The shortest month of the year, February, has just one federal holiday, but lots of other noteworthy holidays and celebrations. Why should this matter to you? Some of the events may impact your staff, while others may provide marketing opportunities. For example, retailers and restaurants may want to decorate for certain holidays or hold special sales.
Here’s a calendar of some of the events, what they’re about, and what impact they may have on your workplace:
Black History Month (February 1). Today is also the day in 1865 on which President Lincoln signed a joint resolution by the House and Senate that proposed the abolition of salary (later to become the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution). There are ways that companies can celebrate Black History Month in the workplace, with 8 tips found here.
Groundhog Day (February 2). The unofficial prediction of when spring will begin. Today is also the day in 1848 that the treaty between the U.S. and Mexico was signed to end the Mexican War. This gave the U.S. the territory that is now California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and parts of Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. Just some fun trivia.
National Inventors Day (February 11). During the federal government’s fiscal year 2022, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted 382,559 U.S. patents. If your business engages in research activities, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit. Today is also International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Super Bowl LVII (February 12). While Halloween is the day most pizzas are orders compared with any other day, Super Bowl Sunday is second. One news source in Glendale, Arizona, where the football game will be held, anticipated this event to bring $600 million into the local business ecosystem. But employees should be prepared for absenteeism tomorrow; an estimated one in 10 employees won’t show up for work due to hangovers. Throughout the coming year, look for opportunities for Super Bowl LVIII, which will be held in Las Vegas on February 11, 2024.
Valentines Day (February 14). According to the National Retail Federation, about half (52%) of adults in the U.S. plan to celebrate today, with total spending expected to be nearly $26 billion (up from $23.9 billion last year). According to a survey, the average person will spend $192.80, which is up from $175.41 last year.
Presidents Day (February 20). Officially designated under federal law as Washington’s Birthday, today is a federal holiday honoring all U.S. presidents. Under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, it is celebrated annually on the third Monday of February even though Washington was born on February 22 and Lincoln on February 12. That said, today is a big day for retail sales.
Mardi Gras (February 21). Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras in French), a Catholic observance, is a festival before the start of lent (see February 22). It is a day of celebration all who join in the fun. Some restaurants may wish to offer special drinks or food in celebration of this date.
Ash Wednesday (February 22). Today is the start of lent, which runs 40 days and ends on Easter. Several years ago it was reported that today is “Black Friday” for seafood sales, and this continues for the 40-day period.
Final thought
The calendar is always packed with celebrations and events. From a business perspective, they may present marketing opportunities and operations challenges. Be prepared!
