20+ November Employee Engagement Ideas and Activities Across Regions

November marks a powerful pause before the year-end rush — a moment to reflect, reconnect, and recharge your teams. Across the world, it’s filled with cultural celebrations, wellness observances like Movember, and opportunities to show appreciation. 

Whether it’s honoring Children’s Day in India, Flag Day in the UAE, Thanksgiving in the US, or Bon Om Touk in Cambodia — this month is rich with chances to engage meaningfully. 

In this blog, we’ve compiled global and region-specific engagement ideas to help you build connection, boost morale, and close the year strong — with purpose and heart. 

Global November engagement themes and activities 

These November observances cut across borders and are perfect for uniting your global teams around shared values — wellness, appreciation, innovation, and inclusion. 

🌱 Movember (All Month) 

Theme: Men’s mental and physical well-being 

Ideas: 

• Launch a #Movember Challenge — grow a mustache, share photos, and raise awareness. 
• Create a safe space with men’s wellness groups on Empuls. 
• Run anonymous well-being surveys to check in on mental health. 
• Offer support through Empuls wellness perks — therapy apps, health check-ups, gym access. 
• Recognize participation with e-gift cards and shout-outs. 

Empuls Tip: Automate weekly nudges to log achievements and celebrate wins with AI-powered recognition. 

💆‍♂️ November 6 – Stress Awareness Day 

Theme: Preventing burnout and promoting mindful breaks 

Ideas: 

• Empuls nudges to take “microbreaks” during the day 
• Organize virtual yoga, meditation, or journaling sessions 
• Launch a week-long De-stress Challenge: log breaks, share wellness tips 
• Promote healthy snacking and encourage no-meeting hours 

Empuls Tip: Use quick polls to assess burnout levels and share personalized tips via the intranet. 

🔬 November 10 – World Science Day for Peace and Development 

Theme: Recognizing the role of science in sustainability and progress 

Ideas: 

• Invite internal or external speakers for virtual science talks 
• Host a “Bright Ideas” contest — reward employee innovations 
• Share inspiring science facts or employee-led R&D stories on the intranet 
• Create a virtual “Innovation Wall” for knowledge sharing 

Empuls Tip: Use Empuls polls to crowdsource innovative ideas and reward the best ones. 

👨 November 19 – International Men’s Day 

Theme: Recognizing the contributions and challenges of men 

Ideas: 

• Share stories from male employees across roles and locations 
• Send e-cards and personal messages via Empuls 
• Organize open conversations around men's health and work-life balance 
• Offer well-being check-ins or professional counseling sessions 

Empuls Tip: Run a short anonymous survey to understand men's workplace needs and take action. 

🚫 November 25 – International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 

Theme: Creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace 

Ideas: 

• Launch a week of awareness with educational posts and videos 
• Create a private group on Empuls for support and resource sharing 
• Share links to local helplines and offer access to legal/mental health services 
• Run anonymous feedback forms to identify hidden issues 

Empuls Tip: Use Empuls’ content moderation tools to ensure all posts on the platform remain inclusive and safe. 

🇮🇳 India employee engagement ideas and activities 

November in India is more than just the post-Diwali wind-down. It’s a month that brings attention to children’s joy, men’s health, mental well-being, and social responsibility. It’s also a time to help your people feel more connected — to their workplace, to each other, and to a larger purpose. Here are ideas to spark engagement and meaning throughout the month. 

👶 November 14 – Children’s Day 

Theme: Celebrating joy, creativity, and childhood 

Children’s Day in India is a perfect opportunity to bring smiles to employees and their families. 

Ideas: 

• Invite employees to bring their kids to work — in person or virtually — for a fun, playful day. 
• Transform the office with balloons, streamers, and child-friendly themes. 
• Host interactive workshops: storytelling, photo booths, henna art, and friendly games. 
• Offer special snacks, treats, or a kid-themed lunch. 
• Organize a donation or volunteering drive at local children’s homes or NGOs to give back and promote child welfare. 
• Run a themed dress-up day or costume contest — for kids and adults alike. 

💆 November 6 – Stress Awareness Day 

Theme: Creating space to recharge and reduce burnout 

With deadlines, festivals, and year-end pressure, employee stress peaks in November. 
Ideas: 

• Encourage breaks throughout the day to relax and reset — through soft nudges or a no-meeting hour. 
• Offer quick stress relievers: guided meditation, desk yoga, journaling prompts, or reading corners. 
• Introduce small but impactful initiatives like healthy snack boxes, gratitude exercises, or digital detox time. 
• Create an open conversation around burnout, flexibility, and the importance of mental fitness. 

🔬 November 10 – World Science Day for Peace and Development 

Theme: Fostering curiosity, innovation, and scientific thinking 

Celebrate the power of science to drive progress, peace, and a better workplace. 
Ideas: 

• Host talks or webinars with scientists, researchers, or tech innovators — internal or external. 
• Organize a science fair or exhibition featuring employee-led projects or hobbies. 
• Run a fun quiz on scientific breakthroughs and sustainability innovations. 
• Recognize employees contributing to technology, data, research, or green innovation. 

👨 November 19 – International Men’s Day 

Theme: Breaking stereotypes, encouraging well-being 

This is a great moment to celebrate the men in your workplace, support their wellness, and encourage meaningful dialogue. 
Ideas: 

• Start a story-sharing initiative: employees can post reflections on fatherhood, vulnerability, or overcoming challenges. 
• Host a wellness talk focused on men’s physical and mental health. 
• Encourage participation in Movember activities — from mustache challenges to fitness pledges. 
• Distribute thoughtful messages or small appreciation tokens acknowledging male employees’ contributions. 

🚫 November 25 – International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 

Theme: Building a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace 

This day is a critical reminder to stand against gender-based violence and build awareness at work. 
Ideas: 

• Share educational content or survivor stories (with consent) that open dialogue and build empathy. 
• Conduct anonymous surveys to understand how supported employees feel at work. 
• Set up safe channels for reporting and discussing abuse, harassment, or discrimination. 
• Partner with NGOs or internal ERGs to promote access to legal, medical, and emotional support. 

👉  Ready to roll out these initiatives with structure and clarity? Download the India Engagement Calendar (PDF) — Includes key dates, activity ideas, and planning tips tailored for Indian workplaces. Bring November alive at work, Indian-style. 🎯 Download your India engagement playbook now. 

🇦🇪 🇴🇲 MENA employee engagement ideas and activities 

In the Middle East and North Africa region, November brings moments of pride, cultural identity, national celebration, and awareness. It’s a time to foster belonging, highlight heritage, and support employee well-being. Here are engagement ideas tailored for teams across the MENA region. 

🇦🇪 November 3 – UAE Flag Day 

Theme: Honoring national pride and unity 

UAE Flag Day marks the anniversary of the first flag raising in 1971 — a day that symbolizes unity, leadership, and the Emirati spirit. 
Ideas: 

• Host a flag-raising ceremony or a moment of silence to reflect on the UAE’s achievements. 
• Encourage employees to wear the national colors — red, green, white, and black. 
• Decorate workspaces with mini flags, LED lights, and cultural motifs. 
• Share stories from employees on what the UAE means to them, or their journey as expats. 
• Run a UAE quiz or trivia challenge to spark friendly competition. 

💆‍♀️ November 6 – Stress Awareness Day 

Theme: Mental wellness and burnout prevention 

Stress often goes unnoticed until it starts affecting performance and morale. 

Ideas: 

• Send gentle reminders to pause, breathe, and take screen breaks. 
• Offer midday stretches, meditation breaks, or access to wellness apps. 
• Promote practices like journaling, hydration breaks, or wellness walks. 
• Start an open thread where employees can share what helps them recharge. 

🔬 November 10 – World Science Day for Peace and Development 

Theme: Promoting innovation and sustainability 

This is an opportunity to shine a light on employee contributions in research, tech, and problem-solving. 
Ideas: 

• Host a talk on how science and tech contribute to the region’s development. 
• Celebrate in-house innovators — showcase team projects and achievements. 
• Create a science corner on your internal platform for knowledge-sharing and fun facts. 

🇴🇲 November 18 – Oman National Day 

Theme: Celebrating Omani culture and independence 

Oman’s National Day commemorates its independence from Portuguese rule and the leadership of Sultan Qaboos. 
Ideas: 

• Transform the workspace with Omani flag colors — red, white, and green. 
• Set up cultural displays with traditional artifacts, crafts, and regional snacks. 
• Share music, videos, or clips from the military parade or fireworks. 
• Invite Omani employees to speak about their heritage or family traditions. 

👨 November 19 – International Men’s Day 

Theme: Supporting men's health and highlighting their contributions 

In MENA, this is a great opportunity to open conversations around emotional well-being and workplace inclusivity for men. 
Ideas: 

• Encourage men to speak about challenges they’ve faced and lessons learned. 
• Share motivational messages across your communication channels. 
• Offer small tokens of appreciation or e-cards to male employees. 

🚫 November 25 – International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 

Theme: Creating safe and supportive environments 

A powerful reminder to ensure everyone feels secure and respected at work. 
Ideas: 

• Run a campaign to raise awareness about domestic violence and available support systems. 
• Host an expert-led session or webinar on recognizing and responding to abuse. 
• Launch anonymous surveys to help identify areas for cultural or policy improvement. 
• Create internal support groups where affected employees can connect privately. 

🇦🇪  Plan a November filled with culture, pride, and purpose.  Get your MENA celebration calendar. 

🇬🇧🇪🇺 UK & EU employee engagement ideas and activities  

In the UK and across Europe, November is steeped in tradition, remembrance, and seasonal transitions. It’s a time to reflect on history, honor those who served, and embrace cultural celebrations with warmth and gratitude. Here are ideas to engage teams meaningfully across the region. 

🎇 November 5 – Guy Fawkes Day (Bonfire Night) 

Theme: History, celebration, and togetherness 

Guy Fawkes Day commemorates the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605 — now widely celebrated with bonfires, fireworks, and fun. 
Ideas: 

• Host a team trivia quiz on the history of Guy Fawkes and the plot. 
• Organize a virtual bonfire party or themed costume contest. 
• Share historical facts or fun memes on your internal comms channel. 
• Treat teams to a “Bonfire Supper” or themed snack box with hot chocolate, marshmallows, or classic UK winter treats. 

🕊️ November 11 – Remembrance Day 

Theme: Honoring those who served 

Also known as Poppy Day, Remembrance Day is a solemn occasion to remember the sacrifices of the armed forces. 
Ideas: 

• Observe a two-minute silence at 11 a.m. to reflect and honor. 
• Encourage employees to wear red poppies — physically or as digital badges. 
• Decorate the office or digital spaces with flags and poppy wreaths. 
• Organize a lunch-and-learn session with a war veteran, or stream a war documentary or short film. 
• Promote CSR donations to organizations like the Royal British Legion. 

👨 November 19 – International Men’s Day 

Theme: Breaking stigma and celebrating contributions 

Men’s Day presents an opportunity to create open, honest conversations at work. 

Ideas: 

• Launch a "Men Who Inspire Us" wall where employees can post tributes to male mentors or colleagues. 
• Share wellness resources tailored to men’s mental and physical health. 
• Celebrate team members with thoughtful appreciation messages or reward points. 
• Host a session on topics like emotional intelligence, work-life balance, or fatherhood. 

👶 November 20 – Universal Children’s Day 

Theme: Protecting and promoting child welfare 

Recognized globally, this day emphasizes children’s rights and well-being. 

Ideas: 

• Celebrate with a kids-at-work day, either on-site or virtually. 
• Organize fun sessions: games, storytelling, face painting, or themed dress-up. 
• Distribute treats, personalized kits, or mini goodie bags for children. 
• Launch a fundraiser or volunteer initiative for a local children’s charity. 

🛍️ November 28 – Black Friday 

Theme: Kicking off the festive season 

As the shopping season begins, employees are already thinking about gifting and savings. 

Ideas: 

• Offer exclusive discounts, deals, or perks for employees to enjoy. 
• Launch a "Wish List Week" where employees can share what they’re shopping for. 
• Promote sustainable shopping practices by encouraging online purchases and low-waste options. 
• Encourage employees to redeem their rewards or points for festive gifting. 

From poppies to potlucks — here’s your UK/EU November plan. 📅 Download your regional engagement guide. 

🇺🇸 USA employee engagement ideas and activities 

In the U.S., November is all about reflection, gratitude, and honoring service. With key observances like Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Black Friday — it's a month rich in meaning and perfect for connecting employees to culture, community, and each other. 

🪖 November 11 – Veterans Day 

Theme: Honoring service and sacrifice 

Veterans Day is dedicated to recognizing the contributions of military veterans — both living and departed. 
Ideas: 

• Invite employees to share messages of gratitude or personal stories of service in their families. 
• Host a lunch-and-learn with a veteran speaker to highlight real-life experiences. 
• Organize a red, white, and blue dress-up day or themed team event. 
• Encourage donations or volunteering for veteran-focused nonprofits. 
• Create a digital tribute wall with photos, messages, or quotes honoring veterans. 

🌍 November 16 – International Day for Tolerance 

Theme: Diversity, equity, and inclusion 

This day calls for acceptance of differences and respect for diversity in all its forms. 

Ideas: 

• Host a “Voices of Inclusion” roundtable where employees can share personal experiences. 
• Launch a short survey or pulse check to gather input on how inclusive your workplace feels. 
• Share content around breaking bias, allyship, and cultural awareness. 
• Celebrate your team’s diversity with a virtual cultural potluck or trivia challenge. 

👨 November 19 – International Men’s Day 

Theme: Well-being and appreciation 

This is a moment to recognize the positive contributions of male colleagues while creating space for conversations around men's mental health. 
Ideas: 

• Share personal success stories and milestones via internal communications. 
• Host a session focused on men’s health, emotional resilience, or work-life balance. 
• Offer appreciation messages, e-cards, or tokens of thanks to male team members. 
• Launch a virtual support group or conversation circle open to all genders.  

🦃 November 27 – Thanksgiving Day 

Theme: Gratitude and togetherness 

Thanksgiving is the heart of November in the U.S., offering the perfect backdrop for expressing appreciation. 
Ideas: 

• Organize a team potluck, Thanksgiving lunch, or virtual gratitude hangout. 
• Create a “Wall of Thanks” where employees can post appreciation notes to teammates. 
• Launch a simple challenge: share one thing you’re grateful for each day of the week. 
• Gift digital thank-you cards or tokens of appreciation to teams and leaders. 

🛍️ November 28 – Black Friday 

Theme: Kick-starting the season of giving 

The Friday after Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday shopping season. 
Ideas: 

• Offer exclusive employee discounts or festive perks. 
• Use internal channels to share holiday shopping tips or group deal finds. 
• Run a poll or wishlist campaign to understand what employees are most excited to shop for. 
• Encourage sustainable and budget-friendly gifting through reward redemptions or virtual gift swaps. 

Serve gratitude with a side of great engagement. 🇺🇸 Grab your USA November calendar now. 

🌏 SEA (Southeast Asia) employee engagement ideas and activities 

November in Southeast Asia is a vibrant mix of local festivals, awareness days, and cultural pride. With celebrations like Bon Om Touk in Cambodia and Bonifacio Day in the Philippines, it’s a perfect time to bring teams together through storytelling, shared heritage, and purposeful wellness initiatives. 

💆‍♂️ November 6 – Stress Awareness Day 

Theme: Recharge and reduce burnout 

With many teams in full swing toward year-end goals, this is a reminder to pause and prioritize mental wellness. 
Ideas: 

• Promote short “digital detox” breaks during the day. 
• Organize virtual yoga, stretch breaks, or guided breathing sessions. 
• Create a “pause and reset” space on your internal platform for people to share tips, apps, or personal habits. 
• Introduce flexible hours or a no-meeting afternoon to reduce overload. 

🔬 November 10 – World Science Day for Peace and Development 

Theme: Celebrate innovation and knowledge sharing 

Encourage a culture of curiosity and discovery across your teams. 
Ideas: 

• Host a short innovation fair or digital showcase where employees can present side projects or ideas. 
• Share articles or podcasts related to science, sustainability, or local tech innovation. 
• Recognize employees in data, R&D, or engineering roles with shout-outs or awards. 

🚤 November 14 – Bon Om Touk (Cambodia) 

Theme: Tradition, water, and renewal 

Also known as the Cambodian Water Festival, Bon Om Touk is a vibrant cultural celebration that marks the reversal of the Tonlé Sap River’s flow. 
Ideas: 

• Organize a boat-themed desk décor contest — in-office or virtual. 
• Light up the workspace with candles, mini lanterns, or floating décor. 
• Set up a wishing wall on your digital platform for employees to post hopes or goals. 
• Celebrate with traditional Cambodian snacks or music playlists. 
• Host fun team games or creative competitions inspired by boat races or river life. 

👨 November 19 – International Men’s Day 

Theme: Encouragement, support, and recognition 

A day to open meaningful dialogue and express appreciation for male team members. 
Ideas: 

• Share stories or life lessons from male colleagues or leaders. 
• Host a virtual discussion on topics like emotional health or balancing career and family. 
• Offer wellness sessions or small thank-you gifts to recognize contributions. 

🇵🇭 November 30 – Bonifacio Day (Philippines) 

Theme: Patriotism and leadership 

This national holiday honors Andrés Bonifacio, a revolutionary leader in Philippine history. 
Ideas: 

• Host a trivia quiz or storytelling session about Bonifacio’s life and values. 
• Create a space for employees to reflect on modern leadership, courage, and resilience. 
• Share inspiring quotes, short videos, or curated content about Philippine history. 
• Celebrate with local snacks, music, or a themed “Filipino Heritage Day.” 

🚤 From water festivals to warrior tributes — SEA, you’re up! 
📥 Get the November engagement calendar for your region.

📆 Month-long campaign ideas to run across teams 

While regional observances create cultural relevance, global campaigns help build a sense of unity across distributed teams. These light-lift, high-impact ideas can be run across your organization throughout November — regardless of location. 

🧔 Movember Mondays 

Theme: Weekly check-ins on men’s health and wellness 

• Encourage employees to grow mustaches and post progress pics weekly. 
• Share quick wellness facts or tips every Monday related to men’s mental health. 
• Invite guest speakers or internal leaders to share personal reflections. 
• Run a “Who wore it best?” Mo-style contest at the end of the month. 

🙌 Gratitude Galore 

Theme: Build a culture of appreciation leading up to Thanksgiving 

• Launch a digital “Wall of Thanks” where employees can post shout-outs. 
• Run a challenge: 3 thank-you messages a day for 5 days. 
• Curate a weekly gratitude digest and highlight top-recognized individuals. 
• End with a Gratitude Awards ceremony — peer-nominated, heartwarming, and inclusive. 

💡 Science Week (around Nov 10) 

Theme: Celebrate innovation, creativity, and future thinking 

• Host idea jams or mini hackathons. 
• Feature “Innovation Spotlights” — highlight employee inventions, patents, or side hustles. 
• Run a poll on the most impactful scientific discovery of the century, then discuss. 
• Share a curated reading or watchlist about tech-for-good, AI, and sustainability. 

🎭 Culture Connect Series 

Theme: Celebrate global diversity through regional stories 

• Dedicate one week to highlighting regional holidays across your global offices. 
• Encourage teams to share how they celebrate at home — photos, music, traditions, snacks. 
• Organize a virtual cultural potluck where each team brings a dish, song, or story. 
• Wrap it up with a Culture Quiz or “Guess the Tradition” game. 

🎁 Wish List Wednesday (mid-late November) 

Theme: Help employees prep for year-end gifting. 

• Invite teams to share their holiday wishlists or favorite gift ideas. 
• Curate an internal “gift guide” using employee suggestions. 
• Offer surprise giveaways or highlight available perks and discounts. 
• Encourage eco-conscious shopping by spotlighting sustainable brands or digital gifts. 

How Empuls makes November engagement seamless 

Bringing your November engagement plans to life doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whether you're managing one office or dozens across the globe, Empuls helps HR teams streamline celebrations, automate participation, and personalize the experience — all in one place. 

Here’s how Empuls supports effortless, impactful engagement this month: 

Automate regional celebrations 

• Schedule holiday-specific greetings and nudges based on location — from UAE Flag Day to Thanksgiving. 
• Recognize local observances while maintaining a unified global experience. 

Celebrate with recognition & rewards 

• Launch themed recognition campaigns like Movember challenges, Gratitude Galore, or Innovation Spotlights. 
• Reward peer appreciation with points, badges, or gift cards — globally and compliantly. 

Foster connection with the social intranet 

• Create dedicated spaces for storytelling, trivia, polls, or wall-of-thanks campaigns. 
• Encourage user-generated content around cultural moments, personal milestones, or fun team challenges. 

Support wellness and inclusion 

• Run pulse surveys around stress, inclusion, or psychological safety. 
• Offer wellness perks, mental health tools, and fringe benefits — all tailored by region. 
• Host men’s health check-ins, DEI talks, or stress-relief activities directly on the platform. 

Track engagement with insights 

• See what activities are resonating through participation analytics. 
• Identify recognition gaps, survey trends, and well-being signals to guide next steps. 

Conclusion: Make November count 

November is more than just the start of the holiday season — it’s a chance to connect, reflect, and recognize what matters most: your people. 

From celebrating cultural milestones like Bon Om Touk, Children’s Day, and Veterans Day, to supporting important causes like mental health, diversity, and inclusion — this month is filled with meaningful moments. When thoughtfully planned, even simple gestures can go a long way in boosting morale and strengthening workplace culture. 

With a little creativity and the right tools, you can bring these ideas to life — locally and globally. 

📥 Want to get started? 

👉 Download the Employee Engagement Calendar 2025. (A helpful resource packed with dates, activity ideas, and planning tips.)