International Friendship Day aims to bridge gaps and bring people together. (Image: Shutterstock)
International Friendship Day 2023: The essence of the day is to celebrate the connections we share with others and to cherish the role friends play in our lives. Here’s look at history, significance and 10 ways to celebrate this special day at your workplace.
INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP DAY 2023: International Friendship Day is celebrated on July 30th each year. It is a day dedicated to celebrating the importance of friendship and promoting peace, understanding, and harmony among people of different backgrounds and cultures. The essence of International Friendship Day is to celebrate the connections we share with others and to cherish the role friends play in our lives. Whatever you do, make sure it’s done with love, appreciation, and the intention to strengthen the bonds of friendship. Here’s look at history, significance and how to celebrate International Friendship Day 2023.
INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP DAY 2023: HOW TO CELEBRATE AT WORKPLACE
Celebrating Friendship Day in a corporate setting is a wonderful way to foster a positive work environment, strengthen team dynamics, and promote camaraderie among colleagues. Here are ten ideas to celebrate Friendship Day in your workplace:
- Friendship Day Luncheon
Organize a special lunch event where employees can come together, enjoy a meal, and interact in a relaxed setting. Consider arranging seating to mix different departments and encourage networking. - Team-Building Activities
Plan team-building activities that focus on building trust and cooperation among employees. These can include outdoor activities, escape rooms, or problem-solving challenges. - Recognition Awards
Create “Friendship Day Awards” to recognize employees who are great team players, have shown acts of kindness, or have been supportive of their colleagues. Acknowledging these qualities can boost morale and inspire others. - Appreciation Cards
Set up a station with appreciation cards where employees can write notes of gratitude to their colleagues. Encourage them to express their appreciation for the support and friendship they have received. - Random Buddy Day
Randomly pair employees from different departments or teams to be “buddies” for the day. They can spend time together, have a coffee chat, or work on a project, helping them get to know colleagues outside their regular circle. - Share Success Stories
Allow employees to share stories of successful collaborations or instances where they received help from a colleague. This can be done through an email newsletter or during a team meeting. - Charity and Giving
Organize a charitable event where employees come together to support a cause they care about. This could be a fundraising drive, a volunteering day, or donating goods to a local charity. - Friendship Wall
Set up a “Friendship Wall” in a common area where employees can post pictures and messages about their workplace friendships. It can create a sense of community and encourage connection. - Workplace Quizzes and Games
Organize quizzes or games related to colleagues’ interests, hobbies, or fun facts. It’s an entertaining way for employees to learn more about each other and find common ground. - Friendship Day Video
Create a short video featuring employees sharing what they appreciate most about their colleagues and the friendships they have formed at work. Share the video company-wide or within teams.
INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP DAY 2023: HISTORY
International Friendship Day is a day dedicated to celebrating the importance of friendship and promoting peace, understanding, and harmony among people of different backgrounds and cultures. The concept of a day to honour friendships and foster goodwill among nations and individuals was first proposed by Dr. Ramon Artemio Bracho, a Paraguayan-American doctor and surgeon, on July 20, 1958, in Paraguay.
In 1959, the World Friendship Crusade, an international civil organization that promotes friendship and camaraderie, formally adopted the idea of a World Friendship Day. They chose July 30th as the date for the celebration, and it has been observed on this day ever since in many countries around the world.
Over the years, the idea of celebrating International Friendship Day gained popularity, and various countries began adopting the occasion, sometimes on different dates. In some places, it’s observed on the first Sunday of August.
INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP DAY 2023: SIGNIFICANCE
The significance of International Friendship Day lies in its ability to bridge gaps and bring people together. It’s a day to appreciate the friendships we have, make new friends, and extend a hand of friendship to others, irrespective of race, religion, nationality, or any other differences. Friendship is considered essential for promoting peace and understanding in the world, and this day serves as a reminder of its importance. People often exchange gifts, cards, and messages with their friends on this day to express their love and appreciation.