About May’s Wellbeing Theme: Express

Here’s Your Admin Strategy Guide for May 2026

Traditional Definition of Express: To convey (a thought or feeling) in words or by gestures and conduct.

How We’re Thinking About It: Creating space to feel, share, and be heard—without judgment or performance.

May Checklist

This must-use promotional checklist walks you through exactly what to share, schedule, and promote to drive engagement with your Wellbeing Hub this month, in 10 minutes or less.

COMING SOON

Why EXPRESSION Matters at work

In many workplaces, people filter themselves. They soften feedback, hold back ideas, or say what feels safest instead of what feels true. This can create frustration, misalignment, and conversations that circle around the real issue without addressing it. When expression feels risky or performative, employees disengage or default to silence.

The cost is clarity. Teams struggle with misunderstandings, unspoken expectations, and tension that grows over time. People may appear agreeable while feeling unheard. Without healthy expression, even strong teams lose trust and efficiency.

Focusing on expression changes this dynamic. When employees feel safe to share ideas, name concerns, and communicate boundaries clearly, collaboration improves and stress lowers. Energy is rising, projects are gaining momentum, and clear communication now helps teams move into the summer months with stronger alignment and fewer unresolved tensions.

Bringing the Theme to Life

• 🗣️ Practice Clear Communication: Encourage teams to pause before responding in meetings and clarify what they actually want to say. A short check-in leads to more thoughtful and direct communication.

• 👂 Incorporate Active Listening: Dedicate a few minutes in meetings for uninterrupted sharing. One person speaks, others listen. This builds respect and reduces reactive responses.

• ✍️ Name Needs Early: Encourage employees to state expectations, capacity, or concerns upfront instead of after letting frustration build up. Getting on the same page helps prevent conflicts later.

• 📣 Model Direct & Respectful Expression: Leaders can set the tone by expressing feedback, appreciation, and boundaries clearly and calmly. When leaders communicate directly and listen respectfully, others follow.

This Month in Wellbeing

• 👥 Community Workshops

  • Drop the Script: Approach Conversations with Confidence | Live on Thursday, May 7th, 12pm EST

    Sharing openly takes trust and courage. In this workshop, we’ll dive into how to reduce the “performance pressure” that can show up in conversations.

  • Find Your Footing: Listen to Your Body | Live on Thursday, May 14th , 12pm EST

    Speaking up isn’t just mental—it’s physical. Through slow, grounded movement, we’ll find our footing and explore what courage feels like in the body, practicing staying present so confidence becomes something we feel—not fake.

    Note: This session includes simple, desk-friendly movements perfect for joining right from your workspace.

  • Mean What You Say: Clear & Thoughtful Expression | Live on Thursday, May 21st , 12pm EST

    It’s not always easy to recognize what we’re really thinking or feeling. We’ll guide you through a simple mindfulness practice to help you notice what’s happening internally, normalize your thoughts and feelings, and communicate what you truly mean.

What Else is Happening This Month?

May observances offer practical opportunities to strengthen communication, wellbeing, and shared understanding at work:

• 💪 National Fitness Day (May 2): Encourage movement breaks that help employees regulate stress before important conversations.

• 🌱 Renewal Day (May 4): Use this as a prompt to reset communication habits and revisit team norms.

• 🍎 National Teacher’s Day (May 5): Recognize those who mentor and teach within your organization. Clear expression strengthens learning cultures.

• ❤️ Mother’s Day (May 10): Acknowledge caregiving roles and the emotional labor many employees carry.

• 🏃 National Employee Health & Fitness Day (May 20): Highlight the connection between physical regulation and confident communication.

• 🦅 Memorial Day (May 25, US): Offer space for reflection and recognition.

• 🎨 National Creativity Day (May 30): Encourage creative expression in problem-solving and collaboration.