10 Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Work [2024 Update]
Promote inclusion, belonging and cultural recognition with these 10 ways to celebrate.
Each year, organizations celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, recognizing the contributions of their Hispanic and Latino employees and educating their broader workforces about Hispanic and Latino cultures. It's easy to understand why.
According to the United States Department of Labor (DOL), Hispanic workers in the labor force grew from 10.7 million in 1990 to 29 million in 2020. That number is projected to reach 35.9 million in 2030. Hispanic workers are also projected to account for 78 percent of net-new workers between 2020 and 2030. These figures, awareness of diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) and a humble curiosity about Hispanic and Latino communities are excellent reasons to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the workplace, not just this year but every year.
"Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month helps leaders showcase appreciation for Hispanic and Latino people on their teams and in their communities and customer bases," says Helena Almeida, vice president, managing counsel, ADP. Almeida is also the chair of Adelante, ADP's Hispanic and Latino business resource group (BRG). "Every year, we should take this time to recognize the value of Hispanic and Latino communities and educate our allies and supporters about our unique cultural heritages to nurture collaboration, empathy, inclusion and belonging."
What is Hispanic Heritage Month?
Enacted into United States federal law on Aug. 17, 1988, Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) is a celebratory period honoring Hispanic and Latino communities. To celebrate, your organization or group can choose a theme; for example, for 2024, Adelante chose "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together."
"This year's theme choice was intentional, as it captures and exclaims the heart, soul, perseverance and layers of our culture, as well as how far we have come. It also affirms the immense impact we have made and will continue to make together," says Michaela Nine, director, Comprehensive Outsourcing Services I, ADP. Michaela is also the programming director of Hispanic Heritage Month for Adelante's national board and the executive sponsor of Adelante's Tempe, Arizona chapter. "Hispanic Heritage Month provides us ample opportunities to celebrate Hispanic and Latino employees and rejoice in our cultures, welcoming our allies and acclaiming our intersectionality. We are carving out paths, embodying innovation and reconstructing the foundation for future generations. We are the pioneers of change, and it is beautiful to see representation in all aspects and how we are elevating each other."
What will your theme be? You can align with Adelante's choice or create your own.
When is Hispanic Heritage Month?
In 2024, the first day of HHM, Sept. 15, is on a Sunday, and the last day, Oct. 15, is on a Tuesday. The period during which HHM is celebrated is significant for several reasons. Sept. 15 is the independence anniversary of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, while Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively. Columbus Day, or Día de la Raza, is also observed during HHM, on Oct. 12.
How do you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at work?
There are many ways to celebrate HHM in the workplace. You can feature culturally inspired music, food, films and art, discuss Hispanic and Latino DE&I, host an educational session led by Hispanic and Latino professionals at your organization and recognize the contributions of your Hispanic and Latino employees. Ensuring your events and activities are respectful, inclusive and guided by accurate information is crucial. Avoid singling out or otherizing your Hispanic and Latino employees. Don't pressure anyone to participate or overburden them with planning and logistics. Additionally, avoid Hispanic and Latino stereotypes. Do your research, prioritizing education and fun while including various perspectives.
"Hispanic Heritage Month honors the influence of Hispanic and Latino communities on the world and workplace, but these communities are not homogenous," Almeida says. "They originate from various Hispanic and Latin American countries, each with unique characteristics and differences. Keep these in mind as you plan your celebratory agenda. Not every custom, tradition, current or historical event applies to every community, so take a careful, nuanced, targeted approach."
To help you prepare your HHM agenda, here are 10 ways to celebrate HHM in the workplace, inspired by the activities of the Adelante BRG:
10 ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at work
1. Get your leaders talking
Having leaders discuss the significance of HHM communicates to your workforce that your organization is committed to honoring Hispanic and Latino people. You can also ask your Hispanic and Latino leaders to discuss their career journeys, achievements, heritages, cultures and identities. For example, during ADP's HHM 2024 celebration, Almeida will answer questions about herself and her career while eating hot wings, akin to the format of the popular game show "Hot Ones." The session is called "Picante! Leadership Panel and Hot Wing Challenge."
"Food brings communities together and sparks conversations," Nine says. "Sharing a recipe or plate of food unites us. We found a fun way to include food in our celebrations, as we know many of us enjoy our spicy dishes, cuisines and salsas. We are connecting from across the table, and together, we will discuss 'hot' topics and effect meaningful change."
Historically, other Hispanic and Latino leaders at ADP have simply answered questions about their career experiences to help associates grow and develop. Consider hosting similar discussions to foster education, relatability, networking and relationship-building within your workforce.
2. Recruit speakers to discuss key topics
Do you know any experts specializing in Hispanic or Latino issues, cultures or communities? Consider celebrating HHM by inviting them to share their work and perspectives with your employees. For example, during HHM 2023, ADP featured American University's Ernesto Castaneda-Tinoco, director, Center for Latin American and Latino Studies, Department of Sociology, for an internal session entitled "Latinos: Prosperity in America." Castaneda-Tinoco discussed the population growth of Latinos in the U.S., their spending power, the Latino voting block and more.
If you'd rather concentrate on the arts, consider drawing inspiration from Adelante's 2024 session that will go behind the scenes. In an introspective discussion, TV host, actress and producer Christian Vera, from "Right this Minute" and "Mayans M.C.," will share the barriers she has overcome and how she has shaped her career journey. You could also consider recruiting Hispanic and Latino talent in your network or community. This approach would help spotlight their work and potentially create new opportunities for them. Consider the context of your chosen theme and which topics would benefit your unique employee population.
3. Spotlight businesses in your community
Approximately 5 million businesses in the U.S. are Latino-owned, contributing more than $800 billion to the American economy every year. Consider partnering with Hispanic and Latino businesses in your community and promoting their products and services to your employees. You could organize a vendor fair featuring culturally inspired food and activities, set up a discussion panel with Hispanic and Latino business leaders and partner with them on raffles and giveaways. This event can also familiarize you with Hispanic and Latino businesses in your community, creating opportunities for partnerships and recognition. For example, during HHM 2023, Adelante showcased one of its Latino business clients during its "Accessing the Latino Market" session. In 2024, Adelante will take a similar approach with its "Together We Rise: Shaping the Future with Visionaries" session, featuring clients from ADP's Client Ambassador Program.
"In the U.S., Hispanic people are the largest underrepresented group, comprising 19.5 percent of the population," says Rachel Johnson, product marketing director, ADP. Johnson is also the president of Adelante's Allentown chapter and a member of Adelante's Hispanic Heritage Month Planning Committee. "A workforce that reflects this diversity is better positioned to serve a broad and diverse customer base. This is a great opportunity to spotlight Hispanic and Latino leaders and those dedicated to serving the Hispanic and Latino workforce, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs shaping their journeys. This conversation goes beyond the surface, exploring how these leaders are navigating their own paths and driving meaningful change within the Hispanic and Latino workforce. It's designed to empower, inspire and provide valuable insight into the experiences of those leading the charge in fostering diversity, innovation and inclusion. We are committed to creating a space where collective efforts toward a brighter, more inclusive future are celebrated and advanced."
4. Provide a DE&I update
HHM is a time to celebrate your organization's DE&I commitments and achievements. If you're working on programs related to Hispanic and Latino populations — for example, building Hispanic and Latino recruitment pipelines, closing unfair pay gaps for Latina women or fostering Hispanic and Latino inclusion — HHM is an excellent opportunity to discuss updates and next steps. It's also a good time to commit to Hispanic and Latino DE&I for the first time. You can do all of this in a DE&I presentation informed by experts.
Consider your DE&I journey and DE&I data. Where do you stand? What would an update look like for you? What would a first-time commitment look like?
5. Celebrate Latina Equal Pay Day
Latina Equal Pay Day takes place during HHM 2024, on Thursday, Oct. 3. According to the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, "Latina Equal Pay Day is the approximate day Latinas must work into the new year to make what white non-Hispanic men made at the end of the previous year." According to a 2024 report by the Pew Research Center, despite gains in education, employment and earnings for Hispanic women, "The pay gap between Hispanic women and white men has changed only slightly. In 2023, Hispanic women earned 62 cents of every dollar earned by non-Hispanic white men, up from 59 cents per dollar in 2013." Among Hispanic people, the gender pay gap persists with no significant change: "In 2023, Hispanic women earned 85 cents (at the median) for every dollar earned by Hispanic men, compared with 89 cents per dollar in 2013 (and 87 cents per dollar in 2003)."
To honor Latina Equal Pay Day during your HHM 2024 celebration, consider asking Hispanic and Latina leaders in your organization to discuss the holiday and their personal and professional journeys. You could also invite an expert on the Latina gender pay gap to discuss its impact, whether in an individual session or alongside your leaders. You could host one or more of these events on Latina Equal Pay Day or close to it, whichever suits you. If you have a Hispanic and Latino employee resource group (ERG), women's ERG or similar groups in your organization or community, consider asking them to participate. As always, ensure that HR, DE&I and other relevant expertise are incorporated.
6. Celebrate World Mental Health Awareness Day
World Mental Health Awareness Day takes place during HHM 2024, on Thursday, Oct. 10. At ADP, Adelante is partnering with Adriana Alejandre, a trauma therapist focusing on wellness for underrepresented groups. Alejandre is a podcast host, speaker and the founder of LatinX Therapy, a national directory and bilingual podcast that provides education to combat stigma. The podcast is nationally recognized by iTunes, Spotify and Latin shows and has been heard in more than 112 countries. Adelante will also host an interactive experience targeting mental health among Hispanic and Latino people, exploring childhood roles in families and the influence on mental health these roles may have in adulthood. This discussion, entitled "Exploring Mental Health within the Latino Community," will include an exploration of cultural stereotypes and how narratives from society impact identity and increase mental health stigma and racial bias at work.
"We are attempting to push beyond common misconceptions and forgo phrases such as 'move on, you're fine, it's all in your head and don't talk about your feelings,'" Nine says. "That's what this session is all about. Reflecting on mental health is vital as we pioneer change and reshape the future together."
Could you do something similar for HHM?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMSA's) 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health:
- The percentage of adults with serious mental illness in the past year was higher among Hispanic adults than among Black, Asian and American Indian or Alaska Native adults.
- Hispanic adolescents (18 percent) were more likely to have had a past year major depressive episode (MDE) compared with Black adolescents.
- Among adults aged 18 or older in 2023 who had an MDE in the past year, Hispanic adults (58.8 percent) were less likely than white adults (71.1 percent) to have received mental health treatment in the past year.
- Among adults aged 18 or older in 2023 who had any mental illness in the past year, Hispanic adults (47.4 percent) were less likely than white adults (58.7 percent) to have received mental health treatment in the past year.
7. Offer a cooking lesson
Food plays an important cultural role in Hispanic and Latino communities, with many regarding a solid appetite as a sign of good health. Food is also a universal connector and can be an attraction for people from different backgrounds. Accordingly, consider hosting a culturally inspired cooking class, breakfast or lunch. You can share recipes, food-preparation tips and expose your workforce to authentic cuisines. For example, during a previous HHM, Emmy-award-winning television producer and food blogger Nicolette Medina hosted a cooking class for ADP associates called "For the Love of Food." She shared her family recipe for albondigas soup, or Mexican meatball soup.
Could you arrange a cooking class or meal? For a wellness-oriented approach, consider hosting a healthy-eating class with a qualified medical professional.
8. Host a musician
The impact of Hispanic and Latino music is undeniable. Artists such as Anitta, Maluma, Ricky Martin, Shakira, Rosalía, Enrique Iglesias, Alejandro Sanz, Gloria Estefan and others have amassed billions of streams. Hiring these big names would be challenging, but you can still incorporate musical performances into your agenda. For example, during a previous HHM, ADP featured singer Innis, who shared his personal story, performed his song "Dime Dónde, Dime Cuándo" and answered associates' questions.
Are there Hispanic and Latino musicians in your community or workforce who would enjoy contributing to your celebration? You could also feature a musical playlist curated by your Hispanic and Latino employees.
9. Offer a dance class
Hispanic and Latin American countries are home to numerous world-renowned dance styles, including Zumba, salsa, merengue, samba, mambo, bachata and tango. Not only is dancing important in many Hispanic and Latino communities, but it's also good exercise and can be fun and educational. For example, Adelante has offered culturally inspired dance classes to ADP associates during past HHMs, teaching them new moves and getting them excited for the occasion. Consider offering a dance class to teach one of the above styles. You can host it virtually, in person or both, and a qualified dance instructor can lead the class. Most importantly, have fun, learn something and be safe.
"It's not too late to start dancing," says Manuel Balseiro, premier digital sales representative II, ADP. Balseiro is also the membership coordinator of Adelante's Allentown chapter and a member of Adelante's Hispanic Heritage Month Planning Committee. "It can be intimidating at first, but the social, leadership and teamwork skills you can develop when you learn a couple dances can be invaluable in business and throughout life. Plus, dancing can make you happy, so choose joy."
10. Feature artistic works
Consider exhibiting and exploring the impact of artistic works created by, with or featuring Hispanic and Latino people. Ask artists in your workforce or community which of their creations they'd be willing to showcase and under what terms and conditions. With the appropriate and necessary permissions, you can showcase art, work and projects by or featuring prominent Hispanic and Latino actors, instrumentalists, singers, songwriters, filmmakers, photographers, painters, poets, authors and more. Experts in HR, DE&I, art and history can help you include important context and background information.
"Hispanic and Latino cultures are vibrant and bright, with many varied creative channels," says Alex Nunes, project manager, ADP. Nunes is also the events and program coordinator of Adelante's Tempe chapter and a member of Adelante's Hispanic Heritage Month Planning Committee. "We love highlighting these talents and providing opportunities to showcase them through various painting events and art showcases. It's always an honor to assist with the planning process for Hispanic Heritage Month. I love playing a key role in creating events that bring people together and helping foster a sense of community and belonging."
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at work
Celebrating HHM in the workplace shows your Hispanic and Latino employees that you're committed to honoring their cultures and contributions. Being motivated to learn more and being the most supportive from a leadership standpoint can help cultivate an environment of engagement, inclusion and belonging.
"Inclusion, diversity, equity and belonging are for everyone," says Felicia Delcid, senior manager of client service, ADP. Delcid is also a member of Adelante's Hispanic Heritage Month Planning Committee. "As a leader, I encourage celebrating and participating in events that honor our cultures, both past and present. It's a great opportunity to educate and learn from others. As examples, how can we influence growth and change? How can we pay tribute to Hispanic and Latino societies, music, literature and art? Hispanic Heritage Month is jam-packed with something for everyone. You could consider encouraging your employees to make new friends, come together to promote inclusion and belonging and take action as pioneers of change."
As you plan, remember to be respectful, do your research, avoid stereotypes, represent the diversity of Hispanic and Latino people and gather input from your Hispanic and Latino workforce without forcing participation. When in doubt, seek feedback from experts. When executed strategically, an HHM celebration can be a positive, thrilling and informative experience for all involved, year after year.
Visit ADP's DE&I Resource Hub for more on how your organization can do and be its best.
Adelante honors Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is Adelante's principal opportunity to celebrate the diversity and contributions of Hispanic and Latino people. Hispanic and Latin American countries have rich traditions, customs and cultural expressions, all of which have global influence. Hispanic and Latino people are steady contributors to the global workforce, economy and cultural fabric, and their contributions deserve to be honored with authentic, meaningful action. Adelante invites leaders everywhere to explore how they can make a difference that counts.
About Adelante
Since March 2009, Adelante, Spanish for "moving forward," has supported ADP's commitment to DE&I. One of the first ADP BRGs, Adelante aims to fully engage, empower and educate ADP's associates and the communities where they work and live. The BRG comprises a body of local chapters led by a national board and celebrates its members' roots yearly during Hispanic Heritage Month.
