How to Celebrate HR Professionals Day: 7 Ideas for Authentic Recognition
Belonging is one of the most powerful antidotes to burnout. In fact, employees who feel a strong sense of belonging at work are 2.5 times less likely to experience burnout. When people know their work matters—and that they matter—it strengthens engagement, loyalty, and performance across the board.
That’s why celebrating your HR team isn’t just a feel-good gesture. HR professionals play a critical role in shaping culture, supporting employees, and keeping companies compliant and competitive. When you take the time to recognize their efforts, you build stronger connections and show that they are valued members of your organization—not just behind-the-scenes support.
A growing body of research suggests that when employees feel valued and connected to their organization, they’re less likely to experience burnout and more likely to stay engaged over time. Celebrating your HR team is an investment in a stronger, more resilient workplace culture.
In this article, we’ll break down what HR Professionals Day is, share a little about its history, and offer ideas to celebrate your HR team in ways that build loyalty, boost morale, and strengthen your workplace culture.
What is HR Professionals Day?
HR Professionals Day is celebrated every year on September 26.
Human Resources Day honors the people responsible for managing employee relations, recruiting talent, shaping organizational culture, and making sure businesses run smoothly behind the scenes.
At smaller businesses, especially, HR professionals wear many hats—sometimes balancing payroll, hiring, training, compliance, and employee support (alongside another job role) all at once. HR Professionals Day gives companies a chance to say “thank you” and spotlight the people who make a big impact, often without much fanfare.
A brief history of HR Professional Day
Human Resources Professionals Day was first established in 2013 by Jamaican government official Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen, it was formalized in 2018 in Jamaica. The goal was to highlight the vital role HR practitioners play in national and business development—not just in Jamaica, but worldwide.
Since then, the observance has grown internationally, with many companies recognizing it as a formal opportunity to appreciate HR staff and teams.
International HR Appreciation Day is celebrated on May 20 each year. While HR Professionals Day (September 26) is primarily recognized in North America and the Caribbean, International HR Day is celebrated globally, coordinated by the European Association for People Management (EAPM).
Both days share a common mission: To acknowledge the expertise, hard work, and heart that HR professionals bring to their roles.
7 ways to celebrate HR Professionals Day
The best celebrations are thoughtful, genuine, and tailored to the people you're honoring. Here are a few ways small businesses and teams of any size can recognize HR pros on September 26:
1. Personal thank-yous
A simple, heartfelt thank-you can go a long way. Encourage leaders, managers, and employees to send handwritten notes, emails, or even quick Slack messages to the HR team. Be specific about how their work has made a difference.
2. Host a team celebration
Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or a coffee break, carve out time to celebrate together. Depending on your budget and team size, you could cater lunch, plan a dessert social, or organize a small office party with treats and decorations.
3. Leverage tools for public recognition
Use platforms like Assembly and Gifted (both integrations available through BambooHR) to recognize HR team members. Shout out your HR team during a company-wide meeting, post a spotlight on your internal communication channels, or share a thank-you on social media. Public appreciation reinforces the value of HR’s contributions across the organization.
4. Offer professional development opportunities
One of the best ways to show you value your HR pros is to invest in their growth. Celebrate by offering a stipend for professional development, a course subscription, or access to an HR conference or certification program.
5. Surprise with a gift
If your budget allows, a thoughtful gift can make the day extra special. Consider personalized items (like notebooks or desk accessories), gift cards, or wellness-focused gifts like a spa voucher or an extra day off.
6. Involve the whole company
HR supports every department—so get everyone involved in celebrating. You could set up a kudos board where employees can post messages of appreciation, organize a video montage of thank-yous, or create a digital memory book highlighting HR milestones and achievements.
7. Reflect on the impact of HR
Use the day as a chance to educate employees about what HR does beyond hiring and policy management. Share a quick overview of your HR team’s initiatives—like the benefits of employee engagement programs, DEI efforts, wellness initiatives, and career development opportunities. Helping employees understand HR’s broader impact can strengthen relationships and boost appreciation year-round.
Celebrating your HR team matters
Taking the time to celebrate HR Professionals Day isn’t just about marking a date on the calendar. It’s about recognizing the people who support your employees, shape your culture, and keep your organization moving forward—even when the work is behind the scenes.
When you appreciate and invest in your HR team, you’re strengthening the very foundation of your business. And the benefits go far beyond a single day of celebration, it can help foster a workplace where everyone can thrive.
If you're ready to make your HR team's impact even bigger, BambooHR can help. From streamlined hiring to seamless employee experiences, we give HR pros the tools they need to focus on people, not paperwork.