For the most current dates, see our July 2018 Diversity Calendar
Diversity Events Affecting the Workplace
Americans With Disabilities Act, Hispanic Public Holidays, Religious Observances and more
July can be a challenging time to get work done.
From summer vacation in the United States, to extended holidays across Europe, you need a comprehensive calendar to keep your business productive. Get a complete list of diversity events here. Below are a few key events in July.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Some 19% – or nearly 1 in 5 – of Americans has a disability, according to the US Census Bureau.
New innovations in assisted technology – and the shift to a knowledge economy – have resulted in a great potential labor market of people with disabilities. The recognition of the workplace value of people with disabilities has led to increased recruitment– and protections for them – in the workplace.
July 26 recognizes the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which protects people with disabilities from discrimination in the areas of employment, transportation, and public accommodation. This July diversity event is an excellent occasion to celebrate your staff members with disabilities.
Independence Days Including Hispanic Calendar Events
Independence days – or events leading to the formation of nations – are always important dates to celebrate. For Canadians, July 1 is a public holiday when workplaces close in recognition of the confederation of upper and lower Canada into the Dominion of Canada in 1867.
In the United States, July 4 marks the day in 1776 when the 13 British colonies declared independence from Great Britain. It’s a public holiday throughout the United States and most businesses are closed.
In France, Bastille Day on July 14 is comparable to the U.S. Independence Day. It commemorates the fall of the Bastille prison, marking the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789, which led to the end of monarchical rule and the creation of a French Republic.
For Hispanic calendar events, July marks the great independence movement in the early 19th Century that swept through the Spanish colonies in South America. This led to the creation of new nation states such as Argentina, Peru and Venezuela.
Ramadan
Islam is the world’s second-largest and fastest-growing religion, with predominately Muslim countries spanning the globe from Morocco to Indonesia. Thus Muslim holidays can have a big impact on work.
The most significant Muslim event is Ramadan. Ramadan starts at the sighting of the crescent moon and continues for a month ending at sundown on with Eid al-Fitr. In 2016, Ramadan commenced June 5, and will end July 5.
During this time, work schedules are fluid and Muslim employees might be more difficult to reach. During Ramadan Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, and the workplace should be prepared to accommodate this need.
It’s essential to keep track of events such as these to plan for them in the workplace. This will help avoid serious embarrassments – and loss of productivity – in scheduling meetings and planning work schedules.
Want to be better prepared? Check out our interactive, online calendar