You'll want to mark Oct. 16 on your calendar because it's National Boss's Day. This event dates back to 1958, when Patricia Bays Haroski, a State Farm Insurance employee, registered Boss's Day with the government in hopes of honoring her father. He was also her boss, and Haroski wanted to recognize him for all of the professional advice he had given to her and her siblings throughout each of their careers. If you're not sure how to recognize this day, here are a few ways to do so:
1. Send a card
Thank you cards and congratulations cards are both professional ways of showing your appreciation of your supervisor. You can send an individual note or have the card be from your entire team. Pass the card around during the day so everyone gets the chance to sign it and offer their gratitude. The card itself is enough, but if you choose, you can slip in a gift card to their favorite restaurant or coffee shop.
2. Give flowers
Brighten up your boss's desk with a bouquet of beautiful flowers. This is another simple way of demonstrating how grateful you are for the efforts of your superior throughout the year. You can even accompany the flowers with a card for an effective way to say thank you.
3. Decorate their office
Start off Boss's Day on the right note by coming into work a bit early and decorating your boss's office. Fill the room with streamers and balloons and a "Happy Boss's Day" banner. They will feel appreciated and thought-of the minute they walk into their office.
4. Offer anonymous compliments
A few days before Oct. 16, present each employee with a note card and ask them to write down one thing about their boss that they appreciate. It could be something small, like that they take the time to say "hi" in the morning. You can present all of the note cards in a book or simply have one or two people read the cards aloud during a meeting.
5. Present a personalized gift
Think about the likes and interests of your boss and sit down with your co-workers to brainstorm a few gift ideas. Maybe your superior drinks coffee like it's their job. If so, you can buy them a new mug or set of mugs. If they are passionate about exercise or running marathons, a gift certificate to a sporting goods store might be appropriate.