Celebrating the Labor of Love: Honoring Nonprofit Workers this Labor Day
As I mentioned in an earlier post on mission focus, it is the dedication of nonprofit leaders, employees, and volunteers that causes real change in our communities. Traditionally, Labor Day celebrates sectors like manufacturing, construction, and other traditional “blue-collar” jobs. However, it is equally important, and as appropriate, to celebrate the “labor of love” work. This type of work represents the dedication to something greater than oneself, often with little or no recognition or financial reward.
The Nonprofit Workers Journey
Don’t get me wrong. We sometimes imagine that working in a nonprofit will assign you to poverty for the rest of your life. That’s not the point I’m making. I’m suggesting that, for many nonprofit employees and volunteers, their work is more of a calling than a job. The passion and dedication that drive nonprofit professionals are unmatched; they are motivated by mission rather than money and consistently work with unique challenges to meet organizational goals. Sarah is a case manager at a homeless shelter I used to be affiliated with in central Michigan. Daily, she struggles with limited resources, yet she remains undeterred and fulfilled and has helped transition hundreds from homelessness to stable housing over the past decade. James stepped out of a well-paying corporate position to become a community outreach coordinator, where he tirelessly organizes programs that give inner-city and suburban teens hope and direction. This is the type of dedication that changes lives and the fabric of our communities.
The Importance of Rest and Recognition
I know I’ve gone down this path before when I asked, “Is it possible to have a life balance and be a nonprofit leader?” Labor Day is not just about recognition but also a reminder of the need for a break now and again. Rest and rejuvenation are crucial for nonprofit workers who are often on the front lines of social change. Burnout is real; emotional effort can be more taxing than physical or cognitive.
What to do?
Since I am publishing this ON Labor Day, rather than a week ago, I decided to focus on some actions you could take TODAY to honor and recognize your team. Pick one, or several, and do these right now. It won’t take long and will be well worth the effort:
Send a personalized thank you note. Whether it’s an email, text or actual hand-written note, sending a message to each of your team members, acknowledging their unique contribution and your appreciation for it will mean a lot on a day that is dedicated to honoring labor!
Have a virtual coffee break or happy hour. Consider calling a spontaneous get-together, again to honor the unique contributions of the team members and recognize the holistic contribution that the team makes on a regular basis.
Acknowledge your team on social media. Highlight the hard work your team members have been doing in this post. Put it in the context of Labor Day, and it will come off as a natural and appropriate recognition. If you can be specific, do so and tag your team along the way. They will love it.
Give them the gift of time. If it is within your power, and they are working today, a surprise early release is a simple but effective way to show you value their time and dedication.
Regardless of which action you choose, encourage your team members to also reflect on the impact of their work. Encourage them to share what motivates them about their work or any special moments where they have felt particularly proud of their contributions.
Conclusion
As we enjoy this Labor Day, let’s also take a moment to uplift the nonprofit professionals around us whose labor is a true testament to dedication and compassion. Their work is not just a job – it’s a mission to better the world, and today is a perfect day to celebrate it. Happy Labor Day!