Labor Day is one of the countless opportunities to rethink the way we work and interact with the environment and the people around us.
For a long time, we understood work as something separate, apart from our social and family circle.
However, we spend about a third of our lives working. That is, a good long period to set aside, as something apart from the rest.
In reality, work sometimes takes up more time in our lives than our own family or friends.
Let's rethink together how we deal with work this Labor Day?
Before starting the reflections, let's go back in time a little to understand how it all started.
The origins of Labor Day date back to the late 19th century, when workers around the world began to organize to demand better working conditions, fair wages and shorter working hours.
In fact, in 1886, there was a general strike in Chicago, in the United States, which ended up marked by violence. The event itself became a symbol of the fight for labor rights.
Then, in 1889, the Second International - an organization that brought together socialist and labor parties - declared May 1st as International Workers' Day, a day of demonstrations and protests in support of labor rights.
Since then, Labor Day or Labor Day has become a public holiday in many countries, providing an occasion to honor workers and their contributions to society, as well as to highlight issues of social justice and rights.
The years have passed and the evolution in terms of rights, environments and cultures is clear.
However, we know that we still have large opportunities for improvement, especially if we think about equity, diversity and inclusion.
Now, how about we talk about recognition?
There is a constant in our moments in the classroom which is that we come across phrases such as: "I am not recognized or recognized!"; "I don't feel valued or valued!"
And we're not even talking about the financial aspect, which should also be discussed on Labor Day and all other days.
In other words, we are talking about the emotional side.
There are 3 billion people working in the world, and 40% of them say they are happy in their jobs. In other words, almost 2 billion are not.
It is worth mentioning that organizations with happy people generate 3 times more revenue.
And where is it and how to promote this happiness?
No, the answer is not expensive, like a foosball table.
The answer is much simpler than it seems. People who are recognized for their efforts, who feel they can trust their leaders, peers, and colleagues, who believe they are treated fairly and equally, and who feel they are truly heard, are generally happy!
It's not about money, after all. Of course, salary makes up a big part of all this math. However, the emotional aspect also needs support.
And promoting people's emotional balance in their work is the most humane thing we can do.
In short, recognized people feel part, belong and automatically promote cultures of well-being and happiness, wherever they are.
Now, if we spend so much time working, and if there are so many of us in the world, we shouldn't leave for later what we can start doing now: create human, welcoming environments that recognize our efforts and values, and that continually build trust.
For this Labor Day or Labor Day, we must raise the flag of financial recognition, yes. But also, emotional recognition.
Do you want to develop well-being in your team? Start by recognizing people and their efforts.
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