What is worker’s day?
Workers’ Day is a public holiday that started from activists in the late 19th century pushing for better conditions for workers, such as an eight-hour workday. It is observed to honour the sacrifices and struggles of workers and labourers. It is a day off for the general public and schools, where most businesses also close.
Workers’ Day in Nigeria is a day that helps recognize the efforts of employees and boosts morale by honoring their dedication and hard work. This special day serves to further motivate employees and remind them that their efforts are appreciated.
When is Workers’ Day celebrated?
Workers’ Day is celebrated on May 1st as a public holiday in Nigeria. Also known as Labour Day, it is part of International Workers’ Day, which is celebrated across the world. Workers’ Day was first recognized as a public holiday in Nigeria in 1980 by the People’s Redemption Party of Kano State. It officially became a national holiday on May 1st, 1981, and has been celebrated on this date ever since. Labour Day is celebrated in over 80 different countries across the world. Workers’ Day has been a public holiday in Nigeria since 1981. Traditionally, people gather together on the day to celebrate with friends and family, commemorating the workers and laborers whose vital work keeps countries and businesses across the world running smoothly. Traditionally, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress addresses people and workers on Workers Day.
MAY DAY
The origin of May Day dates back to the 1860s when working conditions were strict and it was quite common to work 10- to 16-hour days in hazardous and unsafe conditions in some industries. Thousands of men, women, and children were losing their lives every year in the workplace due to dangerous working conditions, and the employers seemed unbothered. In some of these industries, life expectancy was as low as the early twenties.
May 1 was also a pagan holiday in many parts of Europe. Its roots as a holiday stretch back to the Gaelic Beltane. It was considered the last day of winter when the beginning of summer was celebrated. During Roman times, May 1 was seen as a key date to celebrate fertility and the arrival of spring. The Roman festival of Flora, the goddess of flowers and the season of spring, was held between April 28th and May 3rd.
Traditional English May Day rites and celebrations include Morris’s dancing, crowning a May Queen, and dancing around a Maypole, festivities that made it a popular seasonal celebration in medieval England.
How to celebrate International Workers’ Day
This day was originally intended to honor the hard labor of the common man, so if you’ve been feeling a little overlooked lately, it might be a wonderful day to treat yourself to something fun!
Consider any of these other ideas in engaging and celebrating International Workers’ Day:
Take the day off.
- Take the day off, either by resting, reading, or thinking of some outdoor activities that can help you relax.
- Go to the beach if you have not been there in a while. This is one of the best activities you could consider. Go for karaoke and sing away stress.
- Pack lunch, and spend the day exploring the outdoors and taking a walk or going for a cruise ride.
- Have you recently noticed that your back pain is getting worse? It’s time to schedule a massage with a reputable therapist!
- And if it’s been a while since you prepared a proper meal for yourself, today is the ideal opportunity to go shopping for all the ingredients you require and spend as much time as you like preparing a great and wholesome meal.
Host an International Workers’ Day Gathering
If it is difficult to find an event in the local area, then perhaps it is time to start one. Gather together a few friends, family members, neighbors, or coworkers and hold a conversation about fair working. Perhaps it could be a dinner party where the topic of conversation revolves around ways to right the injustices or difficult conditions in certain places.
Or maybe it should be more of an activist gathering where t-shirts are printed and picket signs are made in support of fairness in employment.
Why it is Important to Acknowledge and Appreciate Employees on Worker’s Day.
Employees should be acknowledged and appreciated because they deserve it. Your employees work hard every day to do their jobs and help your organization succeed. Without them, you would have nothing. They are the ones that make your business’ success possible, so they deserve recognition and appreciation for their contributions.
Another reason why you should appreciate your employees is because it helps create a positive work culture. A positive work culture benefits everyone, from the owner down to the employees. People feel happier, more motivated, more productive, and more engaged. They want to come to work and do their best. The benefits of a positive work culture are numerous. Employees who feel valued and appreciated are much more likely to stay with your organization instead of leaving. If you have a positive work culture that values employees, you can increase retention and keep your teams together.
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WORKER’S DAY
