A calendar with key Q1 dates for human resources departments
HR

Key Q1 Dates for HR

Welcome to 2020!

Returning to work after the holidays can be challenging for any department, but HR knows they’ll be greeted by a slew of important upcoming dates. Between launching new initiatives and kicking off tax season, HR has their hands full as soon as they walk back into the office. Don’t let these dates catch your team off guard.

We’ve rounded up key holidays, dates, and deadlines for the first quarter to make sure you’re ready for the new year.

January

January 1: New Year’s Day

Take one last day to rest before you and your employees jump into 2019!

January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Ramp up your diversity and inclusion initiatives to honor the accomplishments of MLK and set the tone for Black History Month in February.

January 28: Data Privacy Day

With the influx of data breaches across a range of industries, consider using this day to educate employees about the importance of data security.

January 31: Distribute W-2, 1099-MISC, and submit Form 941

Tax season is fast approaching, and the end of January is time to send out employee tax documents and also submit the company’s quarterly Federal Tax Return.

February

February 1: Black History Month

Whether it be through a post on the company newsfeed or a larger company event, make time to honor this important month.

February 2: Groundhog Day

This important holiday could either make or break employee spirits. Do something festive to welcome an early spring or boost spirits in the case of six more weeks of winter.

February 14: Valentine’s Day

Bring the team together on this polarizing holiday with treats or activities. Nothing says “we love our employees” like chocolate.

February 15: Request new Form W-4 from exempt employees

The Form W-4 is critically important, as it determines how much is withheld from employee paychecks. Employees wishing to claim exempt status for federal tax withholding in 2020 must file a new Form W-4 by February 15.

February 18: President’s Day

Don’t forget this is a bank holiday! You might consider closing the office as a company-wide day-off.

March

March 6: Employee Appreciation Day

With year-end in the rearview, you can shift focus back to engagement and culture. Hold a company potluck or happy hour on National Employee Appreciation Day.

March 8: International Women's Day

March is Women's History Month, so this international holiday is the perfect chance to honor the female employees who make your company's success possible.

March 8: Daylight savings time begins

Don’t forget to remind employees to “Spring forward” and move their clocks ahead an hour.

March 9-11: HR West

Pack your bags for Oakland, CA! Register to network and learn at this intimate “un” conference.

March 16: S Corp and partnership tax returns due

A month out from Tax Day, make sure any business tax returns are submitted or ready to go by their respective due dates.

March 17: St. Patrick’s Day

Give employees a pot of gold in the form of a festive holiday lunch, happy hour, or leprechaun costume contest.

March 19: Spring begins!

The end of winter is finally here—get employees excited for spring fever, spring flowers, and maybe even some spring cleaning.

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