3 Ways to Thank Your Staff on Labor Day

Not everyone is lucky enough to avoid working on Labor Day weekend. 

Often, an employer doesn’t have a choice–there’s too much money to be made, and your customers need your service or products during the long weekend.

All the same, it’s vital to be mindful of your employees and how they feel about working on Labor Day weekend. Your team is well aware that while they’re on the clock, the vast majority of their friends and family are enjoying fun in the sun.

So, you’ll want to find ways to thank your staff on Labor Day to make them feel valued and appreciated. Here are 3 tips on how to do just that:

1. Offer Holiday Pay

Very often, employees in non-union workplaces don’t get holiday pay or incentive pay because it’s not federally mandated. 

What’s more, workers don’t control their schedules in many industries, such as food and hospitality. They end up working on Labor Day because they have to, not because they want to.

Just because you’re not forced to offer holiday pay doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. And making room in the budget for an added hourly wage during these times will do wonders for your team’s overall attitude. 

The extra pay will prove that you appreciate your staff’s effort and time instead of treating them like cogs in the machine. 

2. Buy Food for Your Team

If eyes are windows to the soul, then stomachs are the doorway–because the mere act of buying your team food can win over their hearts.

Furthermore, purchasing food during the long weekend will cultivate a more festive atmosphere at the workplace, lifting everyone’s spirits. There’s something about an employer-bought breakfast, lunch, or dinner that feels special and gets everyone that little bit excited.

Don’t be afraid to go all out. Stock the breakroom with snacks and beverages, so the feasting can continue throughout the day. 

The morning can be filled with muffins and coffee, while lunch can be burgers, hotdogs, or even a party pizza. 

When it comes down to brass tax, you can deduct these meals for tax purposes as long as it meets specific guidelines. So, be a bit more extravagant, as long as you can afford the upfront costs.

3. Throw An After-Work Party

There’s no party quite like a work party. It’s a chance for your team to see a different side of each other and build morale.

Upon closing shop after the holiday shift would be the perfect time to reward your team with a party. Then, everyone can let loose and enjoy spending time with one another. 

Keep it budget-friendly by grilling out, or you can make it a potluck where everyone brings their own dish.

Lastly, add a little bit of music if you really want to get things going. 

As tips for small business owner, use these 3 ways to thank your staff on Labor Day this year, and your team will be appreciative of your humble leadership. These hard workers deserve a reward for all that they do, and you deserve a chance to show them your gratitude.