We must not overlook the unsung heroes who keep the office running, spirits up, and Slack channels spicy, even though Labor Day is usually intended for beach trips, BBQs, and a much-needed respite. With the inaugural Labor Day Workplace Awards, maybe we should show our appreciation in a big way this year. Just everlasting bragging rights (and perhaps a passive-aggressive email from HR).
The winners for the categories you had no idea you needed are as follows.
1. The Snack Drawer MVP
Awarded to: Jamie from Accounting
No matter the time of day Jamies always have something in their drawer, which is always neatly packaged and sometimes even purchased from other countries. Get rid of your vending machines because Jamie is the office’s vending machine.
2. Best Zoom Background (Real or Fake)
Awarded to: Marcus from Marketing
Is that the Maldives? A trendy loft in New York City? A distant galaxy? With carefully selected backdrops rivaling those of a Netflix documentary, Marcus ensures we will never find out.
3. Most Likely to Reply All
Awarded to: Janet from HR
Janet loves to hit the “Reply All” button, whether sending a holiday greeting, a reminder to change your passwords, or a heartfelt “Thanks, everyone!! 😊” on every occasion.
No one has heard their voice even though they are always online and solve problems. Do they exist in the real world? Do you think they are AI? We will never know. They are the reason our printers function, though.
5. Office Barista of the Year
Awarded to: Tina from Admin
Apart from making coffee, she has other skills as well. She creates an experience. With a side of office gossip, Tina transforms the pantry into a five-star cafe by making seasonal syrups and oat milk froth.
6. Human Google Search
Awarded to: Raj from Ops
Government regulations? What is the background of the corporation? Random password from six months ago? Just ask Raj. Well, he is aware of all of these problems. He will remind you subtly in a friendly but slightly judgmental tone,
7. Most Likely to Organize a Party (Even If No One Asked)
Awarded to: Ella from Creative
Ella maintains good morale and full calendars with themed events and impromptu decorations, such as “International Croissant Day” and “Mid-Week Mini-Celebrations.”.
8. Cool Under Pressure
Awarded to: Chris from Sales
Who needs five extra minutes to finish a pitch deck? Can a live demo cause a system crash? With a sip of their iced coffee, Chris assures them, “We are going to be okay.” He always manage to find a way.
Honorable Mentions:
“Most Creative Use of Emojis in Emails”
“Best Out-of-Office Auto-Reply”
“The Phantom Email Opener (Seen… but never replies)”
“The PTO Houdini: Disappears without a trace before long weekends.”
Let’s Hear It for the Real Ones
Take a moment this Labor Day to thank your eccentric, reserved, and legendary coworkers for adding personality to your 9-to-5. Because of their humanity, routines, and sense of humor, a workplace becomes a community.
All the unsung heroes out there, I hope you get more than a day off for Labor Day. Not only donuts, but an award made just for you.
We must not overlook the unsung heroes who keep the office running, spirits up, and Slack channels spicy, even though Labor Day is usually intended for beach trips, BBQs, and a much-needed respite. With the inaugural Labor Day Workplace Awards, maybe we should show our appreciation in a big way this year. Just everlasting bragging rights (and perhaps a passive-aggressive email from HR).