August "schedule alerts" **

Guests at a Jewish Moroccan wedding are treated to a
traditional Belly Dance. According to tradition, the
women have an amiable competition trying to outdo
each other in the art of this graceful dance.
(Artwork: TCM's Multicultural Calendar - Aug/05)

In August, 2005 the following "schedule alert" events occur***:
*** August 1, 2005
Civic Holiday - Canada
Bank Holiday - Scotland

*** August 27, 2005
Janmashtami - Hindu

*** August 29, 2005
Summer Bank Holiday - U.K., Ireland


Question: What the heck are "schedule alerts"?

Answer: Schedule alerts are National Holidays or Religious days when individuals may want to take time off to observe a holiday. Although there are only 9 or 10 statutory holidays, there are 37 schedule alerts occurring in 2005.

Proactive organizations sensitive to the diversity within their workforce often plan their schedules around these alerts in order to avoid any unnecessary conflicts with employees personal scheduling. They realize that some employees, if they are reticent to disclose their religious or National affiliations, may just call in sick and TAKE the time off.