The Power of Labor

Hopefully, you had a wonderful and long Labor Day weekend. For those unfamiliar with its origins, Labor Day is a celebration of American workers' social and economic achievements. The first official Labor Day parade was on September 5, 1882, in New York City. It officially became a national holiday in 1894, marking a significant moment in the history of American workers. It reminds us that America's success and wealth are generated by workers and not inherited or given to people in European countries at the same time.

Labor Day also serves as a powerful lesson in leadership. The parades, initially conceived, were a strategic move to remind the affluent owner-class of the necessary checks and balances in America's economy. The unity of the labor force was a force to be reckoned with, capable of pushing back against mistreatment. By negotiating collectively, they gained substantial bargaining power. They leveraged their voting influence to elect officials, safeguarding their rights and enhancing their negotiating capabilities. This historical context is essential in understanding Labor Day's significance in promoting workers' rights.

As a result, America's workforce saw significant improvement in their working conditions. The enactment of a five-day work week capping at forty hours, the end to children working in unsafe conditions, protection for workers' safety, and the requirement of employers to pay employees injured on the job are just some of the protections we now benefit from due to the ability for employees and employers to negotiate together.

Leaders need to recognize their crucial role in ensuring their employees' safety and fair treatment. Employees should never have to organize and lobby collectively for fair and equitable treatment. Leadership failure creates a potentially hostile and bitter relationship between owners and workers that can threaten the business's health.

Fortunately, a direct and compelling correlation exists between caring for your employees and business success. Organizations like the Health Enhancement Research Organization (HERO ) and others track how a culture of employee health and safety correlates to organizational success, providing a strong incentive for leaders to prioritize their employees' well-being.

In your practice as a leader, here are some questions you should ask yourself frequently.

• Am I keeping my employees safe physically, mentally, and financially?
• Am I taking advantage of any employee vs. treating them fairly and justly?
• How would I feel if I was an employee in my organization?
• Where is there room for improvement for me as a leader?

Your success as a leader is directly tied to your ability to lead a team of people. Treating them fairly and keeping them safe is a surefire way to grow your business. As Sir Richard Branson said, "Take care of your employees. They will take care of your business!"

What are you doing to keep your employees/team safe and healthy? Share your best practices below to help others.