From raising a glass on International Beer Day to celebrating literacy on National Book Lovers Day, August offers plenty of opportunities for team engagement. Whether you're looking to recognize Women’s Equality Day or bring some joy with National Dog Day, these August company celebrations offer meaningful, fun, and strategic August employee engagement ideas to boost morale and align your team around shared values. Here are some of the top workplace August holidays and ideas for celebrating them in 2025.

Congressional Startup Day

Friday, August 1, 2025

What is Congressional Startup Day?

Congressional Startup Day is part of Startup Advocacy Week. It helps connect tech startups with lawmakers to discuss the challenges and opportunities they face. Since 2018, the nonprofit Engine has helped organize more than 200 meetings between startups and members of Congress.

How to Celebrate at Work

If you work at a startup, this is a great time to engage your local representatives.

• Host an open house or virtual tour for lawmakers or community leaders.
• Organize a panel on startup challenges in your industry or region.
• Offer gift cards to local coworking spaces or incubators to support other entrepreneurs.
• Share your company’s origin story or mission on social media to raise awareness and inspire others.

International Beer Day

Friday, August 1, 2025

What is International Beer Day?

International Beer Day takes place every year on the first Friday in August. It was started in 2007 in Santa Cruz, California, and has since grown into a global celebration observed in more than 200 cities. The day is meant to recognize the people who brew and serve beer—and to enjoy a cold one with friends, coworkers, and community.

How To Celebrate at Work

Whether your team is in-office, remote, or hybrid, there are plenty of inclusive ways to celebrate International Beer Day responsibly and creatively:

• Brewery Gift Cards: Offer employees gift cards to local craft breweries so they can enjoy a drink of their choice outside of work hours—perfect for supporting small businesses.
• Curated Tasting Kits: Send out non-alcoholic or craft beer tasting kits to remote teams, and schedule a virtual happy hour with guided tastings or trivia.
• On-Site Events: If your workplace allows it, host a happy hour with snacks and local brews. Consider inviting a brewmaster to lead a tasting or share insights about the brewing process.
• Beer & Culture Education: Host a lunchtime talk or panel featuring local brewers. Bonus points if you can hold it at the brewery itself as part f a tour!
• Alternatives for Non-Drinkers: Include options like craft sodas, kombucha, or sparkling waters. Celebrating together doesn’t have to mean everyone drinks beer.

National Book Lovers Day

Saturday, August 9, 2025

What is National Book Lovers Day

National Book Lovers Day is an unofficial holiday celebrated on August 9. It encourages people to put down their devices and spend some time with a good book. It’s a simple way to promote creativity, focus, and relaxation.

How To Celebrate at Work

This is a great opportunity to encourage learning, conversation, and community:

• Book Swap: Set up a table where employees can leave a book and take a new one home.
• Reading Time: Allow a block of time during the workday for reading.
• Company Book Club: Start a monthly book club, focusing on business, leadership, or personal growth.
• Little Free Library: Create one in your office or donate to one in your community.
• Bookstore Gift Cards: Encourage people to support independent bookstores with a flexible gift card.

National Relaxation Day

Friday, August 15, 2025

What is National Relaxation Day

National Relaxation Day is observed every August 15 to promote rest, recovery, and stress relief. It’s a reminder that taking breaks can actually improve productivity and well-being.

How To Celebrate at Work

Help your team recharge with a few small changes:

• Guided Meditation: Host a virtual or in-person session over lunch.
• No-Meeting Day: Block off calendars to give everyone space to focus or relax.
• Quiet Room: Set up a space for stretching, journaling, or taking a break.
• Surprise Perks: Give out relaxing gifts like candles, herbal teas, or wellness gift cards employees can use on self care.

Women's Equality Day

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

What is Women's Equality Day

Women’s Equality Day marks the anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote in the U.S. It was first proposed by Rep. Bella Abzug and made official by Congress in 1973. It’s a chance to reflect on progress and continued challenges around gender equality.

How To Celebrate at Work

Use this day to show your commitment to equity:

• Lunch & Learn: Host a session on topics like equal pay, parental leave, or career advancement.
• Speaker Series: Invite women leaders in your organization or industry to share their experiences.
• Policy Review: Make space to talk about how your company supports gender equity.
• Mentorship Match: Launch or promote a mentorship program for women at work.

World Humanitarian Day

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

What is World Humanitarian Day

World Humanitarian Day honors people who work to help others during global crises. It’s held on August 19 in recognition of aid workers killed in a 2003 bombing in Baghdad. The day now highlights humanitarian efforts around the world.

How To Celebrate at Work

Bring your team together to do some good:

• Volunteer Time: Offer paid time off for employees to volunteer.
• Donation Match: Match employee donations to international or local nonprofits.
• Share Stories: Highlight humanitarian organizations in your internal newsletter or social media.
• Fundraiser: Organize a campaign for a cause that aligns with your company values.

National Dog Day

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

What is National Dog Day?

National Dog Day, founded in 2004, recognizes all breeds of dogs and promotes pet adoption. It’s a lighthearted way to celebrate our furry friends and the joy they bring.

How To Celebrate at Work

Whether your team is full of dog owners or just animal lovers, here are a few fun ways to join in:

• Dog-Friendly Office: Allow employees to bring in their well-behaved dogs (if your space allows).
• Pet Photo Contest: Invite employees to share photos of their dogs for a friendly competition.
• Support a Shelter: Organize a supply drive or fundraiser for a local animal rescue.
• Dog Gift Cards: Send a small gift card to a pet store or grooming service.