Do you celebrate your boss? Before becoming self-employed in 1993, I can regretfully say that I never even knew there was a Boss’s Day, much less celebrate it. Like you, I’ve had some great managers who needed more training and awareness on how to be a good manager (much less a great one).
National Boss Day began in 1958 when Patricia Bays Haroski, then an employee at State Farm Insurance Company in Deerfield, Ill., registered the holiday with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Haroski chose Oct. 16, her father’s birthday, as the date for National Boss Day because she felt he was an exemplary boss. It took a while to gain steam but in 1979. Hallmark even released a Boss’s Day card and is celebrated in the United States, Canada, England, Australia, and South Africa as well as others.
It is a special occasion to express appreciation and gratitude towards our supervisors and managers. It’s time for us to acknowledge their hard work, leadership skills, and guidance.
If you think you should be acknowledged for your hard work over and above your paycheck, why would you believe a manager or supervisor should be exempt just because they are paid more? They also should be appreciated for all they do. We should show appreciation and gratitude because it’s the right thing.
But it’s hard to know what to do. It isn’t about how much money you spend (and you don’t have to spend a lot to make someone feel appreciated). It isn’t about, “But they didn’t give me anything on Administrative Professional’s Day” (or insert your workplace celebration here) because that is childish and petty.
It is about acknowledging the work they do day in and day out. They are constantly criticized by their employees and paid less than their boss (the same as most of us!). They also work long hours that you potentially know nothing about. Ultimately, They are people and often feel unappreciated for all they do.
They deserve to know that someone (that’s you!) appreciates what they do, even if they aren’t the best manager/supervisor you’ve ever had.
I scoured the internet for a collection of good ideas on top of my list. I even used AI to give me a list of what seemed appropriate. I narrowed it down to a few ideas that were reasonable, affordable, and easy to do.
- How about a thank you board from the entire team? I’ve used programs such as Kudoboard when someone leaves the workplace to share memories of their time there. Why wait for someone to leave or retire? Instead, use it for Boss’s Day from the entire team. If there is no “team” to celebrate all they do for you, make sure you take the time to do your own thank you card. Head to the dollar store, jump on Canva, or find a Boss’s Day card that seems appropriate to thank them for all they do.
- How about a team lunch where everyone pays their tab? Take an hour (or maybe even more) for the entire team to celebrate the boss together. It doesn’t have to be expensive (you could even do a potluck at work if that makes sense). If your team is remote, jump on a Teams or Zoom call at lunch, where everyone brings lunch to the call. Play a fun trivia game (tons online for free), or share baby photos and guess who is who. Don’t make it a team meeting where you talk about work the entire time, and take some time to acknowledge that it is Boss’s Day! (even if you missed the day)
- While you’re at the dollar store picking up a nice thank you card, you can also pick up a cute coffee mug, motivational quote sign, or bag of chocolate! It’s a nice thought that doesn’t break the bank.
- If you want to spend more than a few dollars, buy them a gift card for their favorite restaurant or spa. If your boss has a specific hobby or interest, consider a gift that aligns with that. While more expensive, this shows that you know your boss as a person, potentially a friend, and know a bit about them.
If you have a team, ask everyone to donate a few dollars so the gift is from the entire team. The team will also appreciate that someone is organizing something they may have forgotten about.
- Pick up that coffee mug at the dollar store and personalize it if you are crafty. As simple as their initial, or “Boss of the Year,” will be thoughtful and make them feel valued. A funny quote or note of appreciation goes a long way (and for those of you who have your own Cricut, it gives you one more craft you can use your machine for!)
- You could decorate the office on a day you know they will be there (and you will be there!). Balloons, streamers, and a Happy Boss’s Day banner will be fun and easy.
- Flowers or plants are classic and always appreciated.
- Stop by the coffee shop and pick them up their favorite coffee is a simple yet appreciated gesture.
- A little “treat” such as their favorite candy bar, cake, or even sweet treat is easy enough to do, is slightly unusual, and shows that you are thinking of them.
- The final, yet the easiest, is to wish them Happy Boss’s Day in person. Tell them you appreciate them.
You may have missed the specific day on the calendar to celebrate Boss’s Day, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait an entire year to thank them. It’s important to show them how you feel throughout the year. If you are close to October 16, just do it today!
Maya Angelou: People will never forget how you made them feel.
Say “thank you” regularly: Make it a habit to thank your boss for their support, guidance, and mentorship. Whether in person, via email, or during team meetings, a simple “thank you” can go a long way. While I’m at it, thank your co-workers regularly as well.
Remember that the key to celebrating Boss’s Day is to show genuine appreciation and recognition for their hard work and leadership. It doesn’t have to be uncomfortable, awkward, or expensive, nor does it need to be specifically on the date the calendar identifies.
But it is a nice thing to do. I hope you acknowledged your boss recently.
