For many of us, Labor Day signifies a much-needed day of rest, kicking off the official end of summer. As we soak in these last days of summer, whether it be at the lake or a backyard bbq, it’s important that we reflect on why Labor Day was established as a national holiday, and why we’re still celebrating over 100 years later.
A Brief History of Labor Day
Labor Day became a national holiday in both the United States and Canada in 1894 as a way to honor the men and women of our workforce. However, the concept of Labor Day actually began with labor unions a decade earlier as a way for laborers to join together in solidarity among various trade and labor organizations. Facing difficult working conditions in addition to 60-hour work weeks and few paid days off, the first Labor Day celebration was held in 1882 as a parade and picnic to offer a day of fun and recognition for union workers and their families. Many states adopted Labor Day as a holiday and Grover Cleveland signed it into law in 1894 officially instating it as a national holiday in the United States.
Why It’s Still Important Today
With much of the original history forgotten, modern Labor Day celebrations are less about working unions and more about honoring the achievements of all American workers. While not every industry, company, or job recognizes this holiday with a day off for its employees, it’s still important that we remember and honor a few key sentiments that embody the original spirit and intention of Labor Day.
The Importance of Rest
Countless studies have been conducted around the science of rest and the benefits it provides for both physical and mental wellness. Ensuring our employees (ourselves included) have sufficient time away from the job is pivotal in maintaining peak performance and positive morale within the organization. While many workers aren’t afforded the luxury of celebrating Labor Day with a day off due to the nature of their employment, it is still important to find ways to take time away from work and allow your mind and body to recharge.
Acknowledgment & Appreciation
The driving purpose behind the first Labor Day celebration was to publicly acknowledge the contributions of the union labor force with a day of parades, speeches, and family activities. That desire for employee recognition and appreciation is still very much alive today with many organizations celebrating their employees through company events, awards, and recognition.
Celebrating Personal Achievements
Our careers are full of goals, milestones, and personal achievements. And while we may keep these goals and achievements to ourselves, it’s still important to recognize and celebrate them along the way. Whether that be a promotion, a new skill learned, or the completion of a degree, we should take the time to reflect on the hard work and perseverance that have led us to where we are today.
As we settle back into our busy post-holiday workweeks, let us do so with a renewed appreciation for ourselves, our colleagues, and the men and women of our workforce as we work alongside each other every day.