If you'd like to mark International Men's Day at work on Thursday, November 19, 2026, pick something colleagues can join if they want to and that fits the working day. A shared break or a few words of thanks may be plenty. Agree what you're doing and how it'll work before asking anyone for time or money.
The organizers place International Men's Day on November 19. Each workplace can mark it in its own way. You don't need a full program or something to buy for everyone.
Pick one gesture that fits the day
A coffee break gives people time to talk without anyone having to make a speech. Ask what time suits the team, including people on other shifts or working remotely. If there's food, ask about preferences and allergies first.
A thank-you board works when people can choose whether to take part. Invite short notes about a colleague's help, and check with the person before putting up anything personal. Anyone can skip it without giving a reason.
For a mentoring chat, ask interested colleagues which topic would help and who'd be happy to talk about it. A conversation about a real work question is worthwhile on its own.
Choose one of these, not all three. Check whether your manager needs to sign off, and agree who's handling the details.
Make it easy to say no
Say whether it happens during working hours and whether it costs anything. Don't post lists of who donated, bought something or agreed to a photo. People should be able to join the conversation without joining the collection.
If the team wants to support a charity, agree the organization and how donations will be made with whoever handles collections at work. Let people give privately if they prefer. Keep any bracelet order separate from charity money unless there's a clear, checked arrangement between the two.
Ask separately about taking photos and about sharing them. Joining a team activity doesn't mean someone wants to appear on the company's public page, so give people a way to take part without being in the picture.
Bracelets still have to suit the job
If someone suggests matching bracelets, ask whether colleagues actually want them and whether they can wear them while working. The workplace bracelet guide explains how desk work differs from jobs with hygiene or machinery rules. A soft band, a small size or a good cause doesn't change those rules.
A different optional detail works just as well, or nothing matching at all. If a group order does go ahead, confirm each person's design and size before buying. Nobody should have to buy a bracelet to be included.
Share resources, not personal questions
If the activity has a health theme, share resources agreed with the relevant team at work and your country's official health services. Nobody should have to explain their medical history or take health advice to join a coffee break.
Put the time, place or remote option, any cost and a contact for access questions in the invitation. Afterward, thank the people who helped. If you ran a collection, report the total accurately and pass the money on as agreed.