National Bosses Day

A group of employees celebrating their boss, wearing formal attire, holding a trophy, office setting.. — National bosses day illustration

Celebrate the chair-spinning, email-sending, late-night-working legends that are bosses! National Bosses Day is a day where we acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our superiors. And no, it’s not just an excuse to suck up to your boss for that promotion!

When is Bosses Day?

It's national bosses day on the 16th October.

The Origin of National Bosses Day

National Bosses Day, officially known as Boss's Day is a day to show appreciation for your hardworking boss. Believe it or not, it's not a secret plot by bosses everywhere to get an extra day of recognition, but was actually started in 1958 by Patricia Haroski, an employee at State Farm Insurance Company in Deerfield, Illinois.

Patricia chose October 16, 1958, to celebrate Boss's Day because it was her father's birthday, who also happened to be her boss. Now that's a family business! She registered the day with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and four years later, in 1962, Illinois Governor Otto Kerner backed Haroski's registration and officially proclaimed the day.

The Popularity of National Bosses Day

The popularity of National Bosses Day has increased, especially in the age of the internet. According to our data, there were 3429 mentions of the day online on 16th Oct 2017. Clearly, many people see it as an opportunity to raise job satisfaction and improve inter-office relationships. Or maybe, just maybe, people have found that it's a great excuse to bring donuts to work!

How to Observe National Bosses Day

So what's the protocol for Bosses Day? It's simple. Pop a card on their desk, treat them to lunch, give a shout-out in a meeting, or simply let them know their hard work is seen and appreciated. But remember, it's not all about flattery - genuine appreciation goes a long way. After all, a happy boss often means a happy workplace!

History behind the term 'Bosses'

1879

Origin of the term 'bosses'

The term 'bosses' originated in 1879 and was used to refer to powerful individuals who held authoritative positions in various industries. These individuals were seen as influential figures in their respective fields and had the ability to make important decisions that affected the work environment and the lives of those working under them. The term 'bosses' implied a sense of control and power associated with these individuals.

1900

Evolution of the term 'bosses'

As time progressed, the term 'bosses' began to acquire a broader meaning. It evolved to encompass not only powerful individuals in the business world but also leaders in politics, organized crime, and other areas of influence. The term started to represent authoritative figures who had a degree of control and leadership over others. This expansion in the usage of 'bosses' reflected the growing impact of these influential figures in various aspects of society.

1920

Popularity of the term 'bosses'

By the 1920s, the term 'bosses' had gained significant popularity and became a commonly used slang term. It was often used to refer to individuals who exhibited a strong sense of authority, dominance, and control over others. The term became highly associated with people who managed or supervised others in both formal and informal settings. It represented a mixture of respect, fear, and admiration for these authoritative figures.

1960

Negative connotations of the term 'bosses'

In the 1960s, the term 'bosses' started to acquire negative connotations. It began to be associated with abusive and exploitative leaders who used their power to manipulate and mistreat subordinates. This negative portrayal of 'bosses' in popular culture, movies, and literature further solidified the perception that bosses were often tyrannical or oppressive individuals. The term 'bosses' became a symbol of the inherent flaws and abuses of power within certain hierarchical systems.

Present

Modern understanding of 'bosses'

In the present day, the term 'bosses' continues to be used to refer to individuals in positions of authority and leadership. However, there is greater emphasis on ensuring a positive leadership style that involves empathy, collaboration, and respect for employees. The notion of being a 'boss' has evolved to reflect the importance of fostering healthy work environments and nurturing the growth and development of those under their guidance. The term now represents the responsibility and accountability that comes with leadership rather than solely focusing on raw power and control.

Did you know?

Did you know that National Bosses Day has been officially recognized not just in the United States but also in countries such as Australia, India, and South Africa. Looks like good bossing is a global ambition!