A new study looks at how many companies give their employees the Day off for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
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What is MLK Day?
MLK Day is a holiday in the United States that celebrates the life and achievements of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The federal holiday is observed on the third Monday in January, which falls on January 20th in 2020.
While MLK Day is a federal holiday, not all companies or organizations observe it. Some companies may give their employees the day off, while others may remain open. There is no legal requirement for companies to close or offer employees time off on MLK Day.
The History of MLK Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a United States federal holiday marking the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around King’s birthday, January 15. The day was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1983, and was first observed three years later. At first many states resisted observing the holiday as such, giving it alternative names or combining it with other holidays. It was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000.
MLK Day is one of only four federal holidays commemorating an individual person; the others are George Washington’s Birthday, Christopher Columbus’ discovery of America, and Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday. When first proposed in 1956 by Representative John Conyers, MLK Day was intended to be celebrated on King’s actual birthday, but due to significant pushback from then-President Ronald Reagan and others in Congress, it was instead moved to the third Monday of January as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act (an attempt by Congress to create more 3-day weekends for federal employees).
Why Observe MLK Day?
MLK Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed on the third Monday of January each year. The day celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential figures in the American civil rights movement.
Many companies choose to observe MLK Day as a day of service, with employees given the day off to volunteer in their communities. Some Companies also use MLK Day as an opportunity to promote diversity and inclusion within their ranks, hosting events and workshops focused on these topics.
Studies have shown that Observing MLK Day can have positive benefits for companies, including improved employee morale and reduced turnover rates. In addition, companies that observe MLK Day are more likely to be seen as socially responsible by consumers and other stakeholders.
The Importance of MLK Day
MLK Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in January. It commemorates the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was an integral leader in the Civil Rights Movement. While MLK Day has been a federal holiday since 1986, not all companies and organizations observe it. In fact, many companies choose to remain open on MLK Day, citing business continuity and staffing concerns.
However, an increasing number of companies are choosing to close on MLK Day in order to give their employees a paid day off to commemorate the holiday. According to a recent survey, 67% of companies observed MLK Day in 2018, up from 60% in 2017.
So why is this holiday important? For many people, it’s a day to reflect on Dr. King’s work and what it means for race relations today. It’s also a day to celebrate the progress that has been made since the Civil Rights Movement. And for some people, it’s simply a day to enjoy a long weekend!
How to Observe MLK Day
It’s easy to forget that not every company observes Martin Luther King Day. While some may close for the entire day, others remain open but offer employees the opportunity to take the day off or participate in special events or activities. Here are some tips on how your company can observe MLK Day.
-Consider closing for the entire day. This shows employees and customers that you value their time and respect their commitment to observing the holiday.
-If you can’t close, consider giving employees the day off or allowing them to participate in special events or activities. This shows that you are committed to honoring Dr. King’s legacy.
-Educate your employees about Dr. King and his work. This helps everyone better understand the importance of the holiday and why it is celebrated.
-Encourage employees to volunteer in their communities on MLK Day. This is a great way to honor Dr. King’s legacy of service and help make a difference in your community.
What Companies Observe MLK Day?
The King Day of Service is a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in January that commemorates the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It is a day of community service to reflect on the civil rights leader’s philosophy and teachings.
Although it is not a federal holiday, many companies observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a paid holiday for their employees. A company may choose to close its doors on this day, or it may remain open and encourage employees to participate in service projects.
Below is a list of major companies that have released statements about their plans for observing MLK Day this year:
The Benefits of Observing MLK Day
Many companies choose to observe MLK Day as a way to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. By doing so, they are not only honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but also sending a strong message that they are committed to creating a more equitable and just workplace for all employees.
There are many benefits to observing MLK Day, including:
– Increasing awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace
– Showing employees that their company is committed to creating a more equitable and just workplace
– Honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
– giving employees the opportunity to learn more about his life and work
– promoting discussion about race and racism in the United States
Observing MLK Day can be an important first step for companies that are serious about promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. By taking this step, they are sending a strong message that they value all employees and are committed to creating a more equitable and just workplace for all.
The Importance of Recognizing MLK Day
In recent years, there has been an increased focus on the importance of recognizing MLK Day. The holiday, which falls on the third Monday in January, honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most important figures in American history.
Despite its importance, however, a significant number of companies do not observe MLK Day. In fact, according to a recent survey, only about 60 percent of companies in the United States give their employees the day off on MLK Day.
There are a number of reasons why companies choose not to recognize MLK Day. Some argue that it is not a “real” holiday, because it is not recognized by the federal government. Others simply say that they cannot afford to give their employees another day off.
Regardless of the reasons why companies choose not to observe MLK Day, it is clear that more should be done to honor the legacy of Dr. King. Taking even a small step to recognize MLK Day can go a long way toward promoting racial equality and understanding in our country.
Why More Companies Should Observe MLK Day
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a powerful voice for change and equality in the United States. Every year on the third Monday in January, his birthday is celebrated as a national holiday. While most Americans have the day off from work, not all businesses close their doors. In fact, many companies choose to stay open on Martin Luther King Day.
There are a number of reasons why companies might choose to remain open on this holiday. For some businesses, it’s simply a matter of increased demand. Retailers may see a spike in sales around this time, as people take advantage of the extra day off to do their shopping. Other companies may feel that they are providing a valuable service by remaining open on a day when many other businesses are closed.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to remember that Martin Luther King Day is more than just a day off from work. It’s a day to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy and what he fought for. It’s also a day to celebrate diversity and promote unity. By staying open on this holiday, companies have an opportunity to show their commitment to these values.
Of course, not all companies are able to close their doors on Martin Luther King Day—but that doesn’t mean they can’t do anything to mark the occasion. Businesses can show their support by flying flags at half-mast, holding special events or donating to causes that honor Dr. King’s memory. There are many ways to show that your company cares about this holiday and its significance.
So why should more companies observe Martin Luther King Day? There are many good reasons— but ultimately it comes down to respect for Dr. King and what he stood for. By taking the time to celebrate his life and legacy, we can all help continue his work for equality and justice in our society
How You Can Help Observe MLK Day
There are many ways for businesses to get involved in celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. King. Here are a few ideas:
-Educate your staff about the importance of Dr. King’s work with a company-wide email or all-staff meeting.
-Hold a voluntary staff training on cultural competence or unconscious bias.
-Make a donation to, or volunteer with, an organization that furthers Dr. King’s mission in your community.
-Encourage employees to take the day off to volunteer or participate in events commemorating Dr. King’s life and work.
