October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when pink ribbons appear in workplaces, communities, and across social media. It’s a reminder of the importance of early detection, ongoing research, and the collective support we can offer to those whose lives have been touched by breast cancer.
In the workplace, awareness is more than wearing pink on Fridays. It’s about fostering a culture that encourages health, empathy, and understanding:
- Encourage Screening – Share information about mammograms and preventive screenings and remind employees about health plan benefits that may cover them at little or no cost.
- Support Time Off for Health – Make it easy for employees to schedule and attend appointments without stigma or difficulty.
- Create Safe Conversations – Sometimes an employee may need understanding and flexibility when facing a diagnosis—whether for themselves or a loved one. Respect privacy and focus on support over assumptions.
- Participate in Fundraising or Awareness Events – Organize a “Wear Pink” day, sponsor a walk/run team, or set up a donation match program. Small gestures can make a big difference.
Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women in the U.S. and, though less common, can also impact men. Awareness means recognizing that behind every statistic is a person—someone’s friend, family member, or coworker.
This October, let’s commit not only to “thinking pink,” but to acting with purpose—promoting health, supporting those in need, and building a workplace where compassion is part of our culture every month of the year.