Labor Day is seen by many as a three day weekend marking the unofficial end of summer. It is so much more. Originally a local event in the 1880s, it became a legal holiday through an act of Congress in 1894.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor,

“Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.”

While I hope that leaders today do not need a holiday reminder to recognize the contributions of their team members, it is good to pause and reflect. Ponder this:

  • How do you show gratitude for your team members and their everyday contributions?
  • How do you show appreciation for above and beyond work?
  • How do you celebrate significant achievement?
  • How do you honor the support of family members during times of crisis or tight deadlines?

Before you leave work for the weekend, be sure to tell your folks how much you appreciate all that they do, to enjoy the holiday in their honor, and to come back rested and ready to get back to work on Tuesday.

There is more work to be done.

(And, if you or your team members are working this weekend (such as medical and safety professionals), we especially honor those contributions, too!)