Working on Federal Holidays

I have to work? But the post office is closed!

I listen to several podcasts when I am driving and traveling, and sometimes when I’m working (I can only listen when not writing—for example, I had to shut the player off to write this).

As I was trying to load up my phone with downloads for today’s travel, I noticed how few new episodes were posted—they are off for Columbus Day, Indigenous People’s Day, and/or Thanksgiving (Canadian) today.

It seems unfair somehow to have to work when other people don’t have to. Left to fester, that feeling can erode morale. As leaders, we need to find ways to bolster the morale of our people and ourselves when putting in the extra effort.

Personally, I’m already planning what I can have for dinner in New York City tonight (“I’ve heard they have some good restaurants there!”). That “travel perk” helps me stay positive about having to go to work when others can take a break.

Thank your people when they go the extra mile (or extra kilometer, for those working through Canadian Thanksgiving today). And make sure that it’s not just empty words—this is a day to bring in donuts, tip heavily, and/or add a note for their next performance review about how they stepped up when they were needed.

(Photo by Lyle Hastie on Unsplash)