3 Important Ways to Observe Hispanic Heritage Month at Work

Mark your calendars: Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. 

Here’s what you need to know about this year’s theme – and several ways to observe Hispanic Heritage Month at work.  

What Is Hispanic Heritage Month?

Observing Hispanic heritage officially began in 1968, as Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1998, that was expanded to the monthlong observance we recognize today.

Modern goals of Hispanic Heritage Month include:

• Honoring the Hispanic heritage 
• Recognizing the contributions of Hispanic Americans, and
• Shining a light on how far there is to go to achieve equality.  

“There is still a lack of representation of Latinos at every level of our society, even though we make up 18% of the U.S. population,” says Yrthya Dinzey-Flores, VP of DEI, Social Impact and Sustainability at Justworks. “Only 3.4% of Latinos occupy positions in the corporate executive suites and only 8% of private tech sector jobs.”

With the lack of representation in leadership roles, it’s important for HR to take this month to recommit to DEI efforts. “Hispanic Heritage Month serves as a moment when we can refocus on the issues confronting our LatinX community and re-energize us for the work during the remaining 11 months of the year,” says Dinzey-Flores.

2024 Theme Looks to the Future

The National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers selects an annual theme and poster each year.

This year’s theme is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” The theme aims to capture “the spirit of innovation, resilience, and unity that define the Hispanic experience,” the Council said in a press release.

The 2024 poster was created by Mariana I. Purcell Rivera, a Puerto Rican artist and architecture student. 

How to Host Observances in the Workplace

There are many ways to observe Hispanic Heritage Month in the workplace and help employees understand its significance. Start with these three keys to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in an impactful and engaging way.

1. Educate Employees

The first step to being able to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month is understanding its historical significance. “For me, celebrating Hispanic heritage is about understanding our history,” says Dinzey-Flores. “What makes this country unique are the many people, cultures and traditions that have contributed to creating such a rich and diverse democracy.”

Education can range from simple facts – such as the differences between LatinX, Hispanic and Spanish – to more complex topics that affect Hispanic Americans today. Understanding the challenges Hispanic Americans have faced in America and their involvement in history will help give a greater appreciation of the holiday and help to focus on what matters.

Some ways you can help educate employees on Hispanic heritage are: 

• Host a Lunch and Learn about Hispanic culture and history
• Have a thoughtful discussion on Latinx issues with an outside speaker, and
• Provide a library of educational resources such as short videos or podcasts.

2. Acknowledge Disparities

Like any other marginalized group, Hispanic Americans have faced injustices and inequality. 

Hispanic Heritage Month is about more than just celebrating Hispanic history and achievements. “We must not only celebrate but also recognize the sometimes troubling ways in which our nation was built and the many people that formed part of that journey,” says Dinzey-Flores.

It can – and should – be used as an opportunity to evaluate the disparities that still exist for Hispanic Americans and understand how your organization can help promote equality. 

Here are some action steps to help you go beyond just acknowledging disparities and support the Hispanic community:

• Donate to or partner with a non-profit organization that helps the Hispanic community
• Ensure your leadership team is diverse (and if not, re-evaluate your recruiting process), and
• Establish an Employee Resource Group for Hispanic or LatinX employees. 

3. Recognize Cultural Influence

A major part of Hispanic Heritage Month is the recognition of Hispanic influence on America – both from Hispanic Americans throughout history and the pieces of Hispanic culture that have enriched American culture as well. 

Although it’s important to acknowledge disparities and ensure employees are educated on Hispanic history, celebrating Hispanic culture through more traditional events like potlucks and dance classes is just as important – and fun. 

Here are some things that you can do to help celebrate Hispanic culture this month:

• Choose a prominent Hispanic writer for a company book club
• Give away gift cards or cater lunch from local Hispanic restaurants, and
• Provide care packages to employees with gifts from small Hispanic-owned businesses.

Hispanic Heritage Month Resources

We’ve pulled together some of our favorite resources and guidance to help you observe Hispanic Heritage Month, from Hispanic American leaders to ways HR can honor and recognize the achievements of Hispanic Americans this month.

• Society of Hispanic Human Resources Professionals (SHHRP)
• Smithsonian Learning Lab’s top eight reasons to celebrate HHM
• National Archives Hispanic Heritage Month Resources
• Forbes’ article on three ways HR can commemorate HHM
• Workshield’s guide to promoting D&I during HHM

Incredible Latina HR Leaders to Follow

If you’re looking for Latina thought-leaders to follow on social, check out:

• Yrthya Dinzey-Flores, VP of DE&I, Social Impact, and Sustainability at Justworks
• Taina Brown, DEI Consultant at The Rise Journey
• Lizette Ojeda, Diversity, Leadership & Well-Being Speaker
• Vanessa Duran, Employee Relations Specialist at Equinox