GSA Daily Staff Report
Published Sept. 10, 2010

For most people, Labor Day marks the end of summer – not a celebration of the American work force. Still, more than 60% of people have received praise from their boss for a job well done, according to a poll conducted by GSA Daily.

About 35.7% of GSA Daily readers said Labor Day means the end of summer. Another 21.4% said it means a day off work, while 23.2% said it’s a day to spend time with family and friends.

Only 19.6% said it is a celebration of the American work force. The national holiday officially began in 1894, “a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers,” according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Among 56 responses to this week’s survey, 36.4% of GSA Daily readers stayed home. Another 23.6% went outdoors, 10.9% went to a Labor Day festival, and 7.3% took a vacation.

There were 21.8% who worked on Labor Day.

But in a difficult economy, most workers are still being recognized for their accomplishments. In the survey, 22% said they were praised publicly in front of their colleagues, while another 20% were recognized in private. Another 20% received either a raise or bonus.

There were 22%, however, who received no recognition, and another 16% said their boss “barely even acknowledges my existence.”

Here is a selection of comments from readers:

“My wife took Labor Day literally and we pressured washed the house.”

“Being a small business owner, this is a day I get the most done, and visualize for the future.”

“A day off work with no pay? I'd prefer to be working.”

“Spent it at Lake Keowee with family and friends. You have to have a cook out!”

“I did yard work for about two hours. Otherwise enjoyed the day!”

“It seems that Labor Day has lost its original meaning. All workers should be off that day as it is their day. Labor Day falls on May 1 in Europe and the rest of the world. It was originally for the worker's unions.”