National Boss’ Day
Being the boss comes with its own set of problems and obstacles. Give your boss a thank-you card, gift, or just stop in to thank them for their hard work.
Position thoughtful, low-pressure gift and card options for employees navigating the tradition of appreciating their managers—emphasizing genuine gratitude over obligation.
- '5 Meaningful (Not Awkward) Ways to Thank Your Boss This Year'
- 'Boss' Day Gift Ideas Under $50 That Feel Genuine'
- 'How to Celebrate Boss' Day When You Work Remote'
- 'The Evolution of Boss' Day: From Hallmark to Modern Workplaces'
Boss’ Day was created by Patricia Bays Haroski in 1958 when she registered it with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce while working as a secretary at State Farm Insurance. The date she selected was her father’s birthday, due in no small part to the fact that she was working for him at the time.
She felt that the work her father did was rarely recognized and that employees rarely showed appreciation for these people who kept their workplaces moving smoothly. By 1979 it had grown popular enough that Hallmark Cards issued a Boss’ Day card to honor the holiday.
It continued to grow in popularity until recent years when growing social awareness and class awareness has led to controversy about its celebration.
There is a power differential between employees and employers, where the employer generally makes more money and has more power overall, and thus it has been posited that Boss’ Day should not be observed and that any gift-giving in the workplace should flow down.
It’s an interesting debate, but we feel that it’s important to recognize that Bosses are people too, and while they may be in a position of greater power, they also have greater responsibility, and their efforts are what gives employees continuing work.
Perhaps both Boss and Employee need to work together to create an environment of teamwork in the workplace, and Boss’ Day can be a good step in that direction.