National Boss’s Day is celebrated every year on October 16th, giving employees a chance to show appreciation for their managers and supervisors. When October 16th falls on a weekend, many workplaces observe the day on the closest weekday instead.
History of National Boss’s Day
National Boss’s Day was founded in 1958 by Patricia Bays Haroski, an employee at State Farm Insurance Company in Deerfield, Illinois. Haroski registered the holiday with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, choosing October 16th because it was her father’s birthday, and her father was also her boss at the company. Her goal was to create a day that recognized good bosses and encouraged better relationships between employees and management.
The holiday gained wider recognition over the following decades, with Illinois Governor Otto Kerner officially proclaiming it a state holiday in 1962. Since then, National Boss’s Day has spread well beyond Illinois, becoming a widely recognized, if unofficial, workplace observance across the United States.
How to Celebrate National Boss’s Day
- Write a thoughtful card or note expressing genuine appreciation
- Bring in a small treat, like coffee or baked goods, to share with your boss
- Organize a small team gesture, like a group card or lunch
- Give a thoughtful, work-appropriate gift if that fits your workplace culture
- Simply take a moment to verbally acknowledge good leadership and support
Fun Facts About National Boss’s Day
- National Boss’s Day was founded by Patricia Bays Haroski in 1958, who chose the date to honor her own father and boss.
- The holiday was officially registered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
- Illinois was the first state to officially recognize the holiday, in 1962.
- When October 16th falls on a Saturday or Sunday, many workplaces celebrate on the nearest weekday instead.
- Boss’s Day is sometimes met with mixed feelings in workplaces, since celebrating a supervisor can feel different depending on company culture and the actual employee-boss relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Boss’s Day?
National Boss’s Day is celebrated annually on October 16th, or the nearest weekday when the date falls on a weekend.
Who started National Boss’s Day?
Patricia Bays Haroski, an employee at State Farm Insurance, founded the holiday in 1958 in honor of her father, who was also her boss.
Is National Boss’s Day a paid holiday?
No, it is not a federal or paid holiday. It’s an unofficial workplace observance, and celebrating it is entirely optional and dependent on individual workplace culture.
What’s an appropriate gift for Boss’s Day?
Simple, thoughtful gestures like a card, a small treat, or a genuine verbal thank-you are generally more appropriate than expensive gifts, which can feel awkward in a workplace setting.