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National boss day is celebrated on October 16th every year. It's a chance to show your deep appreciation for all the mentorship, flexible schedules, constructive criticism and shout-outs that made you better at your job. We have appreciation days for friends, teachers, police, nurses and everyone who makes a difference in our lives, so why not have one for the bosses?
The tradition can be traced back to Patricia Bays Haroski of Illinois, who worked as her father's secretary in 1958. She got the idea to create a holiday to celebrate extraordinary bosses and chose her father's birthday, October 16th, as the day. In 4 years, it was a holiday in Illinois, USA; in two decades, it was celebrated across many countries. In this article, we go a bit into national boss day and give you 20 ideas on making it special.
Importance of national boss day
The importance of a gratitude culture is well understood across all organizations. People love being recognized for good work, and bosses are no exception. They significantly impact the teams and their performance by creating a work atmosphere that is conducive to productivity and growth.
When things don't go as planned, the bosses are always there to take ownership, and great boss always takes the heat off their teams to keep things functional. Recognition and appreciation are, therefore, just as important for bosses to keep going as it is for the rest of the employees.
20 ways to celebrate national boss day
Here are 20 ideas to show your boss how special they are this national boss day:
1. Give a thoughtful gift
As the name suggests, a thoughtful gift has plenty of deep thought behind it that tells your boss that you have been paying attention to them. These gifts need to have a personal touch and a lot of sentimental value.
A great idea could be to pool your resources with the rest of the team and gift them a voucher for something they've wanted to buy for a long time. A collage of pictures and personal anecdotes from all the team members talking about the most helpful advice your boss gave can also be a touching gift.
2. Write a heartfelt thank-you note
A simple hand-written note is often an excellent way to express gratitude. Of course, you can make it special by picking up a quirky boss day card. Whether your boss is introverted or extroverted, cards are your safest bet to send a thank-you note.
If you have the time, interest and skill, a hand-made card can be extra special for a thank-you note! Your message can be simple: "Thank you for all the guidance and support every day. I appreciate everything you do".
3. Decorate their office
When done the right way, office decoration can be a fantastic surprise. It's a classic move that's been around for decades, and the secret to getting it right is timing and technique. You could get balloons, confetti, boss day gifts, cards, and everything else the team had planned.
It's essential that your decoration can be removed just as quickly as it was installed. Avoid making a mess in the office and disturb as few things as possible. You can pull this off on the eve of national boss day or even in the middle of the day when they're out for lunch.
4. Get out of the office
To make the special day more fun:
- Start by changing your surroundings and going out with your boss and team.
- Plan a visit to a nearby resort or picnic destination where everybody can be at ease.
- Book an activity your boss loves and get the whole team on it. You could also make a reservation at their favorite dining place or take them out to play golf.
The idea here is to focus on your boss and the activity centred on their interest. If your boss is an avid outdoorsman, you could also plan an early morning trek somewhere close to the city!
5. Give a public recognition
Nothing says best boss in the world than public recognition on the company's communication channels, social media or even a glowing recommendation on LinkedIn. Public recognition is a testament to someone's performance, especially when their teammates leave positive notes and messages of appreciation.
If you wish to leave behind a lasting review, you can give them a great recommendation on LinkedIn. Since advocacy and praise are potent factors that act as a referral for jobs, it can be the best public recognition you can leave behind.
6. Surprise them with gifts
Humorous presents and a little prank on the side can keep things fun and even break the ice at the workplace. Of course, you must be cautious with how far the gag can be pushed based on your boss's temperament.
Ideally, it would help if you planned something that balances what your boss would tolerate and what your coworkers are willing to participate in. Also, ensure that the gag can be interpreted correctly.
7. Create a video tribute
Pictures are great, but the cool thing now is to leave a video tribute as it is more authentic, real and touching. The key to getting it right is to balance the video's length and energy. Ask your teammates to create short videos saying their favorite things about your boss and put together a video montage.
The video length can range anywhere from 30 seconds to a minute but try to extend beyond two minutes. You can play the video montage on the day of your celebration for the whole team to see and have the boss take the centre seat while watching it!
8. Host a surprise party
Well, any party thrown on the national boss day won't precisely be a surprise as everybody would anticipate some celebration. However, you can still plan one and build up to it through your usual gifts and greetings without hinting about any plans.
If the whole office is planning it collectively, it's a good idea to get together your best party planners and keep it a secret from as many people as possible.
9. Make a donation in their name
If your boss is of the kind and generous type who cares for the environment, people experiencing poverty, or the world in general and often engages in charity or service work, then a donation in their name would be a wonderful idea.
Pool together donations from all your employees and pick your boss's favorite charity to donate to. You can visit a charitable trust as a team to make the donation or do it online on various donation platforms.
10. Organize a volunteer day
Picking up on the last idea, you could do work that's way more satisfying than just donating money. There's much satisfaction in getting your hands dirty and accomplishing tasks such as volunteering for a cleanup drive, or help the underprivileged, or participating in an afforestation program.
You could dedicate the volunteer work to your boss's day and have a great time bonding with the team as you engage in meaningful work outside the office.
11. Give them a spa day
A relaxing day at the spa is one of the most rejuvenating things anyone can do after a hectic week at work. Since your boss is the one taking all the pressure to perform a spa treatment gift on national boss's day can help lift their spirits and get back to work fully energized.
If the whole team is pitching in for the spa vouchers, then getting them a full range of services, from aesthetical treatments to relaxation and wellness classes, is a good idea.
12. Buy them a subscription
Subscription gifts are great when you still determine what your boss might appreciate. You can choose a range of services, from self-care products to streaming and fitness subscription boxes that can be tailored to your choices.
If you want to gift them the best, it helps to ask about their subscription interests well in advance without giving a hint about your plan to gift. When picked correctly, subscriptions make meaningful gifts your boss will surely appreciate.
13. Cook/Bake for them
Cooking their favorite meal is a wonderful way to show appreciation on the national boss day. It's a good opportunity to put your cooking skills to use and come up with a delicious dish you know they would enjoy.
Alternatively, you can bake a personalized cake of their favorite flavour and carry it to work. Pulling it all off in the office pantry is a bonus, as everything you whip up stays fresh.
14. Give them a self-care basket
A self-care basket can be quite a thoughtful gift. You can throw in all the right stuff. Bosses have hard days at work and must take care of their health and well-being. Put together a self-care basket with customized items you know they will find useful. You can add warm socks, comfortable night pants, oversized hoodies, aromatic candles, candies, chocolate, a can of coffee, a set of soothing body wash and anything else.
You can always take the advice of people who know your boss well if you need clarification. Alternatively, you can track their interests and assemble a wellness basket on the boss's day.
15. Gift them a desk plant
Desk plants can brighten up our mood regardless of the situation and help ease us into our work. If your boss loves plants, chances are they already have a plant on the table; however, they would surely appreciate one more! If they don't have a desk plant, they need one to have a relaxed workplace atmosphere.
There is a wide variety of plants, such as succulents, bamboo, violets and even Aloe. Most of these plants are low maintenance and do well on an office desk where they get enough sunlight and steady temperature to thrive.
16. Best boss award
While it's not official for the company, you can create an awards ceremony to present your boss with the best boss award and make it a cute and memorable event. Most gift stores make customizable trophies, mementoes and medals, so it should be easy to find one and engrave it with your boss's name.
The idea is to keep it a little silly but heartwarming. If your teams work remotely, send it for delivery on October 16th and have them open it on the group call.
17. Give them a gift card
Gift cards are the safest bet when you're unsure what to gift your boss. It's particularly useful if you're a new team member and need to learn the boss better to pick any of the gifts we've discussed above.
Gift cards enable them to buy what they need while you stay on the safe side of the game. When in doubt, ask for a little hint from a coworker about which gift card to buy and of what value.
18. Give them the best day at work
You can ease your boss's day at work by taking up some of their tasks or offering to help beyond your role. Finish off the tasks you've procrastinated on so they have everything on time and schedule.
Do you have ideas you were hesitant to share but would infinitely improve the work environment? Today's the day! Small gestures of kindness from everyone can make your bosses' day.
19. Take them out for a coffee or drink
Taking your boss out for a coffee or a drink seems normal but can be a big deal if your work relationship has been very formal.
If you've been working remotely and barely get a chance to meet, then taking them out for a drink can be a pleasant experience to get to know them. You could also do this as an after-work event and drink with the whole team.
20. Give them a personalized gift
Personalized gifts have custom messages or features to a product that show it was meant for them. You can pick from various customizable items such as key chains, jewellery, mugs, cutlery, art, books and even clothes. You can also add quirky messages to make it more personal.
How to celebrate National Boss’s Day using Empuls
National Boss’s Day is the perfect opportunity to appreciate leaders who guide, support, and inspire their teams. With Empuls, organizations can make this day more meaningful by recognizing and rewarding their bosses in a structured and engaging way. Here’s how you can use Empuls to celebrate:
1. Send personalized recognition & rewards
Use Empuls’ Rewards & Recognition feature to send personalized appreciation messages to your boss. Team members can nominate their leaders for awards, share thank-you notes, and allocate reward points that can be redeemed for gifts or experiences.
2. Organize a virtual appreciation wall
Leverage Empuls' Social Intranet to create a dedicated appreciation thread where employees can post heartfelt messages, share leadership stories, and highlight their boss’s impact. Adding images, GIFs, and videos can make the celebration even more engaging.
3. Create a fun employee-led awards program
Run a Boss of the Year award using Empuls’ nomination and voting system. Let employees cast votes on fun categories like "Most Inspirational Leader" or "Best Problem-Solver" to add excitement to the celebration.
4. Host a virtual or in-person celebration
Use Empuls’ engagement tools to organize a virtual coffee session, Q&A with leadership, or an informal gathering where employees can express gratitude and share memorable moments with their boss.
5. Gift meaningful rewards
Empuls allows teams to pool reward points and gift curated experiences or digital vouchers to their boss. Whether it’s a dinner experience, a wellness package, or a learning subscription, this adds a personal touch to the celebration.
Using Empuls, organizations can turn National Boss’s Day into a memorable, engaging, and rewarding experience that strengthens leadership-employee relationships.
72 Meaningful Happy Boss Day Messages for 2024
1. I wish you a happy boss day, dear boss! You are amazing in whatever you do, including the job that all of us do.
2. You've helped me learn a crucial lesson. First, put forth more effort than everyone else if you want someone else to work. I appreciate your support and advice, boss.
3. I wish you a happy boss day, dear boss. May you climb the success ladder and reach new heights every day.
4. Boss Day is here! Even though we both work for the same supervisor and team, I see a mentor in you. I learn a new lesson from you every day. Many thanks for your assistance, Boss!
5. Few things motivate me to go to work every day. One of those is you. Dearest Boss, happy boss day!
6. With all of your insightful suggestions, I have evolved into the most excellent version of myself. I appreciate your help through all of my highs and lows. Happy Boss Day!
7. Happy boss day to the most likable boss who gives everything he does his all. We are thrilled to have you on board as a mentor!
8. Only the best leaders are capable of the art of managing people. Throughout all you do, you inspire us. Cheers to the boss!
9. We are inspired by your words just as much as your deeds. You are the ideal illustration of a terrific manager who understands how to motivate his team. Cheers to the boss!
10. You have solutions to all of our issues. You stand out from the crowd and serve as an inspiration to us. I hope this day is successful for you!
11. You work with total commitment and integrity. For all the new employees in the company, you serve as an example. Cheers to the boss!
12. Happy Boss Day, my dear! We really value your work ethic.
13. You truly were destined to be a leader! I wish you have a happy boss day!
14. You spread joy and kindness like wildfire! Boss Day is here! Happy Boss day to you.
15. A very happy boss day to the most fantastic boss! We are fortunate to have a boss like you who is thoughtful!
16. Boss Day is here! We feel more engaged in our work and the task seems lighter thanks to you!
17. The tales of your honesty and commitment to the business will live on in our hearts even when you are no longer our employer. Happy boss day, my dear!
18. You make the office feel like a playground. We appreciate how simple you made things for us. On this day, I send you my love and best wishes, and happiness.
19. I will always be appreciative of your encouragement and support during some of the most difficult phases of my professional life. A hearty thank you to you!
20. Happy Boss Day to my boss, instructors, mentors, and all of you. You are just unmatched. Happy boss day!
21. Leaders like me are produced by bosses like you. You are much more than a compliant employer; you are a teacher, mentor, and adviser. Happy Boss Day to you!
22. If I look forward to going to work every day, it is entirely because of you. Again, it's because of you that I can say this. Happy boss day!
23. Only the best leaders are capable of the art of managing people. Throughout all you do, you inspire us. Happy Boss Day!
24. To a manager who inspires and directs with insights, acknowledges successes and motivates staff, and displays consideration daily. Happy Boss Day!
25. Working with you is extremely motivating because you are one of those naturally charismatic leaders who is really loved and admired. Happy Boss Day!
26. Working with a boss who understands how to bring out the best in individuals is always a pleasure. Happy boss day!
27. The 16th of October is International Boss Day. I wrote this letter to you, my boss, in your honour. Boss is created through deeds, not words. And you have the same qualities.
28. Not every worker is fortunate enough to work for a fantastic employer like you! I appreciate everything.
29. Hello, boss You must have a happy boss day! We owe you the utmost gratitude for helping to create a relaxed and welcoming work atmosphere.
30. You have a happy boss day, sir! You have a way of encouraging us and bringing out the best in us. I appreciate your cooperation always.
31. Making a tonne of errors while working with you has been a journey, but I've also learned a tonne from them. Happy Boss Day to a fantastic mentor!
32. Boss, we are grateful for your constant attention to our requirements and support. Our office is really buzzing just because of you! Boss Day is here!
33. You make it simple to put in long hours for this business. We appreciate your excellent leadership and your kindness.
34. Sincere gratitude for everything that you do! I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work for and be friends with you.
35. It's been a real joy working with you. You provide such good energy to my workplace and my life. Many thanks!
36. We appreciate how you encouraged us, listened to us, and helped us to be our best selves. You are a blessing to us.
37. I am incredibly grateful to have a job with you. Working hard is simple when you're in charge!
38. I respect the way you can inspire my coworkers and me to do our best job. I appreciate it, and happy boss day!
39. Working for you and learning from you is incredibly fun for me. There is never any question that our boss is the greatest.
40. We are grateful for having such a fantastic supervisor like you. Happy Boss Day!
41. Your commitment to our success is always appreciated. I appreciate all you do. You are our lucky boss, and we are very grateful!
42. We couldn't have asked for a better boss. Everything you do demonstrates your caring for them and your willingness to put in the extra effort.
43. In addition to being my boss, you have also served as my mentor during both good and difficult times. Without you, I would not have succeeded.
44. Without you, we would not have achieved this level of success. You owe this firm a lot of money. To the most outstanding leader, happy boss day!
45. The whole staff at [name of the firm] would like to extend their sincere gratitude for leading us in the correct direction, the direction that ultimately brought us success and recognition. Cheers to the boss!
46. We appreciate all of your hard work and dedication in maintaining our company's market position. Cheers to the boss!
47. I'm happy that I work for you and that I know you. You are the finest boss ever, so enjoy the day!
48. We appreciate your concern. Working for you makes me happy than anything else.
49. Working under your direction has been a fantastic experience. You are a capable manager in addition to being a supportive boss. To you, a happy boss day!
50. Not earning a huge income, but having a supervisor like you, gives me the most joy from my career. I wish you the very best on this special day!
51. You persuaded us that every viewpoint counts and that everyone deserves the same rights at work. You serve as an example. Cheers to the boss!
52. Nobody inspires us as much as you do. We feel boldness and confidence in every word you speak, and it gives us hope. To you, a happy boss day!
53. You were destined to take charge. We all appreciate your leadership and who you are as a person.
54. There is no denying the positivity you bring to the workplace as our leader. Enjoy this amazing occasion!
55. I love working with you, and I'm thrilled to be on your team.
56. You possess the talent for leadership. You are a leader who motivates me to perform my best work each day.
57. We appreciate the guidance and help you provide. You bring out the best in everyone.
58. Whether I had the chance to work under your direction from the start of my career, I wonder if my advancement would have been more rapid and painless.
59. I appreciate you keeping me occupied with tasks that challenge me and allow me to excel. Thank you very much for everything you do for me!
60. Working with you is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It's rare to find a leader like you. I appreciate your encouragement and backing. Cheers to the boss!
61. You have your own way of feeling everyone is valued and important. Being able to work under your direction has been a privilege. To you, a happy boss day!
62. You have a big picture as a leader. You are a supportive boss. And you are beyond great as a person. Cheers to the boss!
63. You bring the type of enthusiasm to the office that permeates and motivates us all to work harder and more effectively. Cheers to the boss!
64. You are adept at bringing out the best in others. Additionally, just as a flower enchants people with its appearance and aroma, so does your presence. Cheers to the boss!
65. I just wanted to say thank you for everything you do for this organization and the people who work here.
66. You are a mentor and a leader, not just a boss. I appreciate all you do.
Boss day appreciation & admiring leadership messages
67. For all you have taught me about business, I want to thank you. Your skills and experience have been a huge help and encouragement to me throughout my career. I think your genuine encouragement and guidance played a role in my accomplishment, at least in part. I'm grateful.
68. You are the most level-headed, logical, but kind and thoughtful leader I have ever met, Sir! You have a lovely disposition! Happy Boss Day!
69. You are an exceptional employer because of your vision, motivation, and leadership. Working with you is an honour!
70. The most essential thing I have learned from you, aside from decision-making, communication, and general professionalism, is how to be a nice person.
71. A happy boss day to you, sir! Your management and leadership skills are always impressive! You deserve praise for the fantastic work you've done!
72. My dear boss, you always act with confidence and kindness! We are very happy to have you as our supervisor here! Have a happy boss day!
Final thoughts on celebrating National Boss’s Day
A heartfelt message or a thoughtful gesture on National Boss’s Day can make a significant impact and strengthen your relationship with your boss. Whether it's a simple thank-you note, a personalized gift, or a team-wide celebration, the key is to express genuine appreciation.
There are many fun and creative ways to celebrate, but the most meaningful gifts are those that reflect your boss’s personality and contributions. Take time to research their interests or collaborate with your team to choose something thoughtful. While expensive gifts may not always be necessary, a sincere and well-planned gesture will always be valued.
Use this day to recognize the leadership, support, and guidance your boss provides—because a little appreciation goes a long way in making their day brighter.
FAQ
Here are answers of some frequesntly asked questions for your help.
Q. What should a Boss Day message include?
A Boss Day message should include a personal message of appreciation, acknowledging specific things the boss has done that have made a positive impact and wishing them well.
Q. How can I make my Boss Day message unique?
Making a Boss Day message unique can involve adding a personal touch, such as a memorable anecdote or inside joke, or highlighting specific characteristics that make the boss special to the sender.
Q. What tone should a Boss Day message have?
A Boss Day message should have a tone of gratitude, respect, and admiration. It should not be overly formal but also not too casual.
Q. Is it appropriate to send a Boss Day message via email, or should it be a card?
Both email and a card are appropriate options for sending a Boss Day message, it ultimately depends on the personal preferences of the sender and the relationship they have with their boss.
