Looking for meaningful ways to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month at work this May? In this post, you’ll find more than a dozen creative workplace activities and ideas to honor Asian American and Pacific Islander history and culture. From interactive experiences like tea tastings, book or podcast clubs, and virtual museum field trips to fully guided live sessions with Unexpected Virtual Tours & Training, there’s something to engage every team.
As you plan your team-building activities for AAPI Heritage Month, it’s important to approach them with thoughtfulness and cultural respect. This post also shares tips and best practices for celebrating inclusively and intentionally, helping your team learn, connect, and honor AAPI contributions in meaningful and appropriate ways.
12+ Ways to Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month at Work
What is AAPI Heritage Month?
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, observed each May, celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. It’s a time to honor achievements, recognize resilience, and foster awareness and inclusion in communities and workplaces alike.
AAPI Heritage Month has its roots in 1978, when Congress first designated the week of May 4–10 to recognize Asian American accomplishments. In 1992, the observance expanded to the full month of May. This timing was chosen to coincide with anniversaries of the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the U.S. and the completion of the transcontinental railroad, which relied heavily on the labor of Chinese workers.
What does AANHPI mean?
You may also see this celebration referred to as AANHPI Heritage Month. AANHPI stands for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander, encompassing a broader range of communities across the U.S.
Learn More About AAPI Heritage Month
Watch the short video below for tips on honoring AAPI heritage respectfully at work. Then, read on to explore more than a dozen ideas and activities to celebrate this important occasion with your team.
Did you know: Unexpected Virtual Tours & Training is an Asian American-founded company!
We create all of our virtual programming through a lens of intersectionality and historical accuracy, and AAPI History Month is especially near and dear to our hearts.
For a meaningful team experience, book the AAPI History Month: Being American session, which celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander history from the 1800s through today. Together with your team, you’ll learn about important AAPI leaders like Fred Korematsu and Bhagat Singh Thind. Then, take a virtual field trip to San Francisco’s Chinatown and learn how Asian Americans have impacted every aspect of American life.
Additionally, you can explore the stories of influential Asian American women with the AAPI History Month: The American Dream session. This live, guided virtual experience shares the story of incredible women who fought for inclusion, including Queen Lili’uokalani, Indra Nooyi, and Patsy Mink. As part of this program, your team will take a virtual field trip to San Francisco to learn about artwork important to Asian American women. Cap things off by playing trivia associated with noteworthy Asian American women who served in the armed forces.
Important Reminders About Honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at Work
First, it’s important to understand that “Asian” is a very complex and broad term that encompasses many countries and regions, cultures and subcultures, norms, diets, languages, and more. Describing things as “Asian” without more specificity can actually be offensive. That’s because using such a broad term brushes aside the unique identities and histories of specific cultures.
The term “Asian American” is also unique to the United States. Read more about the term “Asian American” in this Vox article: “The inadequacy of the term ‘Asian American.‘” Remember – this month is specifically about celebrating Asian American history and achievements, rather than Asian history and culture in general.
While there can be some nuance to learning the right terminology, AAPI History Month is a perfect time to delve in and learn with your team!
Ideas & Activities to Celebrate AAPI History Month at Work
Sponsor a Cultural History Event for Your Team
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have a long and proud history in the United States, but this important history often goes untold.
Sponsoring a cultural history event for your team is an investment in both professional growth and workplace culture. These events provide a deeper understanding of historical perspectives, fostering empathy, creativity, and critical thinking. They also strengthen team cohesion by creating shared experiences that celebrate diversity and heritage.
By engaging with history, your team gains valuable insights that can inspire innovation and a greater appreciation for the past’s influence on the present.
For a unique team learning experience, book the AAPI History Month: Being American team building session, which celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander history from the 1800s through the present. Your team will learn about leaders like Fred Korematsu and Bhagat Singh Thind, take a virtual field trip to San Francisco’s Chinatown, and learn how Asian Americans have impacted every aspect of American life.
Or, explore the stories of Asian American women though the team buliding session AAPI History Month: The American Dream. This virtual experience shares the story of incredible intersectional women who fought for inclusion, including Queen Lili’uokalani, Indra Nooyi, and Patsy Mink. Take a virtual field trip through art important to Asian American women in San Francisco and play trivia associated with Asian American women in the armed forces.
Host a Chinese Tea Brewing & Tasting at Work
Perfect for virtual teams with a budget, host a tea party! Enjoy the tastes and history of traditional Chinese tea with a Chinese Tea Brewing and Tasting class.
Led by a tea sommelier, your team will be guided throughout the entire brewing process. Plus, each team member will be sent a tea kit including a Gaiwan: a Ming dynasty ceremonial brewing bowl. This way, your team members will be ready with everything they need when joining the virtual class!
Learn the international history of tea, the proper techniques of tasting, tips of assessing teas, and more! Ending with a Q&A, this hour-long experience will be sure to answer every tea question you may have.
By the end, everyone will develop a more intimate relationship with drinking tea. Plus, you each will have the supplies needed to continue your new expertise long past the tasting class.
Virtually Visit Sites and Museums Showcasing AAPI Art and History
Visiting a museum is a great way to honor people of our past and present. It’s also a great way to learn more about different cultures and ways of life. Take a step to further your knowledge by visiting a museum or cultural site that authentically showcases AAPI cultures and artists.
Many museums and historical sites offer virtual exhibits focusing on AAPI arts, architecture, and more. Together, your team can traverse exhibitions and virtual walking tours to learn about a plethora of AAPI cultures near and far.
Museums & sites around the world with virtual opportunities to learn more about AAPI cultures:
- Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, CA
- Wing Luke Museum in Seattle, WA
- Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, DC
- Museum of Chinese in America in New York, NY
Attend a Local AAPI Festival or Market
Attending locally led festivals and events is a great way to connect with and learn about different communities. Partake in appreciation of AAPI culture by attending a community celebration led by your area’s local groups.
Community festivals often highlight all corners of a culture’s vibrance, from booths showcasing traditional art forms and trades to live music, films, and cuisine! Festivals are a hub for all interests. As a result, each of your team members is sure to find something to enjoy.
Consider researching local events happening in your area that you can promote amongst your team. We suggest looking on Facebook’s events tab or sites like Eventbrite for easy access to finding events happening near you.
Furthermore, schedule time as a team to share experiences and favorite memories following an event. By making time to reflect with one another, you can learn even more from each person’s experience!
Start Learning A New Language at Work
Did you know that 3 out of 4 Asian Americans speak a language other than English at home? Pay respect to AAPI cultures while encouraging a new useful skill by learning one of the over 2,000 unique Asian languages!
While your team isn’t expected to master a language in one month, you can learn a few basic words and phrases to grow your communication skills. There are multiple ways to host language lessons, making it a great fit for any team.
For instance, you can post a word of the day in your office or share with the team via email. Or, schedule weekly meetings during the month to practice together. In addition, you may have a team member that speaks one of these languages who would enjoy leading practice sessions for the team. With over half the world speaking an Asian language, be sure to ask your team!
Language lessons are a great way to learn a new side of cultures while building your team’s listening and communication skills. Plus, you may even open the door to expanding your business opportunities with more bilingual team members.
Create Art Influenced by Asian & Pacific Islander Cultures
AAPI cultures have influenced the art world for centuries. Get creative with inspired art pieces of your own!
Host an AAPI artist-led class for your team to learn a traditional craft or two from AAPI cultures. For example, you can hire a master crafter to teach the team the folding art of origami. Or, follow a video tutorial on Kintsugi, the traditional Japanese art of repairing broken pottery using lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum.
Once you determine your art form, gather your needed supplies. Then, choose a time to come together to learn and create. If your team is virtual, send employees supply kits or a list of items to pick up before your video call.
Craft classes make a fantastic group activity for all skill levels. Plus, you can use the opportunity to learn the history behind the art form. While you’ll enjoy the fun, don’t forget that these crafts are rooted in thousands of years of tradition.
Work with Businesses Owned by Asian & Pacific Islanders
Another way to celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month is to work with AAPI-owned businesses. As a team, evaluate what companies you regularly do business with throughout your work. Then, determine how you may expand your list to include businesses with Asian American & Pacific Islander representation.
On a large scale, consider doing business with AAPI-led companies throughout your entire portfolio. Or, look to hire AAPI-owned businesses for upcoming projects or ongoing needs.
On a smaller scale, you can make quick switches to support AAPI businesses. For instance, purchase the coffee and snacks you provide for employees from an AAPI-owned brand. Or, source your office supplies and art from AAPI-owned vendors.
Working with AAPI businesses is a great way to invest in AAPI communities. By making a financial commitment to supporting Asian American-owned businesses on an ongoing basis, your team can create lasting impact.
Unexpected Virtual Tours & Training is proudly an Asian-American owned and woman-owned business! As a result, we take great care in creating our live, virtual team experiences for AAPI Heritage Month.
Listen and Learn about AAPI History Month via Podcast
Podcasts are a great way to learn something new. And, listening to a podcast is an immersive way to hear voices and stories directly from specific communities.
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month at work by listening to an AAPI-led podcast as a team. This works great for all teams, as you can listen anytime, anywhere, on your own schedules.
For this activity, send out a list of AAPI-led podcasts in a team email or chat thread. Or, engage your team by taking suggestions of series that may already be a group favorite.
Take a vote and set a date for each team member to finish the episode. Then, share your reflections as a team during a group meeting. Plus, you don’t have to stop at one episode. Continue listening together through a whole series if there’s interest!
You can find many AAPI-led podcasts on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
A few AAPI-led podcasts to get your list started:
- Asian American: The Ken Fong Podcast: Hosted by Ken Fong. Explore culture, history, and spirituality through interviews with culture-makers in the Asian American community.
- The AuthEthnic Podcast: Bringing authenticity to ethnicity, this series focuses on a range of unfiltered discussions on race, social issues, and the Asian American experience.
- Dear Workplace: Hosted by Monica H. Kang, a workplace creativity expert, untangle workplace problems while diving into workplace trends, changes, and challenges.
- Legends From The Pacific: This series documents the folklore tales and traditions from Pacific Island nations across Asia, Australia, and the Americas.
Learn the South Asian Heritage of Yoga
Did you know that yoga originated in India? Partake in this 5,000 year-old practice and learn its South Asian heritage together as a team!
Attend a live class with an instructor or follow a video routine from your own spaces. When planning your session, look to select a traditional routine that honors the roots of the practice. Due to yoga becoming a widely popular exercise routine, the heritage of the practice can easily be lost.
Great for in-person or virtual teams, you can enjoy a yoga session from anywhere! Opt for a shorter class on our lunch break, or choose a longer class to destress from the work day.
Plus, this is a great way to encourage employee wellness. Doubling as both exercise and meditation, this activity is great for your team’s overall health!
Start an AAPI Book Club at Work
Reading works by Asian and Pacific Islander authors is a meaningful way to honor AAPI Heritage Month. Start a team book club to bring their voices to the center of your conversations.
First, have club members vote on the book before the month starts. Check out Literary Hub’s 34 Books for AAPI Heritage Month (and all months) for ideas. Second, set a date for all readers to finish the book. Then, meet to discuss the group’s take-aways.
Furthermore, you can encourage employees to purchase their book from a local AAPI-owned bookstore. Not only will you secure a great book, you will also be financially contributing to the AAPI community’s ongoing success.
Check out this list of AAPI-owned bookstores to support across several states. Can’t find a local business near you? Consider buying copies for your team online using Bookshop.org. When searching, filter for “Asian-American & Pacific Islander-owned Bookstores” in the store locator tool.
Watch Movies & TV Shows with Asian American Characters, Directors, & More
This AAPI History Month, watch movies and TV shows togeter in which Asian Americans play a central role – whether or not they focus around Asian culture!
Some movies & TV shows with Asian American characters that don’t specifically focus on Asian American culture include Ms. Marvel, The Mindy Project, and Never Have I Ever.
Watch together on a group call, or encourage team members to watch on their own and come together afterward to discuss.
Create an Interactive Map with Your Coworkers
Map your team’s ties to Asian countries around the globe with an interactive map activity! This is a great icebreaker for teams looking to add an activity to a busy schedule.
To start the activity, print or create a shared document with a global map. Then, encourage team members to pin or color in countries that they have a connection to. Or, take it a step further and create a map key with an array of symbols representing different types of personal links.
A few map key suggestions to get you started:
- Your place of family origin
- Where your family currently lives
- Locations you’ve traveled to
- Your “bucket list” locations
- Previous countries you’ve lived in
- Places you’ve traveled to for work
Once complete, share or display the collective map for your team to reflect on together and spark conversations. An interactive map will expand your team’s global thinking and may even begin new connections founded on similar answers.
Learn Chinese Calligraphy Together
Learn about and practice the ancient art of hand lettering with your team with a beginner calligraphy class! Calligraphy can serve as a tool for communication, a work of art, and a unique way to learn about Chinese history.
Try an online class where supplies are mailed directly to each team member. Typical supplies include a soft brush calligraphy pen, ink, and calligraphy paper.
Then, you can all take part in an online class together. For instance, ClassBento offers an online Chinese calligraphy lesson taught by Jojo Liu, a California-based art instructor who will demonstrate how to hold the brush, write basic strokes, and more. They also offer in-person sessions in the San Francisco Bay area.
How America’s Top Companies Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month at Work
Crunchtime
Restaurant operations software company Crunchtime recognized AAPI Heritage Month by partnering with Unexpected Virtual Tours & Training for an immersive virtual experience. The tour guided participants through the history of Asian Americans from the 1800s to today, highlighting influential figures and exploring the cultural legacy of San Francisco’s Chinatown. The experience offered a meaningful opportunity for the team to reflect, learn, and celebrate the diverse contributions of AAPI communities.
Ancestry.com
To align with their mission of helping people explore their family history, Ancestry.com honored AAPI Month by sharing tailored tips for individuals of AAPI descent to trace and connect with their relatives. The company also announced an expansion of their digital resources to include more regions across Asia, making it easier for more people to explore and connect with their family origins.
Coursera
Online learning platform Coursera highlighted AAPI Heritage Month by offering free courses on relevant topics to celebrate the occasion. Courses included:
- First Step Korean
- Chinese for Beginners
- Let’s Read! Learning Japanese through Science & Technology-1
- Indigenous Religions & Ecology
- Asian Environmental Humanities: Landscapes in Transition
- South Asian Religions & Ecology
- Words Spun Out of Images: Visual and Literary Culture in Nineteenth-Century Japan
These sessions helped to deepen cultural understanding, spark curiosity, and create more meaningful connections to the histories, languages, and perspectives represented across AAPI communities. Find these and many other popular free courses on Coursera’s website.
GE Aerospace Research
GE Aerospace Research honored AAPI Month by highlighting team members making a meaningful impact. The company invited two employees to share what the month means to them and how their experiences as people of AAPI descent have shaped their careers at GE Aerospace.
BCG Brighthouse (a division of Boston Consulting Group)
BCG BrightHouse, a division of Boston Consulting Group, celebrated AAPI Month by hosting a conversation with award-winning poet and author Paisley Rekdal, exploring her project “West: A Translation.” Through this discussion, they examined the layered histories of Chinese railroad workers and others pushed to the margins of the American West, while highlighting the role of storytelling in bringing overlooked voices to light. Rekdal also reflected on the project’s evolution, the responsibility of representing silenced histories, and how creative work can serve as an act of compassion and cultural exploration.
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at Work with Unexpected Virtual Tours & Training!
Unexpected Virtual Tours & Training delivers expert-led, interactive team experiences that help teams like yours connect, learn, and engage – no travel required!
This AAPI History Month, explore AAPI History Month: Being American, a dynamic session tracing Asian American and Pacific Islander history from the 1800s to today. Your team will discover leaders such as Fred Korematsu and Bhagat Singh Thind, take a virtual field trip through San Francisco’s Chinatown, and gain insight into how Asian Americans have shaped culture, industry, policy, and everyday American life.
If you’d like to spotlight the stories of Asian American women, book AAPI History Month: The American Dream. This session highlights trailblazing, intersectional leaders – including Queen Liliʻuokalani, Indra Nooyi, and Patsy Mink – who challenged barriers and expanded opportunity. Participants will also explore meaningful artwork connected to Asian American women in San Francisco and test their knowledge with interactive trivia about Asian American women who have served in the armed forces.
Both sessions combine storytelling, cultural context, and team participation, making AAPI History Month meaningful, memorable, and engaging for your entire organization.
Connect with us to learn more about this program and book your team’s session:
Located in Atlanta? Check out Unexpected Atlanta Tours & Gifts