute to work. Usually held at the end of Bike to Work Week, this day is a great way to promote healthy lifestyles within the office. And since May is National Blood Pressure Awareness Month, this is a great way to incorporate tangible ways to maintain good blood flow and a healthy heart. Consider organizing a group of co-workers to meet at a certain place in order to ride to work together. Don’t forget to take streets with bike lanes and wear a helmet!
Plan for Vacations
As the weather warms up and schools let out, many employees will be taking vacations in the upcoming months. Before you are inundated with out-of-office memos, use this month to create a vacation schedule. If it seems like there won’t be enough core staff during the summer months, now may be the time to plan to hire seasonal temporary workers to bear the load of vacationers. Staffing companies like Express Employment Professionals provide ease of mind and help keep productivity levels high, so you can get back to doing what you do best!
Are you planning on doing anything special at the office this month? Is there anything we missed on this list? Let us know in the comments section below!
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