by Jason Richmond, CEO and Chief Culture Officer at Ideal Outcomes, Inc.
It’s an obscure and little-known holiday, but I love the concept behind it. National All is Ours Day is celebrated on April 8 every year and is a time for everyone to pause and appreciate the beauty and abundance in our lives and the world around us. This special day reminds us of the things we share and the importance of caring for them together. And from the business standpoint, it offers a unique opportunity for organizations to engage with their communities, promote environmental sustainability, enhance their corporate social responsibility efforts, and reward employees.
Here are five ways businesses can make a difference that are inspired by National All is Ours Day:
Promote Volunteering
Encourage employees to volunteer for local environmental or community organizations. Company leaders can display their commitment by giving their workers a day off to contribute. This can pay dividends.
A study of more than 50,000 responses to a Healthiest Workplace survey found that employees feel pride when their companies offer volunteer opportunities, regardless of whether they personally participate. And in a Deloitte survey, more than 70% of employees say volunteering boosts enthusiasm even more than happy hours, while 89% think organizations that sponsor volunteer activities offer a better working environment.
Connect with Nature
If possible, organize an outdoor meeting or encourage employees to take their breaks in nearby nature spots. This can help everyone appreciate the beauty of the environment and understand the importance of preserving it. Stanford University research has found that walking—especially outdoors—boosts creativity.
In their study the researchers concluded, “Walking opens up the free flow of ideas, and it is a simple and robust solution to the goals of increasing creativity and increasing physical activity.” It’s not a new concept. The renowned German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) wrote, “All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.”
Give Thanks
Develop a culture of gratitude and recognition within your organization. I always go out of my way not only to recognize the contributions of my team, both individually and in group settings, but also encourage them to acknowledge the fine work of each other.
As Christine M. Riordan, PhD, currently president of Adelphi University, wrote in a Harvard Business Review article, “Foster a Culture of Gratitude,” “Research on gratitude and appreciation demonstrates that when employees feel valued, they have high job satisfaction, are willing to work longer hours, engage in productive relationships with co-workers and supervisors, are motivated to do their best, and work towards achieving the company’s goals.”
Some of that research:
- A 2023 Great Place to Work survey, in which recognition was named by workers as the most important driver of great work
- A Glassdoor survey in which 81% of workers reported they’re motivated to work harder when their manager shows appreciation for their work
- And a survey commissioned by David Novak, co-founder and former CEO of YUM! Brands Inc., and author of O Great One, in which 40% of working Americans say they’d put more energy into their work if they were recognized more often for their efforts.
Work-Life Balance
National All is Ours Day is a good time to recognize that workers don’t want to be tied to a 40 plus-hour in-office work week and instead place increased value on a healthy work-life balance.
Numerous studies reinforce this point including one recently conducted by Randstad, the world’s biggest employment agency. In this 2024 study, workers prioritized their work-life balance over pay when considering their next role. In fact, 57% said they would not accept a job that negatively affected their work-life balance, including flexibility options such as working from home. There’s no doubt that a healthy and fulfilled workforce is a valuable resource that contributes to overall productivity and success. It’s important to recognize that employees are not just resources but individuals with personal lives and needs outside of work.
Team Building
Use the day as an opportunity for team-building exercises that emphasize cooperation and collaboration. Encourage departments to share resources and knowledge to achieve common goals and take pride in sharing ownership of the company’s successes. At the same time provide a safe environment is free to speak openly and vent their concerns.
As Patrick Lencioni, bestselling author of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, puts it so well, “Great teams do not hold back with one another. They are unafraid to air their dirty laundry. They admit their mistakes, their weaknesses, and their concerns without fear of reprisal.”
All Is Ours
By incorporating these principles and activities into your business practices, you can align with the spirit of National All is Ours Day and create a positive and inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration, innovation, and shared prosperity. It’s an excellent opportunity to demonstrate values of gratitude, community, and environmental stewardship, which can resonate well with employees.