Surprising Health Benefits of Labor Day
A Healthier Michigan
| 3 min read
You may associate Labor Day with barbecues, fun and the end of summer, but Labor Day has long been tied to public health. The origins of Labor Day include movements for better workplace health protections and improved quality of life for workers. Here are some health benefits from Labor Day that may surprise you.
Labor Days allows for guilt-free time off
Employees report not taking work off even when they need to, and almost half of workers report feeling guilty when they do take time off. Presenteeism is a term for workers showing up to work to prevent absenteeism, even when they need to take time off or are not effective at work due to illness or stress. This results in higher stress and longer recovery times from illness or mental distress. It can even contribute to the spread of illnesses like the flu or viruses within the workplace. Additionally, the benefits of taking time off work are less effective when workers feel guilty or stressed about taking time off. As a public health holiday, Labor Day helps to reduce stress and offers rest and relaxation for workers.
Labor Day celebrates healthcare providers and workers
According to a study of acute-care hospitals, hospitals with a nurses’ union have better outcomes for pulmonary patients and lower rates of acute myocardial infractions, or heart attacks. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reported on lower levels of coronavirus infections in nursing homes with proper nurse staffing practices and nurse-to-patient ratios. According to a study in Health Services Insights, higher nursing staffing minimums likely improve healthcare outcomes, agreeing with a 2023 proposal from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Healthcare workers are one of the most-stressed segments of the workforce, and many nurses leave the field due to stress and burnout.
Labor Day can provide time to review health and lifestyle choices
Labor Day is a day for cookouts, time spent outside and gatherings with family and friends, but it can also be seen as a common occasion to drink in excess. Plan to enjoy a healthy Labor Day meal and consider a sober holiday or enjoying non-alcoholic alternatives. Make sure to drink plenty of water, especially if you are outside or have alcohol. You can also use some of the time off from Labor Day to review your personal health goals and approach to exercise and diet.
Labor Day reduces stress
The top health conditions driving health costs in the U.S. besides cancer are back and neck pain, coronary heart disease, chronic pain and high cholesterol. Stress and chronic stress can affect all of these conditions. Mental health is also directly tied to stress, especially for workers in high-stress industries or roles. Labor Day is meant to take focus away from work and redirect it to the personal lives and happiness of workers.
