Father’s Day ideas for employees

Father’s Day is an opportunity to brighten the stretch between Memorial Day and Independence Day. Give your team something to look forward to with Father’s Day ideas for work that involve the whole staff.

1. Publicly honor dads

If you’re looking for Father’s Day celebration ideas that are simple yet meaningful, consider putting out public messages on company accounts. You might send out an email, post on social media or put a banner on the corporate website. Keep the message genuine and inclusive:

This Father’s Day, we’re proud to celebrate the fathers and father figures in all our lives. We honor the men who have shaped our lives and transformed us into the people we are today—and those who are molding the next generation. Thank you all!

This is a great option if you have a large team. A company message enables you to celebrate fathers but avoids alienating employees who may find the holiday challenging.

2. Dress like a dad day

Bring a bit of fun to Father’s Day by encouraging your staff to dress like a dad. They might choose their own father, a celebrity dad or one of the fathers in the office. It’s a lighthearted way to celebrate the holiday.

If your employees get into the spirit of the holiday, consider taking photos to share on social media with a “Happy Father’s Day” message.

3. Host a Father’s Day lunch

If possible, celebrate Father’s Day by providing a team lunch for the entire company. This option is often casual, inclusive and fun for both parents and non-parents alike.

An outdoor barbecue is a great way to enjoy the early summer weather. Set it up in the parking lot or a nearby park, and invite employees to drop by at their convenience. Your crew will love the opportunity to get outside in the middle of the day. Plus, by hosting the meal outside the office, you can be sensitive to people who have challenging emotions regarding the holiday.

4. Give a gift

If you have a smaller team, consider handing out Father’s Day gifts for the dads on your staff. Consult your HR policies on gift-giving to determine the types of gifts to offer.

5. Implement family-friendly practices

Sometimes, the best way to honor fathers is to support their ability to serve their families. This might involve implementing policies such as paid parental leave or flexible working hours for all employees. It’s important to recognize that families take many different forms, and benefits should reflect that inclusivity. Father’s Day is an excellent opportunity to announce or make progress toward initiatives that help your team balance their roles at home and at work.

Read More: Paternity Leave: Should Your Company Offer It?

6. Show your family desk decorating

At its core, Father’s Day is about families and their importance in people’s lives. Give all your employees the chance to show off their loved ones with a family-themed desk-decorating event. Ask everyone to bring a photo of a family member or a chosen family member and place it on their desk. The images serve as conversation starters that help employees get to know each other better.

Tips for choosing Father’s Day celebration ideas

While Father’s Day may be a fun holiday for employees, some people who are dealing with challenging family situations may find the day challenging. Everyone navigates the day differently, and you can support them by:

• Being inclusive. Modern families are changing, and the traditional structure is no longer universal. Instead of celebrating only the fathers on your team, consider including all fathers and father figures. This encourages everyone to reflect on individuals who have positively impacted their lives. Avoid using language that highlights a specific family structure, and instead, acknowledge individuals such as foster dads, adopted dads, stepparents and other caregivers who provide care and support.
• Being sensitive. The journey to and through parenthood can be challenging. Since strong emotions can interfere with employees’ comfort and work, make sure to discuss Father’s Day celebration ideas in advance. Inform team members that they are welcome to opt out of celebrations without facing any negative consequences.
• Treading carefully around gifts. If you’re thinking about handing out Father’s Day gifts for employees, consider setting them up on a table and allowing employees to pick them up at will.
• Aiming for parity with Mother’s Day. Celebrate Father’s Day and Mother’s Day at work equally.

Related: Planning Inclusive Holiday Celebrations for the Workplace