Amidst the end-of-summer hustle and bustle that engulfs Labor Day, it’s far too easy to forget why most Americans don’t have to go to work the first Monday of September. The reason? In honor of the working man’s contribution to the well-being and stability of our country.
Why do we celebrate Labor Day?
First celebrated 135 years ago with a day off from work and parades in major cities like Chicago and New York, the holiday has remained largely the same over the years.
While today’s labor force looks very different from that of the 1880s (think less manual laborer, more knowledge worker), the holiday isn’t a relic from the past, though. If anything, it’s even more relevant today as we struggle with issues spanning workplace discrimination to the push for a livable minimum wage.
Then there’s the workers themselves. According to a 2016 Gallup analysis, it's not uncommon for employees at any given company to feel their best efforts are routinely ignored. (1) Since appreciation plays a large part in employee satisfaction, which in turn improves retention and productivity, actively engaging with employees is a must for staying competitive. So what are some Labor Day celebration ideas to boost morale?
Here’s a list of five ways your company can celebrate Labor Day and honor employees, plus the five Glassdoor must-reads that can help.
1. Welcome new hires with open arms
According to research from Engage2Excel, 71% of job seekers say that the onboarding experience has the power to influence their decision to stay with a company. So getting it right is important if you want to retain the best people.
Luckily, doing so doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. In fact, the little things can really add up. For example, during a new hire’s first few days, you can schedule time for them to socialize with their new colleagues. Or you can spread out the onboarding paperwork over the first week so it’s not an avalanche on day one. Whatever works for your company, make sure it’s intentional and the same for every new hire.
Must-read: Download Glassdoor’s New Hire Onboarding Checklist to learn more about how to welcome employees to your organization.
2. Listen to your employees
People want to work for companies who listen to them. That’s because they don’t just want to workfor a company – they want to work with a company. When well done, listening can create an environment of safety, This entails hearing what employees are saying, being receptive to that feedback, and offering transparency around how you act on it.
So what does a good listener look like? They respond to both unspoken communications and expressed concerns. When problems arise, they handle them personally. When they make a mistake, they own it and are sincerely sorry. And they’re receptive to feedback.
Must-read: Download Glassdoor’s Employee Retention Playbook to learn more about retaining your top talent. Hint: listening to your people makes them feel appreciated and engaged.
3. Say thank you
Whether it’s through an actual note (handwritten or digital), or a company-sponsored event, it’s important to take time to say thank you to your employees for all their hard work. This could be part of your larger, on-going employee engagement program, or a new initiative.
It doesn’t have to be a big, expensive gesture. You could order in a special lunch or host a midday movie screening (complete with popcorn and ice cream). Or you could send your team out on an adventure of their choice. Whatever it is, it’s important to frame it as your company’s way of saying thank you and honoring your employees’ contributions.
Must-read: Gratitude is ultimately a part of company culture. For more about building a positive one, check out The Company Culture Code Cookbook.
4. Provide competitive benefits
Did you know nearly 3 in 5 (57%) of candidates report benefits and perks amongst their top considerations when weighing a job offer? (2) It’s not just recruiting that benefits can boost, but retention, too – 4 out of 5 employees say they prefer additional benefits to a pay raise. (3)
So what benefits matter the most? Getting the basics right (including health insurance, paid leave and retirement assistance) will do more for employee satisfaction than adding ancillary benefits and fun perks.
Must-read: Want to learn more about building a great benefits package? Download The Benefits Package Your Employees Want (And How to Give It to Them).
5. Have an employee engagement program
Employee engagement isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a powerful tool with positive results for your bottom line. A strong employee engagement program can reduce turnover and absenteeism, as well as increase productivity, collaboration, innovation and customer service. (4)
Building up a successful program starts witha foundation of respect. This means encouraging open communication, conducting regular employee engagement surveys, aligning values with brand promises, and managing your employer brand.
Must-read: For tips on getting your employee engagement program right, download our Complete Guide to Employee Engagement Activities.
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(1) Employee Recognition: Low Cost, High Impact, 2016
(2) Harris Poll for Glassdoor, December 2015
(3) Glassdoor Employment Confidence Survey, October 2015
