According to most websites that chart national days, October 16 is listed as National Boss Day. It is also known as National Bosses Day. No matter what it is called, it is a day that many workers in the United States show appreciation to their employers.

If that date falls on a weekend, it is celebrated on the workday closest to that date because it will be a day when people are at work. It is a day to recognize those in a supervisory position in the workplace. This day was created for the purpose of strengthening the bond between those who supervise and those who are supervised.

Origin of the day

Bosses Day dates back to 1958 when Patricia Bays Haroski registered October 16 with the United States Chamber of Commerce as National Bosses Day. She did so to honor her father who happened to be her boss at the State Farm Insurance Company in Deerfield, Illinois. She chose that particular date because it was her father's birthday.

Haroski wanted to pay tribute to her own father who taught her and her siblings how to be good employees throughout their careers. Today, workers all over the country indirectly celebrate Haroski's father's birthday when they celebrate National Bosses Day.

Ways to show appreciation

There are many different ways to show appreciation to your boss without it being seen as a way to get personal favors.

Sending an e-mail is appropriate. Some people give their bosses a greeting card or a gift card. If people work with a group, it might be a good idea to pitch in a get a cake for the break room and lure the boss in for a surprise celebration. Another option for the group to take the boss out to lunch for a special treat.

Remember this is the day to recognize and celebrate your boss.

It is not a good idea to ask your boss for personal favors on the day he or she is being celebrated. Wait until much later to ask for a raise, a promotion or a day off. Remember it is a day about the boss, not the employee. Also, keep in mind that employees are not obligated to do anything for their bosses. It is just a way to improve relationships between workers and those they work for.

It took many years before Hallmark designed a card for that special occasion, but the company did offer some cards in 1979. In 2007, many people had caught on to the idea and the line for Bosses Day increased by 28 percent. Today, there are cards online that can be sent directly to a boss' inbox.

Will you do something special for your boss on October 16 to show your appreciation?
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