When did Monday become so happy?

Aug 28

How many times have you entered a Monday morning meeting and been greeted with "Happy Monday!"?

I'm not sure where the phrase came from and ChatGPT didn't seem to know either. I've been on the receiving end of many a "Happy Monday" in my career. I've even delivered a few (though I'm not proud of it).

It seems like a relatively recent phrase, something that gained traction over the past 5-10 years. Maybe it started as a way to counter the feeling of dread some people experience at the start of a new work week. Maybe it's like smiling to force a mood change when you feel down. Maybe it showed up around the same time as the famous quote from the movie, Office Space "Sounds like someone has a case of the Mondays". Maybe it’s just something to fill in awkward silences, like talking about the weather.

However it started, I’ve always thought it was a strange thing to say. We don't say "Happy 4 o'clock!" or "Happy June!". Why Happy Monday?

Monday isn't alone. Friday gets the happy tag too, but I kinda get that one. Friday is the kick off to the weekend and people generally look forward to weekends. “Happy Friday” feels just close enough to “Enjoy your weekend” that I can get behind it. I've also experienced the rare Happy Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Those make no sense. We should stop those.

I never know how to respond to a Happy Monday.

"Happy Monday to you too?"

"Thanks?"

Usually I say something like “yep, here we are…”.

I know the person saying it has no ill intent. They mean well. I just don’t know what to do with it. I freeze up.

If I have time, I’ll try to strike first with a quick “How was your weekend?” or “How are you feeling today?”. I like those because they can lead to some conversation. We can connect a little. We can learn if our Mondays are, in fact, happy.

I’m not trying to knock the Happy Monday fans. We all say some strange things at work. We circle back and run things up the flag pole. We try to move the needle without boiling the ocean while we all think outside the box.

I’m not sure how to wrap this post up so I’ll need to take it offline while I get my ducks in a row.