In April, Have Fun at Work, Celebrate Volunteers, Be Kind to Lawyers

01 On NATIONAL FUN AT WORK DAY, we have a question for you: What was the most joy you had at work this week? If you’re struggling to remember, you fail our test. Every day should be spiced with fun, laughter and a playful attitude. Look at any business study, and fun is associated with experimentation, better morale and productivity. So lighten up, and make a point of asking yourself every Friday, “What was the most fun I had this week?” We will be checking up …

01 STRESS AWARENESS MONTH is an opportunity to remind your market of the health benefits of pet ownership, specifically how petting and spending time with a cat, dog or other animal feels good, can lower blood pressure, helps release a relaxation hormone, and cuts down on levels of a stress hormone. See if your local media outlets need a source.

07 Richard Nixon created NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK in 1974. So, raise those hands and get involved. Helping paint a school shed, pitching in at a rescue, getting thigh-deep in chilly water as part of a local creek cleanup is a great way to meet people in the community.

09 On BE KIND TO LAWYERS DAY, send a cheery note of thanks to your lawyers for their hard work keeping your business safe from legal jeopardy (and soundly ethical to boot).

11 Sure, every day is NATIONAL PET DAY at your business, but for just about everyone else, it happens in early April. Started in 2005 to highlight the love pets bring to our lives and to encourage adoption, the date has grown into a legitimate calendar event with pet owners across the country invited to share photos of their animals on any and all social media channels. Get ready with a promotion and some professionally taken photos.

15 Death and taxes, our constant companions. Of the two, the IRS has more potential to be a friend, especially if business is in a slump. If yours is not performing so well this year, consider carrying back the loss to get a refund of taxes paid in prior years. Just make sure you’re ready before today, INCOME TAX PAY DAY.

21 Don’t worry, be hoppy. EASTER as we know it today has its origins in the Christian incorporation of Teutonic pagan rituals that had to do with spring and fertility gods, and their symbol — a long-eared cotton-tailed rabbit. Why not pay homage to the Big Bunny with appropriately corny marketing, such as an egg-citing Easter email mailout?

23 LOST DOG AWARENESS DAY is the day for those who have lost their way. Offer a special on all of your tags and GPS collars.

27 Didn’t celebrate International Fragrance Day on March 21? Use SENSE OF SMELL DAY to consider an upgrade of your business’s olfactory appeal.