To Labor is to Labor 101 with Respect

Photo by Cristina Glebova on Unsplash Thanks!

This August 30-September 2, our country will celebrate Labor Day Weekend. What does Labor Day mean to you? Well, it was first observed on September 5, 1982, in New York City to help American workers receive better working conditions. According to USA Today, Labor Day was initiated by Matthew Macquire who proposed a holiday of celebrations with parades, picnics and solidarity of the strength of these workers. Labor Unions were created which helped them to receive appropriate working hours, fair wages and respectful working conditions. This was a time that provided for employees to feel valued.

As an employee in North Carolina even today, employers can require workers to work long hours. Do you believe some of the things Labor Unions have fought for are changing? I am reflecting on things that have happened due to COVID, are people being aware of their rights? It is important for North Carolina employees to know they have a right to work in an environment free of harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or age. (North Carolina Bar Association https://www.ncbar.org 2020/06.

Labor Shortages are Real

Since COVID, businesses have faced many challenges which have affected their performance or ability to continue causing some of them to close, nflation is one of the culprits. Biden’s recent labor regulations have contributed to the labor shortages. It seems that individuals do not even want to work. Many restaurants closed because they could not maintain a balance of “bodies” to work. Businesses find it difficult to fill positions of qualified individuals to meet the challenges of the job effectiveness. Employees lack affordable childcare which is needed to fulfill their desire to work and provide safety and caring for their children.

Labor Day was a day for my immediate family to labor in the fields for our last crop of tobacco to be gathered and placed in the barns, cured then placed into huge sacks to be carried to the market to sell. We as kids wore this time “working” on Labor Day as a badge of honor especially since most families were traveling to local parks and or the beaches. We could have been bitter or angry, but the money that was made was used to purchase our school clothes and other needs throughout the school year. Labor Day back then was used and even today amongst the older individuals like me to establish the final time to wear white clothing and shoes.

6 Problems Employees May Face on their Jobs Today

• Poor Work Life Balance
• Lack of Communication
• Discrimination
• Excessive Workload
• Lack of Employee Recognition
• Performance Issues

Employers and Employees Accomplish Change

It is crucial that employers and employees build trust and honesty which is important in any relationship. Team building activities may be developed about life and acceptance of ones openess to express their beliefs in various situations. Employers may allow various surveys to help determine individuals strengths and areas for growth. They must ensure individuals are aware of things that are happening on the job, expected goals, deadlines and other valuable information. It is important to get to know the employee and understand his or her life. Everyone wants to be seen, so get to know them and be present. Understand there may be disagreements but choose to be clear and respectful when solving them. Set goals based on desired outcomes and choose to agree to disagree but seek to accomplish the task and share the load. Make sure accomplishments of individual employees and the entire team are recognized, Celebrate! Each of these things will encourage employers and employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Labor Day Reflections

Labor Day has been developed to celebrate the accomplishments of issues that have plagued employees earlier in the workplace. Many positive changes have been made, however discussions in this post share current problems. Employers must choose to develop a positive work-life balance in keeping respect at center, an open mind, to stay positive, and seek a solution that is good for the team. Let us remember to treat people with respect which is the way we all want to be treated! We are calling employers and employees to seek to love and respect everyone which is Universal wherever we may work and live.