As diversity, equity, and inclusion take centre stage in today’s world of work, Juneteenth in the workplace has become an increasingly important moment of reflection and education, particularly for US-based businesses, but also globally. If you’re part of an HR team or responsible for employee engagement, DEI, or cultural education, you might be wondering how to appropriately and meaningfully recognize this significant day in your workplace.
In this post, we’ll walk you through what Juneteenth is all about, how it’s commemorated today, and offer practical ways to honour and celebrate Juneteenth in the workplace, not just as a one-off occasion, but as part of your broader commitment to inclusion and understanding.
What Is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, short for June Nineteenth, marks a powerful milestone in American history. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and all enslaved people were free. This came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.
For many African Americans, Juneteenth is considered the true Independence Day, a day that represents freedom and the ongoing struggle for racial equality. Over the decades, it’s been celebrated with community events, music, food, and education, and is deeply rooted in African American culture and heritage.
Juneteenth Today: What It Looks Like in 2025
Since President Joe Biden signed Juneteenth National Independence Day into law in 2021, the day has become more visible than ever before. In 2025, the momentum continues. Across the U.S., businesses large and small are recognizing Juneteenth not just with a day off, but by creating meaningful moments of cultural appreciation, education, and conversation.
In 2023, 39% of private businesses declared Juneteenth a paid corporate holiday, up from 33% in 2022, according to data from the Mercer consulting firm. But beyond giving people the day off, there’s a growing awareness that Juneteenth can be a catalyst for deeper discussions and long-term cultural change in the workplace. People should be inspired to learn more about the struggles and accomplishments of African Americans across history. More companies are providing educational resources or articles such as The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth to their employees to help them learn more.
How to Celebrate Juneteenth in the Workplace
Recognizing Juneteenth in your workplace is an opportunity to show your employees that your company values diversity, freedom, and inclusion. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your approach, here are some practical and genuine ways to commemorate Juneteenth in the workplace:
1. Acknowledge Your Organisation’s Commitment to Diversity & Freedom
Start by making a clear and honest statement about your company’s stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Employees appreciate transparency and intentionality. Share a message from leadership acknowledging Juneteenth, its significance, and how your company aims to create an inclusive environment for all.
2. Invite Guest Speakers or Host a Panel
Bring in African American historians, activists, artists, or DEI experts to speak about the history of Juneteenth, the Black experience in the workplace, or broader topics around racial equity. Create space for questions, storytelling, and genuine dialogue.
3. Celebrate African American Culture
Consider hosting a cultural lunch featuring Black-owned food vendors, planning a music event highlighting African American artists, or showcasing art, literature, and fashion by Black creators. Celebrating culture helps build empathy and connection among employees.
4. Encourage Volunteerism
Partner with local organizations or charities doing impactful work in the Black community and encourage employees to volunteer their time. Offer volunteer hours or create a company-wide day of service on or around Juneteenth.
5. Gather Employee Feedback
Not sure where to begin? Ask your employees. Create anonymous surveys or hold listening sessions to understand how they’d like to see Juneteenth acknowledged. Let their voices help shape your initiatives, this also creates shared ownership of your company culture.
6. Provide Educational Resources
Set up a digital learning hub or send out a newsletter with resources such as documentaries, podcasts, articles, and book recommendations about Juneteenth, systemic racism, and Black history. Encourage self-education as part of your learning and development efforts.
7. Make It an Ongoing Commitment
Don’t stop at Juneteenth. Use it as a springboard to review your current DEI strategy, hiring practices, mentorship programs, and internal policies. Employees notice when your efforts go beyond a single day and become embedded in your company’s DNA.
8. Recognize and Reward Inclusion Champions
Use your internal rewards and recognition program to shine a spotlight on team members who consistently champion inclusivity, mentor others, or drive positive change. (Psst… this is where we can help you with personalized and memorable employee reward experiences!)
Juneteenth as a Federal Holiday
In 2021, President Joe Biden signed legislation making Juneteenth a federal holiday, officially titled Juneteenth National Independence Day. This means that all federal government offices, banks, post offices, schools, and U.S. financial markets are closed in observance. It also marked a symbolic shift in national recognition, further encouraging private companies to do the same.
If your company hasn’t yet decided how to approach Juneteenth, now is a great time to evaluate whether making it a company holiday, or offering floating leave, can be part of your employee wellbeing and DEI strategy.
Final Thoughts: Why Juneteenth in the Workplace Matters
Celebrating Juneteenth in the workplace shouldn’t just be ticking a box, it’s about creating space for education and belonging. Whether you’re planning a panel discussion, curating resources, or planning a company-wide celebration, your efforts send a clear message: that freedom, equity, and culture matter, and that your workplace is committed to growth, respect, and authenticity.
At Virgin Incentives, we believe that celebrating people—whether through recognition, reward, or rich cultural experiences builds stronger, more inclusive workplaces. If you’re looking for thoughtful ways to reward your team this Juneteenth or beyond, explore our range of experience gifts and flexible reward solutions. Ready to reward your team meaningfully this Juneteenth and beyond? Get in touch with our friendly team below:
