Labor Day

The ironically named holiday when many of us DON'T go to work

It’s the unofficial end of summer.

This is the holiday designated to celebrate the American worker. As leaders, we might want to use this annual event as a reminder to show our appreciation and respect for all of the people who contribute in our lives—our team-members, the office cleaning staff, the postal carriers and delivery people, the restaurant staff and servers who feed us, the retail workers who provide the goods and services we use, the municipal workers who plow the roads, the construction crews who build and repair the bridges we take to work, the teachers and childcare providers who care for and educate our children, the medical professionals who keep us healthy, and all the people who keep our furnaces, electric grid, and internet access running…

When you think of all of the people who do the things that make your life and work possible, the list gets long FAST. While you might want to make a gesture of gratitude like adding a big tip for the Grubhub delivery person who brings your lunch, I hope you won’t stop there. Consider your compensation packages and work environments for ALL the people in your sphere, not just the folks in the C-suite. Consider supporting legislation that ensures a living wage and safe working environments for all of the workers in your community. Look at ways in which your leadership influence can make the work environments of ALL workers more positive, productive, and fulfilling.

Have a great holiday weekend!

(Image source: https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history)