Commonly accepted as the end of summer, Labor Day just might be the last holiday to hit the beach before the kids are back to school and heavier traffic must be fought on the H1. With all the distractions it can be easy to forget why we celebrate Labor Day. Initially rooted in the labor movement’s push for greater protections for workers, Labor Day officially became a national holiday in 1896 to recognize the contributions and achievements of American workers. This Labor Day, take that message to heart and increase employee engagement by finding ways to show your employees how much they mean to you and your business. To get started, here are four ways to celebrate your staff and make this Labor Day one your employees will remember.

1. Handwritten note
   A simple, handwritten thank you note is an effective way to show you value your employee’s hard work and dedication. Best of all—it’s inexpensive and can take just a few minutes of your time. Taking the time to write and express your recognition and gratitude for an employee’s hard work goes a long way to show your employees how much they mean to you and your business.
2. Unplanned time off
   Giving occasional, impromptu breaks from work is another way of celebrating your team in honor of Labor Day. Sending an email to a valued employee or employees with a quick message like: “I value your hard work and dedication in helping us meet our goals in X, Y, and Z. It’s a beautiful afternoon, how about going outside and enjoying it? Take the rest of the afternoon off and relax. I’ll see you tomorrow,” can be a wonderfully pleasant surprise.
3. Office traditions
   Creating a traveling memento that is rewarded to a particularly worthy candidate is a great way to establish a special office tradition. Initially started in athletics as a way to award most valued players, many offices have coopted the ritual to celebrate their employees. Regardless of what the object is, the spirit behind rewarding a valuable performer on your team and the pageantry of passing the object from one member of the team to the next builds comradery and incentivizes success.
4. Throw an office barbeque at lunch
   Don’t underestimate the power of food in winning the hearts and minds of your workforce. The enthusiasm and joy in the rallying call “Quick! There are doughnuts in the breakroom,” is palpable. Throwing any sort of office party or potluck helps with employee engagement, lessens stress in the workplace, and demonstrates the value you place on your employee’s work and personal sacrifices.

While increases in pay are always nice, business owners and managers might be surprised by the how much non-monetary rewards motivate employees. A study by an employee motivation firm found that 83 percent of employees reported that their recognition for contributions to the company was more fulfilling than monetary rewards or gifts. As an employer, taking time to celebrate your employees this Labor Day in small and unexpected ways might just be the key to motivating your employees to reach new heights.