Ready to kick off the new year with some workplace fun? January is packed with awareness days that are perfect for creating connections work. For recent graduates stepping into their first real job, these office celebrations can be more than just fun—they’re opportunities to build relationships, share ideas, and start feeling at home in your new role.
Awareness days can provide the perfect conversation starters and ideas for engaging with your team. These events provide great conversation starters and let you contribute to a positive office atmosphere.
Let’s explore five celebrations in January that you can bring to your workplace!
Fun Ways to Build Connections at Work
1. National Fun at Work Day (Last Friday in January)
Purpose & History: National Fun at Work Day highlights the importance of joy and playfulness in boosting workplace morale and productivity. While its origins are unclear, the celebration has become a popular way for companies to emphasize the value of a positive work environment.
How to Celebrate: Suggest hosting a game tournament, organizing a team lunch, or creating a mini scavenger hunt in the office. Even if your workplace doesn’t have official plans, bringing in a fun trivia quiz or sharing a playlist with your team can lighten the mood and foster camaraderie.
Learn More: Check out 25 ideas for celebrating National Fun Day
2. National Compliment Day (January 24th)
Purpose & History: Established in 1998 by Kathy Chamberlin and Debby Hoffman, this day reminds us of the power of kind words. Compliments can uplift individuals, enhance relationships, and promote a culture of recognition.
How to Celebrate: Start small by thanking a coworker for their support or complimenting their creativity on a project. Looking for some inspiration? Check out these 75 Compliments for Coworkers and Employees recommended by Indeed. For a bigger impact, organize a “Wall of Positivity” in a common space where team members can leave written notes of appreciation for one another. Additonally, make it a rule to stop talking nicely behind your colleagues back! Sharing the compliments given to a person not in the room can be even more impactful!
3. Get to Know Your Customers Day (Third Thursday in January)
Purpose & History: Observed quarterly, this day encourages businesses to build stronger relationships with their customers by understanding their needs and preferences. It’s a reminder of the human connection at the heart of every transaction.
How to Celebrate: If your role involves customer interactions, take the opportunity to reach out with a thoughtful check-in or create a mini survey to learn more about their experience. You can also consider a book club. Whether you insert a customer-centric book into an existing book club, or have a one time event, a book club can spark conversation and ideas. Here are a few of our favorite books on building customer relationships:
- Be Our Guest: Perfecting the Art of Customer Service
- Delivering Happiness
- Inspired: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love
- Shut Up and Listen!: Hard Business Truths that Will Help You Succeed
4. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)
Purpose & History: This federal holiday honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., celebrating his contributions to civil rights and social justice. It’s a day for reflection, service, and community building.
How to Celebrate: Volunteer for a local cause with your coworkers, or suggest a team discussion on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. If your office doesn’t formally observe the day, you can still share resources, such as local events or online webinars, to honor Dr. King’s legacy.
Learn More: Visit The King Center for ideas on how to celebrate and get involved.
5. National Puzzle Day (January 29th)
Purpose & History: Founded by puzzle enthusiast Jodi Jill, this day celebrates the joy of solving puzzles, from jigsaw to logic challenges. It’s a great way to unwind and sharpen problem-solving skills.
How to Celebrate: Bring a puzzle to your office’s break room. Another idea would be tp propose a friendly team competition involving brainteasers or crosswords. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to build teamwork and exercise your mind.
Learn More: Check out puzzles and challenges to share with your team here.
Why These Days Matter to You
As a new employee, these celebrations provide a unique way to contribute to your workplace culture and connect with your team. By embracing these moments, you can establish yourself as someone who values collaboration, positivity, and innovation.
Ready to make your mark? Choose one or more of these celebrations, get involved, and start the year with energy and enthusiasm. Your first real job is the perfect place to make meaningful connections—and a little fun along the way never hurts!
Here’s an updated version of the note tailored to employers while still being relevant to the blog’s audience:
Looking for Help Planning Office Celebrations?
Your First Real Job is brought to you by Rise Consulting LLC, a trusted resource for students, recent graduates, and employers. We specialize in bridging the gap between campus and corporate with our Ready, Set, Rise! programs.
For employers, we offer tailored solutions to develop entry-level hires into confident, high-performing professionals. Discover how we can support your team and strengthen your workforce att Rise Consulting LLC.
