The Origins of National Bosses Day

Origins of Nations Boss’s Day

National Boss’s Day was created in 1958 by Patricia Bays Haroski, a secretary employed by the State Farm Insurance Company in Deerfield, Illinois. Haroski chose October 16th because it was her father’s birthday, who also worked for the company. The holiday is celebrated by Canada, Lithuania, Australia, Ireland, Egypt, and India as well as the United States.

“The purpose of designating a special day in the workplace is to show the appreciation for her bosses… and was also a strategy to attempt to improve intra-office relationships between managers and their employees,” according to Bays Haroski.

Four years later in 1962, then Governor of Illinois, Otto Kerner made it official by proclaiming National Bosses Day Oct 16th. If the holiday occurs on a weekend day, it should be celebrated on the closest work day. Hallmark Cards didn’t start making products for the holiday until 1979.

For National Bosses Day 2017, the Kansas City-based greeting card maker has 50 cards available both online and in stores. According to their website, “Cards range in tone from formal to humorous, and many express appreciation. Messages tend to be authentic and ‘true to life’ for the workplace.”

Many question the awkward situation that the holiday presents to employees whose livelihood depends on their job. They argue that a good boss doesn’t expect to receive gifts from those working for him or her. If you’re wondering what to get your boss this years, buy a simple card commemorating the occasion and have it signed by all employees.