Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States on June 19, 1865, shortly after the end of the American Civil War. Over time, its significance has extended beyond community celebrations and into the workplace. After becoming a U.S. federal holiday in 2021, more businesses began officially celebrating Juneteenth to honor Black history and culture, support their Black employees, and reaffirm their commitment to civil rights.
While recent federal changes have affected diversity and inclusion efforts in the United States, Juneteenth remains a federal holiday (as of this writing), and many U.S. employers continue to recognize it as part of their company policies.
But is Juneteenth a paid holiday? In this guide, we’ll explain which U.S. employers are required by law to provide time off with pay in honor of Juneteenth. We’ll also explore Juneteenth’s history and share meaningful ways to celebrate Juneteenth in the workplace, no matter your industry or location.
What is Juneteenth?
Understanding the significance of Juneteenth begins with its historical context. On January 1, 1863, U.S. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring enslaved people in all U.S. states, both northern and southern, free. However, Union forces weren’t able to enforce the order in states still under Confederate control until more than two years later. On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and enslaved people in one of the southernmost parts of the United States finally learned they were free. This moment gave rise to the holiday’s name, a blend of "June" and "nineteenth."
Originally, Juneteenth was primarily observed in Black communities, but over the years, it’s gained wider recognition and sparked more discussions about racial justice and equality. Now a federal holiday in the U.S., Juneteenth continues to honor African American history and culture while serving as a reminder of the ongoing fight for civil rights. Many businesses in the U.S. now recognize the importance of Juneteenth and have incorporated it into workplace policies and diversity programs.
Is Juneteenth a work holiday?
While Juneteenth became a U.S. federal holiday in 2021, private businesses aren’t automatically required to give employees the day off. Whether a company observes Juneteenth as a paid holiday depends on federal and state regulations and company policies.
Many private businesses have chosen to recognize Juneteenth, offering paid time off or special accommodations as part of their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Some companies provide floating holidays, which allow employees to take time off for Juneteenth or another day of their choice. Others offer Juneteenth time-and-a-half pay for employees who work on June 19.
Who gets Juneteenth off?
- Federal employees: Currently, Juneteenth is a paid holiday for all federal workers.
- State recognition: Many states recognize Juneteenth as a public holiday, but this doesn’t mean private businesses must give employees time off.
- Private companies: Unlike with Thanksgiving or Christmas, federal law doesn’t require private employers to observe Juneteenth. Some companies choose to offer paid time off or other accommodations, such as floating holidays, time-and-a-half pay, and educational activities.
4 ways to celebrate Juneteenth in the workplace
Offer holiday pay for Juneteenth
Giving staff the day off with pay is a great way to honor Juneteenth. It’s a thoughtful gesture that allows employees to participate in celebrations, learn more about the holiday’s history, or spend time with family—while still receiving their full salary.
Host a virtual or in-person team-building activity
Some businesses have to remain open on Juneteenth due to operational needs, but many still find ways for employees to celebrate the holiday while on the job:
- Guest speakers: Invite historians, educators, and community leaders to speak about Juneteenth’s history and its ongoing significance to give staff members an opportunity to connect the holiday’s past with its present.
- Book clubs, film screenings, and panel discussions: Encourage employees to read books by Black authors or watch films about African American history and culture together—not just on Juneteenth but throughout the month—and host group discussions or panel events afterward.
- Donations: Money talks! Making financial contributions to organizations like the NAACP Legal Defense Fund allows companies to show fiscal support for racial justice efforts. Some businesses also offer donation-matching programs to encourage employees to give as well.
Support Black-owned businesses
Showing solidarity with Black entrepreneurs shouldn’t be a one-day effort. Companies can make a real impact on Juneteenth and beyond by choosing Black-owned vendors for everyday needs—whether it’s taking the team to lunch at Black-owned restaurants once a month or committing to sourcing from Black-owned suppliers for events whenever possible. Small choices like these add up and foster lasting support.
Organize volunteer opportunities
Rally the team for a day of giving back, whether on Juneteenth or another date. Partner with local organizations to help restore or maintain sites significant to Black history, register voters in underrepresented communities, or volunteer at urban farms or gardens that promote food security in predominantly Black neighborhoods. Remember, actions speak louder than words.
Ensure compliance and embrace diversity with Oyster
Recognizing Juneteenth as a paid holiday is more than a policy decision—it’s a commitment to equality, justice, and inclusion. But with varying laws, employee classifications, and regional differences, navigating holiday pay isn’t always simple.
Oyster makes it easy to manage holiday pay across global teams while ensuring compliance with local labor laws. With built-in legal expertise, localized insights, and automated payroll, Oyster helps businesses stay ahead of evolving regulations—so you can focus on creating an inclusive and equitable workplace.
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About Oyster
Oyster is a global employment platform designed to enable visionary HR leaders to find, engage, pay, manage, develop, and take care of a thriving distributed workforce. Oyster lets growing companies give valued international team members the experience they deserve, without the usual headaches and expense.
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