National Boss’s Day is an annual celebration dedicated to recognizing and appreciating employers and supervisors for their leadership, guidance, and support throughout the year.
Quick Facts
When is it: October 16th annually (or nearest workday if it falls on weekend)
Tagged as: Day to appreciate and recognize bosses
What’s the hashtag: #NationalBossDay, #BossDay
When was it founded: 1958
Who founded it: Patricia Bays Haroski
History of National Boss’s Day
Patricia Bays Haroski, a State Farm Insurance Company employee in Deerfield, Illinois, registered this day with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. She chose October 16th because it was her father’s birthday, who was also her boss. The holiday gained official recognition in 1962 when Illinois Governor Otto Kerner backed the registration. By 1979, Hallmark began producing Boss’s Day cards, helping popularize the celebration.
Timeline
- 1958: Patricia Bays Haroski registers National Boss’s Day
- 1962: Official recognition by Illinois Governor Otto Kerner
- 1979: Hallmark begins producing Boss’s Day cards
- Present: Celebrated globally in countries including Canada, Australia, and South Africa
Upcoming Dates 2025-2030
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 16 | Thursday |
| 2026 | October 16 | Friday |
| 2027 | October 15 | Friday |
| 2028 | October 16 | Monday |
| 2029 | October 16 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | October 16 | Wednesday |
How It’s Observed
Employees typically celebrate by showing appreciation to their supervisors through cards, small gifts, or office gatherings. Some organizations host special lunches or team-building activities to strengthen workplace relationships.
Fun Facts About Boss’s Day
- The word “boss” comes from the Dutch word “baas” meaning master
- Approximately 11 million people work in supervisor positions in the US
- Only 40% of bosses worldwide are female
- The first Hallmark Boss’s Day cards appeared 21 years after the holiday’s creation
Quiz
- Who founded National Boss’s Day?
- A) Hallmark
- B) Patricia Bays Haroski
- C) Otto Kerner
- When is National Boss’s Day celebrated?
- A) October 15
- B) October 16
- C) October 17
- What is the hashtag commonly used for this day?
- A) #ThankYourBoss
- B) #BossDay
- C) #NationalBossDay
Answers:
- B) Patricia Bays Haroski
- B) October 16
- C) #NationalBossDay
FAQs
Q: Why is National Boss’s Day celebrated?
A: It is celebrated to recognize and appreciate the hard work and contributions of bosses and supervisors in fostering a positive work environment.
Q: How can employees celebrate this day?
A: Employees can celebrate by giving gifts, writing thank-you notes, or organizing small gatherings to show appreciation for their bosses.
Q: Is Boss’s Day a public holiday?
A: No, it’s an unofficial observance.
Q: What if October 16 falls on a weekend?
A: It’s celebrated on the closest working day.
Q: Is “Boss’s” grammatically correct?
A: Yes, “Boss’s” is the correct possessive form.
Related Days
- Employee Appreciation Day (First Friday in March)
- Administrative Professionals Day (Wednesday of last full week in April)
- National Boss/Employee Exchange Day (Monday after Labor Day)
- National Hug Your Boss Day (August 23)
- National System Administrator Appreciation Day (Last Friday in July)