7 Topics to Communicate to Employees in October 2020

Every month, Airbo provides you with suggested topics to communicate to employees as part of your Annual Communications Plan. The topics are based on hundreds of data points regarding what our customers communicate each month of the year.

The seasons are changing, and there’s an abundance of information to share with employees this month.

Here are seven topics we recommend communicating with employees in October.

1. Breast Cancer Awareness Month & National Mammography Day

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. Share educational content and remind employees to schedule their free annual mammogram – especially if their usual appointment was postponed during COVID lockdowns.

Sample content: October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, National Mammography Day is October 16

2. Voting Resources

With election day around the corner on November 3, now is the time to remind employees to make sure they check their registration status and take two minutes to register to vote. Share educational resources about local voting procedures such as absentee ballot deadlines, early voting dates, and any COVID-19 related changes. Promote your company’s policies for taking time off to vote, and encourage everyone to exercise their voting rights.

Sample content: Use your voice in this year’s election!, November 3rd is right around the corner!

3. Fire Safety

Fire prevention week starts October 4. This year’s campaign focuses on fire safety in the kitchen, and for good reason. Cooking is the top cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Educate employees about fire safety this week.

Sample content: October is national fire prevention month, Tips to keep your home safe from wildfires, Budget Challenge: Clear the dryer vent

4. Seasonal Wellness Tips

With Halloween candy on store shelves, it’s the beginning of the season of feasting and special holiday sweets. Share nutrition and fitness tips to help employees stay healthy while embracing the fall season.

Sample content: Nutrition Challenge: DIY pumpkin spice latte, Fitness Challenge: Enjoy fall activities, Fitness Challenge: Work out with a pumpkin, Nutrition Challenge: Pass the pumpkin, Healthy Recipe of the Week: It’s pumpkin season!, Fun and Healthy Halloween Snacks!

5. Flu Shots & Cold Prevention

Flu season starts in October. The CDC believes that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both be spreading at the same time, so getting a flu vaccine will be more important than ever. Promote flu shots and share tips for proper hygiene – something we’re all extra aware of this year.

Sample content: It’s time to get your flu vaccine!, What is the difference between Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19?

6. Open Enrollment

If your company’s open enrollment starts in October or November, now is the time to get it on everyone’s radar. This is especially important if you’re planning to make any social distancing changes this year, such as hosting a virtual benefits fair or moving to electronic enrollments. Share a few hints about what to expect so that employees can start thinking about their benefits now.

Sample content: Open Enrollment is just around the corner!, Action Required: Update contact information before Open Enrollment starts, Open Enrollment Checklist

7. National Cyber Security Awareness Month

Last year, more than $3.5 billion was lost globally to cybercrime, according to the National Cyber Security Alliance. During Cyber Security Awareness month, share tips and IT best practices to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity. You could also use this opportunity to promote Identity Theft and Credit Protection Insurance.

Sample content: October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, Cyber Security: Two-factor authentication, Remote Work: Proactive cybersecurity, Remote Work: Tips to keep company information safe, Protect yourself with identity theft and credit protection insurance

As you can see, there’s plenty to communicate with employees in October! We hope this guide helped save you some time so you can get out and enjoy all the pumpkin spice.