In Celebration of Labor Day: Renewing Respect and Increasing Acknowledgement for Construction Workers
While Labor Day usually indicates the end of summer, it is also an excellent opportunity to pause, acknowledge, and celebrate American workers. One crucial portion of the country’s workforce is often indirectly overlooked — construction-industry professionals. The truth is, the construction industry has contributed so much more to the nation compare to others, because of the worker’s diligence, passion, perseverance and curiosity in innovations and software technologies like builder trends software.
On this Labor Day, these dedicated and hardworking professionals are to be first recognized. Let’s give a huge appreciation to these skilled workers who contributed so much in every community and overall country regardless of labor affiliation. Because of these amazing diligent folks — schools, churches, hospitals, shopping centers and other infrastructures are built up and there’s so much more of what they can offer and do in the future.
Why Do We Celebrate Labor Day?
Let’s first take a quick overview of the significance of Labor Day.
Labor Day pays tribute to the achievements and contributions of all American workers. It was created through a labor movement during the 19th century and significantly became a federal holiday right after. The very first Labor Day was celebrated in the year 1882 in the city of New York.
This honorable day symbolizes the end of summer and is traditionally celebrated with street parades, company events, athletic programs and parties. Over the years, the nation has given increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first governmental recognition has come through municipal ordinances and from these, a particular movement has been developed to secure state legislation.
Looking at trends in any union memberships through the years, U.S workers significantly the construction professionals have soured on the labor movement. However, a massive portion of the U.S workforce prefers labor laws that have more variable enforcement practices. Below are some of the highlighted attributes that every single worker expects.
· Be more open to all present workers at the business despite of the job position
· Provide retirement and health benefits
· Engage more in collective bargaining on working conditions, compensation and hours on behalf of all workers
· Offer workers the opportunities to do with the management to suggest further improvements in how laborers carry out the tasks
· Represent workers in a collaborate committee with top management
· Never use any threats of strikes
· Offer a series of extensive training to improve and update skills
Furthermore, the most striking thing about the laborers today is how consistent they have been regardless of their different ages, skills, industries and occupations. Among the above-listed information above, the most potent are the collective bargaining and providing retirement and health benefits. Lastly, this holiday’s original intent is to honor the economic and social achievements of all workers. Essentially, it was planned to be an annual social tribute to the laborers that have made so many contributions to the country.
10 Exciting Ways to Celebrate Labor Day at the Construction Workplace
PMs and contractors usually take over the responsibility of handling projects and important days and celebrations. In managing projects and supervising crew, PMs have to use a task scheduler software. In organizing occasions, they need to have a lot of creativeness, patience, and budget.
To celebrate it with the rest of the team, this Labor Day will be amazing and memorable. Here are ten exciting ways to celebrate, show appreciation and get into the spirit of Labor Day.
1. Give the construction workers a head start on the weekend
Expect that there is a sense of excitement a few days before Labor Day. A 3-day weekend is what everybody is looking forward. Project managers can do things in different ways to announce it. Sweeten the pot by telling that your team can leave a few hours early in honor and celebration of Labor Day.
Announcements can be emailed or posted in bulletin boards if there’s any. However, with the application of a construction scheduling software, any reminders and announcements can be posted where all members can view and comment. Please give them a cue so that they can get a head start before the holiday. In this way, employees will undoubtedly feel valued and appreciated by the superiors and the management.
2. Let the bosses/ superiors cook for the team
Labor Day is a bonding moment for all laborers and that will never change. For this special day, turn the hierarchy upside down! Take this idea into consideration and action — have the management and superiors cook for the crew. Let the crew members be special guests. Prepare a mini festivity in the workplace and have the crew efficiently organized with construction crew management implementation. There are many types of foods to prepare — flipping burgers, barbeque and even hot dogs over a grill are delicious and low-key.
3. Welcoming the new hires with wide-open arms
According to research, 70% of job seekers stated that their initial on-boarding experience has a direct power to influence their decisions, whether they stay in the company or not. So contractors and PMs have to start the on boarding the right way if they have the plans to retain the right and competent professionals. Using a crew schedule software, efficient supervision to the crew is best achieved.
4. Give mini bonuses
If there’s an extra budget, consider giving additional bonuses to any of your top employees. The entire staff deserves it! Don’t get worry about how much it will cost you because rewards don’t have to be expensive — giving small gift cards is an option. Perhaps, you could offer a vacation day that is already extra paid. There are just so many types of bonuses you can offer to every crew member. It is just a matter of searching the best option that benefits all.
5. Throw a party
Make sure to kick the weekend celebrating Labor Day with a bang! The project manager can throw a festive party and can ask employees to wear something casual. Having the same color of clothes will make the occasion more appealing and meaningful. An “all-white” festive party is a great option to consider. But a party will never be complete without food. The team can choose a buffet or bring a platter of food according to their liking.
6. Prepare for Games
An “all-white” party will never be complete without games. Light up the workplace with some of the fantastic games available to play. The trivia type of games is usually the typical favorite of all. It will be a guessing game and the topics can generally relate to Labor Day. A set of questions must be prepared beforehand and there should be corresponding prizes for each.
7. Treat the entire team to a delightful meal
There are many instances when employees prefer to celebrate it outside the workplace. Hence, there’s no need to order food for the office. This time around, the management can offer free meals to the team as a celebratory gesture. You can search any local restaurants near at the office.
8. Write personal notes of gratitude
Ensure that anyone from the team can receive warm greetings during Labor Day. Above all, take time to write a heartfelt message and highlight thank you notes. This is a genuine way to thank them for the unfailing hard work and persistence they’ve shown while working.
Fortunately, executing such plans doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. The small things can add up. During Labor Day, schedule some quality time for the old crew to socialize with the newest colleagues. Another option is to spread out the paperwork over the first days.
9. Provide an employee engagement program
Engagement towards the employee isn’t just a buzzword because it’s a powerful tool with great and promising results. An employee engagement program that has a strong foundation is capable of reducing absenteeism and turnover. It also increases productivity, customer service and innovation.
Establishing a successful program begins with a firm foundation of respect. It genuinely encourages open communication, aligning core values, regular conduction surveys and managing the employer brand.
10. Give Appreciation/Acknowledgement Certificates
Lastly, by the end of the gathering, the management can provide individual certificates of appreciation to each employee. For the employees, this certificate of acknowledgment is a huge deal for them now that they are finally convinced that their hard work is appreciated.
Even though this holiday was originated through labor unions, the need to acknowledge and honor career and work has expanded beyond unionized industries. Being a part of the industry means you’re making a direct contribution to the world and economy. Construction workers and all other involved professionals have all the reasons to celebrate this honorable day.
Key Takeaways
Celebrating Labor Day doesn’t need to be a time-consuming affair but rather a simple and meaningful one. Honoring the construction workforce is just as significant today as it has always been during the Industrial Revolution peak only when Labor Day was initially first celebrated.
