As tribute to bosses,
National Boss Day was originated in Deerfield, IL in 1958 by
Patricia Haroski. She selected the date October 16 because it
was her father's birthday.
In many offices, it is not considered good
etiquette to give your boss a gift at Christmas, or on their
birthday, or at any time. Boss' Day is the one day of the year
that if you so desire, you can your boss a gift to let them
know how well they are doing.
Groups in offices usually chip in and buy one
special gift for their boss or they take them to lunch.
Sometimes the boss takes his staff to lunch. Individual gifts
can be given but some employees are concerned that this would
be misunderstood by other staff.
The day was initially registered with the U. S.
Chamber of Commerce. In 1962 the governor of Illinois, Otto
Kerner, issued a proclamation for the day. Those who observe
the day do it because they have a boss who is fair,
understanding, approachable, and a good communicator. It is not
a legal holiday and many people do not observe it. Greeting
cards first appeared in 1979 in observance of the day.