What is the history of Labor Day? 🛠️
The history of Labor Day in the United States dates back to the late 19th century, during a time of significant labor unrest and social movements.
The origins of Labor Day can be traced to the labor movement in the United States, particularly the efforts of labor unions to improve working conditions and advocate for workers' rights. During the Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 18th century, workers faced long hours, low wages, unsafe working conditions, and child labor.
One of the key events that led to the establishment of Labor Day was the Haymarket affair, which took place in Chicago in 1886. On May 1st of that year, a large number of workers went on strike across the country, demanding an eight-hour workday.
In the aftermath of the Haymarket affair, the labor movement gained further momentum, and the idea of a dedicated day to honor workers started to gain traction. The first Labor Day was observed on September 5, 1882, in New York City, with a Labor Day parade and a picnic organized by the Central Labor Union.
Inspired by this successful observance, more states and cities began recognizing Labor Day, and it eventually became a federal holiday. In 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a bill into law designating Labor Day as a national holiday, to be celebrated on the first Monday in September.
Since then, Labor Day has served as a tribute to the contributions of workers as well as an opportunity for relaxation and time spent with family and friends during a three-day weekend.
Before your entire team heads out for the long weekend, plan fun Labor Day activities to boost employee engagement and thank your employees for all the hard work they do! Confetti has some great ideas to get you started.
Here are some creative ways to celebrate the Labor Day holiday:
1. Give out personalized 'Thank-You' notes 💌
Before getting your Labor Day team building activities started, incorporating a personal touch into the celebration can make the occasion even more meaningful. One way to do this is by gifting personalized thank you notes from senior management to each staff member individually.
When it comes to writing personalized thank-you notes, authenticity is key. Ensure that your messages are genuine and tailored to each employee's accomplishments and qualities. Avoid using generic phrases or templates. Instead, incorporate specific details and examples that highlight the employee's impact and the value they bring to the organization. This personal touch will make the note more meaningful and show that you truly value their efforts.
How to get started 👉 Expressing sincere gratitude is the core purpose of thank-you notes. Let your employees know how their work has positively impacted the company, colleagues, and clients. Be specific about the positive outcomes their efforts have generated and how their work aligns with the organization's goals. Sharing these insights will make employees feel valued and motivate them to continue making meaningful contributions.
2. Play end of summer Bingo
Make your Labor Day celebration interactive and fun with an End of Summer Bingo game. Create a bingo card filled with summer activities or moments such as "Went to the Beach," "Had a BBQ," or "Tried a New Hobby." Distribute the cards to employees and encourage them to fill in the squares based on their summer experiences.
To add a competitive edge, offer small prizes to the first three or four people who complete their boards. This activity not only serves as a fun icebreaker but also allows employees to share and reflect on their summer experiences, fostering a sense of camaraderie.
3. Make your own ice cream 🍨
Looking for a delightful and memorable way to commemorate Labor Day with your team? Look no further than a BYO Ice Cream Making Class. In a step-by-step demonstration led by an ice cream-making expert, participants will learn to create a vanilla or chocolate ice cream base and customize it with suggested mix-ins. Along the way, the class sprinkles in fun trivia and games to create a lighthearted and interactive atmosphere.
Beyond the Labor Day celebration, guests will gain practical knowledge of ice cream-making techniques that they can use to impress their family and friends at their Labor Day barbecue! From creating a creamy base to preparing a fresh whipped cream topping, this hands-on experience leaves a lasting impression and strengthens bonds among team members. So, make this Labor Day a sweet occasion by embracing the joy of a BYO Ice Cream Making Class with your team.
How to get started 👉 Start celebrating Labor Day with a BYO Ice Cream Making Class!
4. Plan a community service project
Organizing a community service or volunteer day as a team is a meaningful way to celebrate Labor Day. It allows employees to give back to the community while working together towards a common goal. Here are a few ideas:
- Clean up your local park: Organize a park clean-up day where your team can gather to pick up litter, plant trees, or maintain walking trails. This not only beautifies the community but also promotes environmental stewardship.
- Volunteer with a local charity: Partner with a local charity that aligns with your company's values and organize a volunteer day. Whether it's serving meals at a soup kitchen, assisting at a food bank, or helping build homes, the experience will be rewarding for everyone involved.
- Host a charity fundraiser: Plan an event such as a bake sale, silent auction, or fun run to raise money for a local cause. Involve employees in the planning and execution to foster teamwork and a sense of shared purpose.
- Mentor or tutor students: Partner with a local school or community center to offer mentorship or tutoring programs. Employees can share their skills and knowledge, making a positive impact on the lives of young people.
By participating in community service projects, employees can strengthen their relationships, build team spirit, and make a positive impact in their community. It’s a fulfilling way to honor the spirit of Labor Day.
5. Learn how to make homemade jam 🍓
Labor Day provides the perfect opportunity to come together as a team and celebrate the end of summer while learning a new skill. This interactive and flavorful experience offers a fantastic way to commemorate the occasion while making the most of the season's bountiful produce.
Led by a live instructor, the jam-making class will guide your team through the process of creating sweet and delectable jams using simple ingredients from the comfort of your own home. Participants will learn the art of prepping, combining, and cooking the ingredients to achieve the perfect consistency and flavor.
Beyond the Labor Day celebration, a BYO Jam Making Class offers practical skills and knowledge that can be carried forward. Learning to make jam not only teaches valuable cooking techniques but also promotes resourcefulness and sustainability by utilizing end-of-summer produce. Your team members will leave the class with the satisfaction of having acquired a new culinary skill that they can continue to enjoy and share with family and friends.
How to get started 👉 Make the most of the end-of-summer produce with a BYO Jam Making Class!
6. Have a virtual Field Day 👟
Field Day offers a wide range of activities that promote teamwork, friendly competition, and bonding among your employees. With breakout rooms featuring various games and challenges, participants can create their own adventures and choose activities that suit their interests.
One exciting activity is Trivia Kickball, a unique twist on the classic game. Players answer trivia questions to advance their runners on bases, attributing their points to chosen charities. Tug-O-Words, a group version of Codeword, challenges teams to use their deductive skills and collaboration to decipher codewords and earn chances to win gift card prizes. The Group Fitness Room offers a team-building Zumba class led by an energetic instructor, promoting physical well-being and a chance for employees to blow off some steam while having a ton of fun!
Field Day also offers conversation rooms where participants can mingle, chat, and strengthen connections with colleagues outside of work settings. Whether you're planning a celebratory event or aiming to enhance teamwork, Field Day accommodates large teams, ensuring an inclusive and engaging experience for all participants.
How to get started 👉 Kick off your holiday weekend with a Field Day!
7. Decorate summer cookies 🧑🍳
This virtual cookie decorating class offers a fun-filled experience where participants can unleash their creativity and enjoy the sweet rewards of their labor.
Led by an expert baking instructor, the virtual cookie decorating class will guide your team through the art of decorating themed sugar cookies using a provided kit. The cookies come pre-baked in delightful summer shapes like popsicles and sunglasses, ready to be transformed into edible works of art. Participants will learn various decorating techniques, from icing consistency to piping and detailing, as the instructor demonstrates step-by-step instructions.
At the end of the class, participants will have the opportunity to share their beautifully decorated sugar cookie creations. This sharing session allows everyone to showcase their creativity and celebrate the work of their teammates, creating a shared sense of accomplishment!
How to get started 👉 Skip the hot dogs and go straight to dessert with some Summer Cookie Decorating!
8. Host a company lunch 🥗
Celebrate Labor Day by hosting a company lunch for your team. Encourage employees to take a well-deserved break and enjoy a meal together, fostering a sense of community and appreciation. To accommodate everyone's preferences, consider sending out meal voucher gift cards so employees can pick out what they'd like to eat themselves.
Plan a virtual company lunch hour, putting it on the calendar with a Zoom meeting that includes breakout rooms where coworkers can mingle and chat on their lunch break. This setup allows employees to interact with colleagues they might not usually engage with, strengthening team bonds and creating a more cohesive work environment.
How to get started 👉 With Lunch Party you can easily send employees a meal voucher that they can use for the occassion!
9. Throw a virtual talent show 🎤
Bring out the hidden talents of your employees by hosting a virtual talent show. Encourage participants to showcase their unique skills, whether it's singing, dancing, playing an instrument, or performing magic tricks. This light-hearted event can be a fun way for employees to express themselves and for the team to discover new facets of their colleagues' personalities.
Set up a schedule and allow employees to sign up for time slots. Create a voting system for the audience to choose their favorite performances, and offer prizes for the top acts. Plus, a virtual talent show is a great way to bring the nostalgic end-of-summer camp vibes to the office.
10. Let your employees start the weekend early! 🌴
Create a buzz of excitement by allowing your employees to clock out a few hours early in celebration of Labor Day. This gesture not only shows your appreciation for their hard work but also gives them a head start on the holiday festivities. Allowing an early release demonstrates your commitment to their well-being and work-life balance, ultimately boosting morale and fostering a positive work environment.
Celebrate Labor Day with Team Building Activities! ☀️
Don't miss the opportunity to treat your hard-working employees to a Labor Day celebration. This year, skip the Labor Day scavenger hunt and plan interactive virtual activities that your remote and hybrid teams can enjoy!
Start planning your Labor Day games and activities with Confetti!
