Meaningful Ways for Companies to Celebrate MLK Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, or MLK Day, is an annual American holiday that is observed on the third Monday in January. This year, MLK Day will be on January 16, 2023.

How can companies celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day? How can employers honor Dr. King’s legacy in the workplace?

If you’re looking for things to do on MLK Day, we can help. Keep reading to get inspired!

What is Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an African American leader who played a key role in the American civil rights movement. Officially recognized as Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., the holiday celebrates the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Is MLK Day a Public Holiday?

MLK Day was first observed as a federal holiday on Monday, January 20, 1986. Non-essential government employees do not work on federal holidays.

However, private organizations do not have to follow suit. According to Bloomberg BNA, fewer than 50 percent of American companies offer MLK Day as a paid holiday. Some companies choose to use floating holidays instead, with MLK Day being one choice among many days of cultural significance.

Regardless of the specific policies in your workplace, your company can recognize MLK Day in a meaningful way.

How to Celebrate MLK Day at Work

Whether you are a director or the CEO, you can find ways to commemorate MLK Day in the workplace. Here are three ideas to get you started.

Educate Your Employees

Not everyone knows about the American civil rights movement or Dr. King’s influence. Start the conversation by sending out an email to your team members. Include information like:

• Facts from Dr. King’s life
• Links to his lesser-known speeches or essays (especially if you have a favorite)
• Book recommendations
• Your personal reflections on Dr. King’s legacy
• Company values that connect to diversity, equity, and inclusion

You can also give employees the opportunity to attend the virtual 2023 Beloved Community Global Summit, hosted by The King Center.

If your company gives employees paid time off to volunteer, or organizes volunteer activities during work hours, remind employees of those opportunities.

Offer Service Opportunities

MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service. This is the perfect time for your company to give back to your local community.

If you already have charitable partners, ask them for ways your team can volunteer. Or, you can set up an office-wide fundraiser in honor of MLK Day.

If you need to find ways to volunteer, search the Idealist website or the Americorps website for opportunities near your office.

Invest in DEI Training

While the United States has made great strides in justice and equality since the civil rights movement, there is still work to be done. This is also true in the workplace.

DEI training is a great way to celebrate MLK Day at work. While this should be offered year-round, here are a few ideas for January.

• Host a film screening related to the civil rights movement. Selma (2014), The Boy King (1986), and Betty and Coretta (2013) are all great options. Include a panel discussion at the end with DEI experts.
• Train leadership on the importance of DEI in the workplace. Ask each of them to share their thoughts on MLK Day with their team members.
• Offer a workshop or webinar that teaches employees about the many different types of diversity.

These are just a few ways to continue Dr. King’s work towards a more just and equitable society.

Other Resources to Honor Dr. King’s Legacy Year-Round

January isn’t the only time to reflect on Dr. King’s actions and to pursue his values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. While MLK Day is the perfect time to commit yourself and your company to DEI, you should follow through the rest of the year.

5 Ways to Get Started with DEI

At Insight Global, not only are we committed to DEI ourselves, we’re also experts on DEI topics. We’ve written a variety of guides that will help you first to understand the meaning of DEI and then know how to implement DEI strategies in the workplace. These five posts will get you started!

1. Equity vs. Equality: A DEI Advisor Helps Explain the Difference
2. 5 Pillars of Allyship in the Workplace, As Told by a DEI Advisor
3. 13 Diversity in the Workplace Statistics Every Company Needs to Know
4. 10 Things Companies Can Do to Support LGBTQIA+ Pride Year-Round
5. Why DEI is Important: Nine Benefits of Strong DEI in the Workplace

After you read these posts, it’s okay if you still need help getting started with DEI. Connect with a DEI expert today!