An important figure in the early 20th century was the American labor leader Sidney Hillman. He championed improved working conditions and equitable treatment at work in his fight for workers' rights. One of his main convictions was that workers ought to be granted a say in how their work is carried out in addition to having fewer hours.

Hillman believed that the workplace was a microcosm of society and that employees should be treated with respect and dignity in addition to being a place to make money. Hillman sought to improve workers' quality of life outside of work and lessen their physical and mental stress by advocating for fewer working hours. He also underlined that employees ought to have a significant say in how decisions are made in businesses.

Consider this idea as being similar to a well-managed orchestra in which every musician has some control over the compositions and rehearsal schedules in addition to having the chance to perform. Hillman maintained that in order to enhance working conditions, employers and employees must cooperate amicably, much like the various sections of an orchestra must.

Given the ongoing discussions surrounding work-life balance, this belief is still relevant today. It emphasizes the value of democratic practices in organizational settings and the significance of acknowledging workers' needs beyond their financial contributions.