Boss Day

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.