HR Calendar 2025: Key Dates & Activities

Effective HR planning is critical to keep organizations engaged. As such, an HR calendar can serve as a roadmap for success, enabling Human Resource teams to engage employees, meet compliance requirements, and ensure smooth payroll operations.

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An HR calendar is more than just an event schedule—it is a strategic tool that can enhance employee engagement and streamline HR operations.

Utilizing a calendar means your organization can host engaging events that build stronger employee connections and collaboration. It encourages celebrating events and employees which promote the organization's values and culture. All the while, keeping important compliance and payroll dates front of mind.

Let's explore the key HR activities and compliance dates to keep your organization thriving in 2025.

12 Months of HR Activities and Key Dates

January

January marks the beginning of a new year and a fresh start in the workplace. HR professionals are busy with activities that set the tone for the year, focusing on employee engagement and goal setting. Many organizations kick off the year by conducting performance reviews and setting or refreshing key objectives with their teams for the upcoming months.

This is also a prime time for onboarding new hires who might have been recruited during year-end transitions, ensuring they have a seamless integration into the company culture and positive employee experience.

• Employee Engagement: New Year Kick-off Meeting
• Holidays: New Year's Day (Jan 1), Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan 20)
• Compliance: Review of federal and state labor laws
• Payroll: Distribute W-2 and 1099 forms (Jan 31), file Form 940 (Annual Federal Unemployment Tax Return) if quarterly FUTA taxes were not paid when due (Jan 31)

Idea: Use SnapComms to send out vibrant Desktop Alert invitations and use Ticker reminders for the New Year Kick-off Meeting, featuring motivational messages and a countdown timer to build anticipation.

February

February is a month of continued momentum in HR activities, focusing on refining employee relationships and enhancing the work culture. By blending both employee-centric initiatives and compliance tasks, HR can set the stage for a productive year ahead.

• Employee Engagement: Black History Month Celebrations
• Holidays: President's Day (Feb 17)
• Compliance: Equal Opportunity Employment Reporting
• Payroll: Deadline to post OSHA Form 300A (Jan 1), File mid-year tax updates (Feb 15)

Idea: Celebrate Black History Month with SnapComms channels, sharing daily facts and stories of influential figures, and promoting internal events.

March

As winter begins to wane and the first hints of spring start to bloom, March offers the opportunity to invigorate the workplace with a fresh sense of vitality and inclusivity. This month is Women's History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women in the workforce.

With the changing seasons, it's also an opportune moment to focus on employee wellness initiatives. Encouraging outdoor activities to help employees shake off the winter blues.

• Employee Engagement: Employee Wellness Initiatives, Women's History Month (International Women's Day Mar 8)
• Holidays: Employee Appreciation Day (Mar 7), St. Patrick's Day (Mar 17)
• Compliance: OSHA Recordkeeping Submission
• Payroll:  S-Corporation (1120S) and Partnership (1065) tax returns (Mar 15), deadline for W-2 and 1099 forms to the IRS/SSA (Mar 31), file forms 1095-B and 1095-C to the IRS (Mar 31)
• Tornado Season begins (March to July)
• Flooding Season begins (March to May): Get the Flooding Preparedness Checklist for Businesses.

Idea: Organize a women's leadership panel featuring inspirational talks by female leaders within the company, and utilize the Employee App to share daily stories and highlights of women's history and accomplishments in the workplace.

April

In April, consider implementing spring-themed wellness programs that include workshops on mental health strategies, stress management, and promoting work-life balance, aligning with the renewed energy that spring brings.

• Employee Engagement: Spring Team Building Activities, Earth Day (Apr 22)
• Holidays: Tax Day (Apr 15), Good Friday (Apr 18)
• Compliance: Tax Day Preparations
• Payroll: Deadline for individual income tax returns (Form 1040) and C-Corporation tax returns (Form 1120) (Apr 15), file form 941 for the first quarter (Apr 30)

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May

During May, foster a sense of community and recognition by focusing on activities that celebrate the diverse contributions of the workforce. For instance, National Mental Health Awareness Month presents a chance to prioritize employee well-being, offering workshops and resources on mental health support, mindfulness, and stress reduction techniques.

Carefully curate events that reflect the values and diversity of your organization, so you can create an enriching environment that engages and uplifts people throughout May.

• Employee Engagement: Mental Health Awareness Month Programs
• Holidays: Cinco de Mayo (May 5), Memorial Day (May 26)
• Compliance: Update workplace safety protocols
• Payroll: Deadline for electronic filing of Form 1095-C (health coverage information) to employees (May 31)

June

June, offers a vibrant calendar of events, including Pride Month, Juneteenth, and Flag Day, providing opportunities to engage employees in meaningful and celebratory ways.

By actively celebrating these events, HR teams not only encourage engagement but also demonstrate the organization’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and respect for all backgrounds.

• Employee Engagement: Pride Month Celebrations
• Holidays: Flag Day (Jun 14), Juneteenth (Jun 19)
• Compliance: Mid-year compliance check
• Payroll: Second quarter estimated tax payment due (Jun 15), Deadline for FBAR (Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts Report) filing (Jun 30)
• Hurricane Season begins (June to November): Get the Hurricane Preparedness Checklist for Businesses

Idea: Celebrate Pride Month by sharing stories, events, and educational resources in messaging channels, newsletters, alerts, and screensavers.

July

In July, engage employees by hosting a company picnic or barbecue to celebrate Independence Day, fostering camaraderie and team spirit in a relaxed outdoor setting.

• Employee Engagement: Independence Day Celebrations, Career Paths Workshops
• Holidays: Independence Day (Jul 4)
• Compliance: Update employee handbooks
• Payroll: Deadline for filing Form 5500 (Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan) (Jul 31), deadline for filing Form 941 for the second quarter (Jul 31)
  
  

August

In August, work to prepare for activities that not only commemorate important dates but also highlights the organization's commitment to diversity and acknowledgment of significant global and historical events.

• Employee Engagement: Diversity and Inclusion Workshops, International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (Aug 9)
• Holidays: Purple Heart Day (Aug 7)
• Compliance: Review employee benefits plans

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September

September is a pivotal month in the HR calendar, marked by both reflection and forward planning. As the final quarter approaches, focus on reviewing achievements and setting performance goals to ensure organizational objectives are met by the year's end.

Labor Day celebrations also offer an opportunity to appreciate employees' contributions and reinforce team spirit.

• Employee Engagement: Workplace Health and Safety Talks, HR Professional Appreciation Day (Sep 26), Hispanic Heritage Month (Sep 15 - Oct 15)
• Holidays: Labor Day (Sep 1), Patriot Day (Sep 11)
• Compliance: Audit payroll processes
• Payroll: Third quarter estimated tax payment due (Sep 15), Extended deadline for S-Corporation and Partnership tax returns (Sep 15)
• Wildfire Season begins (September to November): Get the Wildfire Preparedness Checklist for Businesses.
  
  

October

As the fourth quarter begins, keep on maintaining momentum and ensuring employee productivity remains high through the final stretch of the year. October is an ideal time to reinforce company goals and refresh employee knowledge for events like Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

• Employee Engagement: Halloween Team Building Event, Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Hispanic Heritage Month (Sep 15 - Oct 15)
• Holidays: Columbus Day (Oct 13), Halloween (Oct 31)
• Compliance: Start end-of-year compliance reviews
• Payroll: Extended deadline for individual and C-Corporation tax returns (Oct 15), Deadline for filing Form 941 for the third quarter (Oct 31)

Idea: Promote Halloween Team Building Events with SnapComms, sharing event details and costume contest voting.

November

In November, capitalize on themes of gratitude and prepare for the holiday season to keep workforce morale high. Celebrating Thanksgiving offers a chance to reflect on achievements, showcase appreciation, and strengthen team unity. It's also the month to start strategizing for end-of-year evaluations and New Year planning.

• Employee Engagement: Thanksgiving Appreciation Lunch, Native American Heritage Month
• Holidays: Veterans Day (Nov 11), Thanksgiving (Nov 27)
• Compliance: Schedule workplace safety drills
• Payroll: Deadline for filing Form 941 if using a semi-weekly deposit schedule (Nov 10), Deadline for sending ACA 1095 forms to employees (Nov 30)

Idea: Create employee spotlights to show thanks to your top people. Send out messages for employees to submit nominations and share the spotlights using a variety of messaging channels (email, slack, desktop alerts).

December

As the year draws to a close, December offers HR teams the opportunity to wrap up annual evaluations and set the stage for the upcoming year. It's crucial to end on a positive note by celebrating achievements while conducting thorough assessments to identify focus areas for the New Year. Work-life balance should be emphasized with holidays and company celebrations.

• Employee Engagement: Annual Holiday Party, Goal Setting For Next Year
• Holidays: Hanukkah (Dec 14 - 22), Christmas (Dec 25), Kwanzaa (Dec 26 - Jan 1), New Year's Day (Dec 31)
• Compliance: Year-end reporting and planning
• Payroll: Fourth quarter estimated tax payment due (Dec 15), Year-end payroll processing and tax preparation (Dec 31)

Idea: Announce Annual Holiday Party details using alerts to RSVP and wallpapers to build excitement. Share winter safety tips with employees through alerts and screensavers.

Planning Your Annual HR Calendar

Utilizing an HR calendar effectively requires strategic integration into your daily operations. Align your calendar with organization-wide goals, and ensure each department is on the same page. Incorporate feedback loops to continuously improve your processes.

A dynamic HR calendar is a living document that evolves with your organization's needs, driving both compliance and innovation.

SnapComms has updated the HR Calendar in 2025 – we have filled it with holidays to save you time! To edit the pdf document input your text into the day where you want to add information.

Get the most out of this calendar:

• Identify key engagement areas – utilize employee survey results to focus on the areas that need improvement in your organization.
• Set goals – be S.M.A.R.T. about setting goals so you align them with your chosen events/activities.
• Allocate resources – ensure you can achieve your goals and create meaningful experiences within the boundaries of your budgets.
• Schedule activities – maximize employee participation and impact by being thoughtful about when and how you host activities (think accessibility and inclusion for all).

You could also create two versions of the calendar – one for your HR communications and one for the wider business so they can keep an eye on any upcoming events/activities.

Download The 2025 HR Calendar

An expertly crafted HR calendar can transform how your HR team operates, enhancing productivity and fostering a vibrant workplace culture. To assist you on this path, we’ve designed a customizable HR Calendar Template for 2025. Download it today and lead your organization towards greater success!

By strategically planning your HR engagement activities and staying informed of key compliance and payroll dates, you can ensure a successful year ahead, strengthening your role as a proactive and effective HR professional.

Ready to transform your HR initiatives into success stories? After exploring our 2025 HR Calendar, it's time to experience the power of SnapComms firsthand.

Sign up for a free trial today and discover how seamless communication, enhanced employee engagement, and robust compliance can elevate your workplace.

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